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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Eligibility:

Academics:

Application Process:

Forms & Documents:

Travel:

Financial/Billing:

 

Eligibility:

  • Who’s eligible for EAP?

    To study abroad on EAP, you must be a registered UC student in good academic standing. Requirements vary by program. Prerequisites generally include a 2.5 to 3.0 GPA. Most students study abroad during their junior year; however, many sophomores, seniors, and graduate students also participate. Some programs also require one to three years of university-level language training in the host country language. See the Education Abroad Coordinator or the country pages for specific details.

  • Can I apply if I'm a transfer student?

    California Community College transfer students can participate in programs during their junior or senior year at all UC campuses. Transfer student participation on EAP is growing. At UC Merced transfer students can study abroad for their second semester as a UC Merced student. Depending on the application and country, students may need to apply for study abroad before starting classes at UC Merced.

  • Can I go abroad after I graduate?

    To study abroad, all participants must be registered UC students. Students are welcome to participate in the graduation ceremony with their class (called “Commencement”), but students must wait until their grades return to UC Merced (often 90-120 days after the conclusion of the program) before declaring candidacy for their degree.

  • Can international students study abroad?

    Visa-holding international students may study abroad through EAP, but cannot participate International Opportunities Programs (IOP), as students must be enrolled as UC Merced student abroad. EAP students remain enrolled as UC students, but IOP students are on leave. Permanent residents may study abroad, but are strongly advised to remain in touch with family immigration lawyers in order to not risk their permanent resident status.

Academics:

  • Do I have to study in my major field while abroad?
    Some host institutions, such as those in the United Kingdom, require that you take most of your courses in your major field. However, many students, particularly those in technical fields, choose courses outside their major while abroad, take advantage of academic opportunities not available on campus, or fulfill general education requirements.
  • How are the classes I take abroad approved?
    Following EAP you will meet with your advisor again to review the courses you took abroad and determine whether they apply to your major, minor, electives, etc. You should save all course descriptions, written work, syllabi, and grade reports you obtain abroad—you might have to show how a course you took abroad compares to a UC course.
  • Does EAP coursework count toward UC graduation?
    All classes you take abroad earn UC units toward graduation and will be recorded on your official UC transcript. Your school advisor(s) will determine how these classes count toward your major, minor, elective, and GE requirements. Before departure, do some research and get some academic advice about the kinds of courses you should take abroad.
  • How many units do I have to take?
    Students are required to carry a normal course load of 42-48 UC quarter units (28-32 UC semester units) during the academic year. Students earn UC units for all courses, including Intensive Language Program courses, if applicable to the program. In programs that include an Intensive Language Program, the minimum unit load is 18 UC quarter units (12 UC semester units) for semester programs, 12 UC quarter units (8 UC semester units) for quarter programs, and 36 UC quarter units (24 UC semester units) for the year. In programs that do not have an Intensive Language Program requirement, the minimum load for EAP participants is based on the host university’s normal course load, usually 21 to 24 UC quarter units (14 to 16 UC semester units) per semester, and 42 to 48 UC quarter units (28 to 32 UC semester units) for the year. Some programs have specific unit requirements that differ from these norms. With the Study Center Director’s approval, students may take additional units.
  • Do I have to go for a full year?
    No. EAP offers many short-term programs in addition to yearlong opportunities. Some programs offer students the choice of study for a year or semester and some programs are offered during the summer. Some of these short-term programs focus on a specific discipline, language acquisition, and/or area studies.
  • What happens to my status at UC while I'm on EAP?
    You continue to be enrolled and registered at UC while you are abroad. Before your departure, the Campus EAP Office notifies the Registrar’s Office that you will be participating in EAP. Your EAP status will be reflected on your student records and transcript.
  • What happens if I want to quit EAP?
    By withdrawing from EAP you are also withdrawing from UC. Your home campus dean or provost has the final authority to determine the conditions of readmission. You will be held responsible for any financial aid that has been advanced to you as well as payments due to EAP.
  • Can I spend my last UC term abroad?
    Although students can spend their last term on EAP, graduation is not usually possible immediately after the program. Students will have to plan carefully in consultation with their school/major advisor to confirm that all school/major requirements will be completed by the end of their term abroad.
  • Is it possible to graduate immediately after EAP?
    No. Because it can take 90 days or more for your grades from EAP to be posted to your UC record, you must set your official graduation date for at least one term after the program finishes. You do not have to be enrolled in courses while waiting for grades to return from abroad, and EAP can provide written documentation to graduate schools and other programs to verify your participation and the posting process of your grades.

Application Process:

  • When are applications due?

    Applications typically are due six months to a year prior to the program’s start date.

    EAP application deadlines for all countries (Application and deadline information is also accessible via the country pages.)

  • Is it competitive?

    It depends on the program to which you are applying. Some programs are filled to capacity each year, while others have ample space available. A program is "competitive" when there are more applicants than space available.

  • Where can I get an application and additional information?

    It is highly recommended that you meet visit the Education Abroad Coordinator to go over program eligibility requirements and begin the application process. Students who know they meet the application requirements may proceed to the application instructions found on the “Applying for EAP” page (open “Applying for EAP). Anyone who does not meet the application requirements must visit the Education Abroad Coordinator or risk disqualification.

  • When should I start planning for EAP?

