Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About General Information

  How can I meet with a study abroad advisor?

You should first attend a First Steps Workshop or talk with a peer advisor at the EAC. After that, if you still have questions, you can schedule an appointment to meet with a staff advisor.

  What courses can I take while on a study abroad program?

If you plan carefully, no matter what your major, you can enroll in courses on a study abroad program that will fit your degree requirements here at UC Davis. After being accepted to a program you will work with your academic advisors to carefully plan what courses you should take while abroad to maintain your progress toward degree completion requirements. Depending on the study abroad program, you can enroll in courses in your major or minor, or in courses that will apply toward the completion of elective, language, or general education requirements.

  Are there specific programs designed for my major?

Yes, there are programs designed for various majors on campus. Both the Summer Abroad and Quarter Abroad programs offer coursework from UC Davis campus departments and are subject-focused. The EAP program also has specific programs that have set coursework (EAP Special Focus Program) and/or are an immersion program for a certain discipline. Please visit our Major Advising Pages (MAPs) online to see if your department and the EAC have recommendations for your major.

  Do I have to speak a foreign language to study abroad?

No. About half of the programs offered through the UC system do not require a language. For other study abroad programs offered by non-UC providers, consult the program's description.

  Will I graduate on time if I study abroad?

Yes. Creating an academic plan with your major advisor will help you choose a program and courses that will fit with your degree. The earlier you begin this process, the better it will work!

  If I decide to participate on a non-UC study abroad program, how can I transfer credit? What is the procedure?

Staff in our office will help you with the study abroad leave procedure offered through the University Registrar. You can read more about it on our independent study abroad page.

  How expensive will study abroad be compared to staying at Davis?

Many programs are comparable in price to UC Davis or even less, as are the costs of living. In addition, financial aid and scholarships are available. Visit the Finances page to learn more about funding your study abroad program.

  What are the prerequisites and eligibility requirements to study abroad?

It depends on the program. All prerequisites and eligibility requirements are listed on the program web sites and in the program flyers. If you have questions about prerequisites after reviewing the flyers, contact an EAC Advisor.

  What are my chances of being accepted to a program?

If you meet all eligibility requirements and are considered a good match for the program, you are very likely to be accepted. However, Summer Abroad and Quarter Abroad are first-come-first-reserved programs so be sure to apply early!

  When are the applications or enrollment forms due?

Applications (EAP) and enrollment forms (QA and SA) are generally due one to two quarters in advance of the program, but there can be exceptions. Students should file on-line applications and submit ALL required supporting materials in a timely manner-by the program deadline. Research the program's web pages for application/enrollment deadlines or view a list at the deadlines page.

  Can students with disabilities apply for study abroad programs?

Yes. With plenty of advance planning, students with disabilities can find programs to fit their needs.

  If I am not a UC Davis student, can I go on a UC Davis program?

Yes. Anyone is welcome on the UC Davis Summer Abroad program.

  Will I need a passport?

Yes. Everyone needs a passport to travel abroad. Ensure your passport expires at least six months AFTER the end date of your program. If you do not yet have a passport, get one now!

  Will I have to make a prepayment to secure my place in the program?

Yes, Summer Abroad requires a $300 application fee that is part of the program fee. Quarter Abroad requires a $250 deposit once you are accepted into the program. The Education Abroad Program (EAP) has a $300 late withdrawal penalty and you may be liable for additional expenses paid to the host institution on your behalf by UOEAP.

  What other expenses may I have prior to the start of the program?

Common expenses include application fees for a passport, the cost of passport-style photos for identification cards, filing fees for visas and residency permits and advance purchase of international airfare. The due dates for the balance of program fees will vary; these are specified in materials sent to students at the time of acceptance. Visit the Finance page for more information about funding your study abroad experience.

  What percentage of UC Davis students study abroad?

About 12-15% of each graduating class will have studied abroad at some time during their academic career.

  Why should I study abroad?

There are many reasons to study abroad! Past participants have said that studying abroad helped them focus their academic and career goals, taught them about living and working with people of different cultures, and even taught them more about themselves. It is a great way to learn a language, or to simply learn about a culture that might interest you. Employers and graduate programs tell us that study abroad looks great on a résumé, too! Visit the 'Why Study Abroad' page for more reasons.

  Do I have to take classes for my major while abroad?

No, you do not have to take classes for your major on your study abroad program. However, you should ensure that the program you choose does not interfere with your degree (i.e. - graduation timeline, meeting minimum progress, unit caps, senior residency requirements, coursework for your major on campus, etc). If you do want earn GE credit, details can be found at the GE page.

  How can I go on a semester program when UC Davis is on quarters?

Students on Fall Term programs will miss fall quarter at UC Davis, but will earn 18-24 quarter units of credit. Students on Spring Term programs will miss winter and spring quarters and earn 18-24 quarter units. Students on year long programs will earn 36-48 quarter units, comparable to a year on campus.

  How do I receive credit in my Major for courses I take abroad?

Summer and Quarter Abroad programs offer UC Davis classes and they are used as they are listed in the General Catalog. On EAP, you will need to demonstrate to your department why your host university class should count towards your major. Please visit the EAC Web site Petition for Major/Minor Credit.

  How do I receive GE credit for courses taken abroad?

