ELIGIBILITY QUESTIONS
Who's eligible for EAP?
What is the minimum GPA requirement?
Do I need a foreign language?
Can I apply if I'm a transfer student?
Can I study at UC Berkeley as an exchange student?
Can I go to more than one country through EAP?
Can I participate in two programs back-to-back?
Can I be away from campus the semester before
departure?
Can I bring dependents on an EAP program?
Can I go on EAP to the country of my citizenship?
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
When are applications due?
Where can I get an application?
Where do I send a completed application?
When should I start planning for EAP?
What is the Self-Assessment Form (SAF)?
Is there a
deadline to submit the Self-Assessment Form?
After I submit my SAF, do I need to wait for
clearance from the EAP office to apply?
My letters of recommendation/official transcripts
are in a sealed envelope - should I open the envelope and make the required
number of copies?
Does my letter of recommendation/official transcript
need to accompany my application, or can they be submitted directly to the
office?
TRAVEL & EAP EXTENSION
QUESTIONS
Can I go early or do I have to travel with the group?
Can I stay in the country after the program ends?
Can I extend my participation once abroad?
ACADEMIC QUESTIONS
Will the courses I take abroad count toward graduation?
Will my units and grades transfer?
How many units do I take while abroad?
Do I have to go for a full year?
Do I have to study in my major field while abroad?
What happens to my status at UC Berkeley while I'm on
EAP?
I want to graduate the semester I
get back, is that possible?
What happens if I want to quit
early?
FINANCIAL QUESTIONS
How much does it cost to go on EAP?
Do I still pay out-of-state UC tuition if I'm an
out-of-state student on EAP?
Will my financial aid apply?
What types of financial aid are available for EAP
students?
Who are my finance contacts at the University-wide
Office of EAP (UOEAP)?
Who do I pay registration fees to?
How will I receive the financial aid funds?
Who do I contact if I change my address?
Do I keep a bank account in the U.S. or start one
abroad?
What if I extend from a semester to a year program
while abroad?
When do I receive the financial aid disbursements?
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ELIGIBILITY
QUESTIONS
Who's eligible for EAP?
To participate in EAP you must be a fulltime UC Berkeley undergraduate
or graduate student. Most programs require that you have at least junior
standing (56 units) before departure, but as EAP expands, we now offer
several short-term programs that allow participation from students with at
least 30 units. Also, seniors are always welcome to apply as long as you are
willing to take a full academic course load while abroad.
What is the minimum GPA
requirement?
For many programs you must have a 3.0 by the end of the semester before
departure. A GPA of 2.5 is now enough for some programs, such as many
Language and Culture Programs. If you do not meet the minimum GPA required
for a specific program, you should speak with the EAP adviser for that
program to discuss your options.
Do I need a foreign language?
Many EAP countries have options that don't require prior knowledge of a
foreign language. There are many programs where the language of instruction
is English, even if the country itself is not English-speaking. Some
programs require that you take courses in the language of the host country
while pursuing other coursework in English. EAP also offers many Language
and Culture Programs with minimal language prerequisites.
Can I apply if I'm a transfer student?
Absolutely! Although transfer students might have tighter schedules and
more to consider when planning on going abroad, the EAP program encourages
you to explore your options through us. We send many transfer students
abroad every year.
Can I study at UC Berkeley as an international exchange student?
If you are a registered student at one of EAP's host universities you
may be eligible to attend UC Berkeley as a non-degree EAP student for
anywhere from a semester to a year. Contact your University's International
or Study Abroad Office and ask for help in applying to the Education Abroad
Program. For more international exchange student questions, please visit our
UOEAP Reciprocity
page.
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Can I go to more than one
country through EAP?
Yes, students can participate in more than one EAP program. The College of
Letters & Science allows students to study abroad for a maximum of 3
semesters, provided that you meet all major and college requirements without
exceeding your unit cap. (Please consult with other colleges directly for
their policy on maximum semesters abroad).
Can I participate in two
programs back-to-back?
For some programs, it is not feasible to apply for a program and
complete all pre-departure requirements while oversees. Students interested
in exploring this option must consult with the EAP adviser for both
programs. Permission to participate in back-to-back EAP programs is not
guaranteed and is granted on a case-by-case basis.
Can I be away from campus
the semester before departure?
As with back-to-back
programs, it may not be feasible to apply for a program and complete all
pre-departure requirements while away from the Berkeley area. Students must
consult with the EAP adviser for their program. Permission to be away from
campus the semester before departure is granted on a case-by-case basis.
Can I bring dependents on an
EAP program?
Please refer to the
UOEAP Dependent List Page for a list of programs which cannot
accommodate students with dependents. If the program that interests you is
not listed, please consult with the EAP adviser for your program to discuss
the feasibility of bringing dependents.
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Can I go on EAP to the
country of my citizenship?
It depends on your status at
Cal:
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If you're an international
student at Cal on an F-1 visa, you are ineligible to go on EAP to your
country of citizenship, but you can apply to study in any other EAP country.
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If you're a permanent resident
of the US, you are allowed to go on EAP to the country of your citizenship.