    Begin planning for EAP as early as possible. Many programs have specific language and other academic prerequisites. Consider which requirements (general education, elective, and major) you should complete at UC and which you should complete abroad. Determining the right program and completing the application process takes time. The application deadlines for some programs are an entire year before departure, so beware!

  • Can I go to more than one country through EAP?

    Yes. But you may have to apply for a second program while you are overseas. You must also make sure that your program dates do not conflict and that you can acquire all travel and study documents in time for participation in the second program. Visit the Education Abroad Coordinator in order to discuss your plans.

  • Can I extend my participation once abroad?

    Yes, in many cases. Students often extend participation from one term to a year, or extend enrollment beyond the regular one-year academic period. In order to facilitate this process while you are abroad, submit the Departmental Pre-Approval to Extend form with your application. The Universitywide Office of EAP will approve extension requests if they meet certain criteria.

Forms & Documents:

  • Do I have to get a letter of recommendation?

    Most programs do not require a letter of recommendation. If a program does require one or two letters, the instructions will be found in the online application items checklist or in the host country application.

  • How can I apply for a passport?

    Read the instructions and fill out the appropriate form from the Department of State website.

    Apply for your passport renewal by mail or go in person to the Merced County Clerk’s office at 2222 M Street, Merced, CA (209-385-7501) or to the Merced Post Office 2334 M Street, CA (209-723-1065).

  • What is a notary public?

    A notary public is someone who is certified and capable of signing legal documents. Typical study abroad documents that require notarization include Power of Attorney forms, affidavits, certifications of an absence of criminal record, etc.

    Notaries can be found in any phone book. It is recommended that students shop around for the best rate, and many students take advantage of notary services through their bank or the UPS Store in the Promenade. Other notaries will travel to the customer for a fee.

Travel:

  • Can I go early or do I have to travel with the group?
    Usually students make their own transportation arrangements and some travel before the start of the program. The date of entry into your host country may be regulated by visa requirements. Check the visa procedures before departing the U.S. You will be responsible for yourself until the official start of the EAP program abroad. Official start dates are listed in the Study Center calendars, which can be accessed via the country pages.
  • Can I stay in the country after the program ends?

    Possibly, if your visa allows it. Keep in mind that once the program has ended, you are responsible for yourself in every way, including housing. Some students stay an extra few weeks or months so they can travel. You can purchase up to three months of extra health insurance through EAP for coverage during this period.

Financial/Billing:

  • How much does it cost to study abroad?

    EAP is affordable. The cost to study abroad at many Study Centers is comparable to the cost of spending a year at UC. Participants pay the same UC education and registration fees normally paid for a similar period at UC, plus room, board, books, round-trip transportation, on-site orientation, participation fees, intensive language program expenses (where applicable), and personal expenses. In some countries costs may be greater due to higher living expenses, program length (some programs are 12 months instead of 9), and less favorable exchange rates. Estimates do not account for personal travel during the program. Detailed cost information for each program can be accessed via the finances link on the country pages.

    Program Costs and Financial Information

  • Can I use my financial aid?

    Yes. UC financial aid is applicable to EAP. The Financial Aid Office increases your aid package if the estimated budget for your country is higher than at your UC home campus. Students who do not currently receive UC financial support may qualify for aid while on EAP, but they must file a FAFSA form. Eligibility and the amount of assistance are determined by each student’s UC campus.

    Financial Aid contact for EAP: Heather Nardello hnardello@ucmerced.edu

    General scholarship and grant information, and specific EAP awards

  • Are scholarships available?

    Yes. There are many different types of scholarships and funding opportunities. See EAP’s general scholarship page and the UC Merced Education Abroad Finances page, and explore options with the Education Abroad Coordinator and Financial Aid Office.

  • How does financial aid disbursement work?

    The Universitywide EAP Office (UOEAP) will distribute financial aid while a student is abroad. The campus Financial Aid Office will notify UOEAP in writing of the financial aid awarded for an EAP participant. Those awards committed by the Financial Aid Office will be credited to the student’s EAP account. EAP Program Fees are deducted from the student’s financial aid commitments, and if there is a remaining credit balance, the money is disbursed to the student in one payment or a series of payments, as outlined in the General Information Guide. Disbursements can be automatically deposited in an account that a student designates to EAP (called the Electronic Funds Transfer form) or a check will be sent to a U.S. address indicated on the EAP Financial Address form. In some cases, the financial aid may be sent directly to the student first, without being applied to the EAP Program fees. To verify what will be applied towards the students EAP account and what will be mailed directly from UC Merced to the student, the UC Merced Financial Aid Office should be contacted.

    Q. How can I update my financial address information?
    A. E-mail your Financial Analyst at stufinance@eap.ucop.edu.

    Q. What happens if my U.S. bank account is closed after my EFT is set up?
    A. Your disbursement will default to a paper check, mailed to your U.S. address. You can fill out another EFT form and submit it to EAP for processing: Make a note on the top of the page: “Change Bank.”

  • Whom should I contact if I have questions about finances?

    Contact Heather Nardello hnardello@ucmerced.edu for questions about:

    - Award letters
    - Changes to Financial Aid package
    - Award (Confirm/Accept)

    EAP students can contact UOEAP Student Finances stufinance@eap.ucop.edu for questions about:

    - EAP Disbursements
    - EAP Program Fees
    - Account Statements