If you go on a Summer Abroad or Quarter Abroad Program, you are taking UC Davis classes and you will receive GE credit, if it is already listed in the General Catalog. For EAP students, you will need to petition for GE credit upon return to UC Davis. Please review the information on our GE Web page. Link to GE petition web page in EAP section for the step by step process.

  How can I meet senior residency requirements and study abroad my senior year?

You may be able to participate in a UC study abroad program during your last quarter/summer at UC Davis, provided you haven't exceeded your 225 units (Engineering majors excluded). All college and major requirements must be fulfilled before you leave or during your year abroad. If you plan to study abroad during your last term(s), you must meet with an EAC advisor before applying for a program.

  How can I meet minimum progress and study abroad?

If you go on a Summer Abroad program you will earn 8 UC Davis units over the summer, increasing your unit total as if you were taking Summer Sessions. If you go on a Quarter Abroad program, you will take 16-22 quarter units, so you can plan accordingly. If you go on an EAP program Fall or Spring, you will earn a semester's worth of units, generally 18-24 UC Quarter Units.

  How can I avoid reaching my Unit Cap and still study abroad?

If you study abroad on an EAP Spring Semester program, you will be absent from the UCD campus for 2 quarters, but will only be receiving 18-24 units of credit for your semester abroad. This will decrease the number of units you earn for that academic year.

  Can I take courses P/NP while abroad?

• Yes, you can take courses P/NP on Quarter Abroad. However, you must follow all university policy related to P/NP courses. For example, such requests must be submitted and confirmed before the 25th day of instruction and a maximum of one third of the units completed in residence on the campus can be P/NP (Quarter Abroad counts as "in residence"). Please note that if you are taking language courses to fulfill a language requirement, they must be graded.
• Yes, for Summer Abroad programs, there are two courses typically each offered for 4- units but some programs vary: a core course and a 198 (directed group study). The 198 courses are offered on a mandatory P/NP basis. Students may elect to use the P/NP option for the core course. To do so, students must notify the program instructor before the second week of the program.
• Yes, on EAP, you can take a maximum of 1/3 (one third) of the total units per term on the P/NP basis. The P/NP option must be noted on the Study List at the time of enrollment or petitioned during the normal petition period. However, the P/NP is not allowed for:
• Intensive Language Program (ILP) courses taken by undergraduates, unless the courses are offered on the P/NP basis only
• Special study courses (independent study, research, or internships) when the particular program requires a letter grade
• The language instruction portion of short-term language and culture programs.
• Please see your EAP advisor for more questions.

  How do I register for classes before I return to UC Davis?

Students studying abroad on EAP, Quarter Abroad or Summer Abroad Programs can register for classes before returning to UC Davis by using SISWEB. It is important that students monitor their UC Davis email account while abroad for information sent from the Registrar's Office about registration dates and pass times. Students should consult with their academic advisors before going abroad to plan the courses that they will take while abroad and also to plan their classes for their first quarter back at UC Davis.

  How will my time abroad be noted on my transcripts?

• EAP - Listed in the quarter of participation and in the comments section will be: "Participation in the Education Abroad Program," the country where you studied, and the quarter/s you participated. Your EAP courses, units and grades will be listed on your transcript.
• Quarter Abroad - Listed in the quarter of participation, there will be a line that notes where you studied abroad. If you received Transcript Notation for an internship, that will also be listed. Your program will be listed in the comments section at the end of your transcript.
• Summer Abroad courses will appear on your transcript just as regular UC Davis courses. Student's who need to demonstrate that a course was taken abroad can request a letter from Summer Abroad program staff.

  What effect will studying abroad have on my GPA?

Coursework taken on programs administered by the University of California should figure into your GPA. Coursework taken on a NUCSA program is transfer coursework and will not be calculated into your GPA.

  Can grades received on a study abroad program be appealed like they can at Davis?

Summer and Quarter Abroad follow the campus procedure for appeals. Students who have questions about a grade should first discuss their concerns with the instructor. Generally all grades except I or IP are final when filed by the instructor at the end of the quarter. If the instructor agrees that a clerical or procedural error has been made, the grade can be changed by means of a petition filed by the instructor. Requests to interchange P, NP, S, or U grades are automatically denied. For more information on grade grievances, please visit (http://sja.ucdavis.edu/grade-grievances.html)

  How can I access my academic records while abroad?

You can access your academic records through SISWEB. Registration activity (enrolling in classes, or adding, or dropping, etc.) can only occur during times you are eligible.

  Can I still be on the Dean's List while abroad?

Yes, you can still qualify for Dean's List as long as you complete 12 graded units and meet the GPA cutoff. Because the EAP grades come in late and after we have run the end of term program for Deans' List, you will need to request a retroactive Dean's List notation from your Deans' Office. They will send a record correction to the Registrar's Office.

Students on Quarter Abroad must meet the same requirements for the Dean's List as if you were here on campus.

  How can I apply for graduate schools while I am studying abroad?

If you need to apply to graduate or professional school programs while you are abroad, prepare yourself by allowing extra communication time for application documents and ensuring that you know what you need for your graduate school application. Application items may include transcripts, letters of recommendation and entrance examinations. Check with the Registrar's office for official transcript delivery timelines and visit the Advising Services website to see more information about timelines.

  How can I take the GRE's while abroad?

It is possible to take the GRE overseas. Refer to the GRE website regarding test centers.