Some countries (Japan, for example) have specific complications for
citizens, including dual citizens, however, so you should consult the EAP
adviser for your country to see if any might apply to you.
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APPLICATION QUESTIONS
When are applications due?
For the majority of Spring 2005 and Off-Cycle Year 2005 (spring to
fall) programs, applications must be received by April 9, 2004. Some
programs have a later deadline in October 2004.
The postmark deadline for
Fall 2004, Summer 2004 and Academic Year 2004-05 was January 5, 2004.
For Fall 2005, Summer 2005 and Academic Year 2005-06, the deadline will
either be in October 2004 or January 2005.
Please see the
Program
Reference Grid for exact program deadlines.
Where can I get an
application?
After careful research on EAP program options and completion of a
Self-Assessment Form, you can access the EAP application on-line. Unless
specified otherwise, you do not need to obtain clearance from an EAP adviser
to apply. More detailed coverage of the application process can be found on
our How to
Get An Application page.
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Where do I send a completed
application?
Applications sent by
mail should be addressed as follows:
Berkeley Programs for Study
Abroad
160 Stephens Hall #2302
Berkeley, CA 94720
You may also deliver your
application to our office in person. We are located in Stephens Hall, just
south of Sather Tower (the campanile). If we are not open, you may drop off
your application in our drop box, located halfway down the stairs.
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When should I start planning
for EAP?
Begin planning for EAP as early as possible. Many programs have specific
language and other academic prerequisites. For programs that require junior
standing, you will need to declare your major and complete both semesters of
the Reading and Composition requirement before you depart.
What is the Self-Assessment
Form (SAF)?
The Self-Assessment Form is designed to help you assess your eligibility for
the program that interests you. The Program Profile section asks you to
demonstrate basic knowledge of the program. The Program Eligibility
Requirements section assists you in determining your eligibility.
We encourage you to complete a
Self-Assessment Form for each program that interests you. This will
help you narrow down your options and determine which program best meets
your needs.
Is there a deadline to submit the Self-Assessment Form?
We strongly encourage you to submit the SAF, along with a copy of your
BearFacts transcript, as soon as you complete it. You must have a completed
SAF with you or on file in our office before you can meet with a drop-in
adviser.
After I submit my SAF, do I
need to wait for clearance from the EAP office to apply?
NO. With the exception of a few countries*, you can go ahead and access the
on-line application for your program. All application instructions and
applicable forms are available on-line.
*Students interested
in applying to Ghana, India, South Africa and Vietnam must meet with Linnea
Soderlund, the EAP adviser for those programs, before they can apply. Please
consult the drop-in advising schedule for Linnea's advising hours.
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My letters of
recommendation/official transcripts are in a sealed envelope. Should I open
the envelope and make the required number of copies?
You do not need to make copies of letters of recommendation/official
transcripts. Just include them in their sealed envelope with your
application.
Does my letter of
recommendation/official transcript need to accompany my application, or can
they be submitted directly to the office?
Your letter of recommendation/official transcript can be submitted directly
to the office. We will match up the documents with your application and make
the required number of copies.
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TRAVEL & EAP
EXTENSION QUESTIONS
Can I go early or do I have
to travel with the group?
Usually students make their own transportation arrangements. Some
students travel in the destination country or region before the start of the
program. Please note, however, that you are responsible for yourself until
the official start of the EAP program abroad. Also, students MUST be at the
designated arrival location by the date and time indicated in their
pre-departure packet materials
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Can I stay in the country
after the program ends?
Yes, if your visa allows it. Keep in mind that once the program has
ended, you are responsible for yourself in every way. Some students take
advantage of being abroad to stay an extra few weeks or months to travel.
You can purchase up to three additional months of health insurance through
EAP for coverage outside the U.S. during this period.
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Can I extend my
participation once abroad?
Yes, if the program allows an extension from semester to year. In order
to facilitate this process while you are abroad, we highly recommend that
you submit the Departmental Pre-Approval to Extend form prior to departure.
Even if you think you will not extend, it is better to have this form
completed on file so that an extension is possible, assuming that all
criteria is met.
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ACADEMIC
QUESTIONS
Will the courses I take
abroad count toward graduation?
With careful planning and advising from your departmental/college
advisor, you can make normal progress towards graduation. Although final
credit for major/college requirements is granted after you return, we
encourage students to discuss their study abroad plans with their
departmental/college adviser before departure.
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Will my units and grades
transfer?
Yes, you will receive UC Berkeley credit for all classes taken while on
EAP. In fact, there is no option of not having the units count. Although
your units and grades automatically transfer, please note that it can take
several months for them to appear on your Berkeley transcript.
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How many units do I take
while abroad?
You are required to take a full-time load while abroad, as if you were
at UC Berkeley. Actual full-time loads vary by host university.
Do I have to go for a full
year?
No. We offer both short-term and full year programs. However, students
who enroll in a full-year program and withdraw before the end of the term
will not be able to register for classes at Berkeley for the following
semester.
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 choose courses outside their major while abroad to explore new
areas, develop their language skills, fulfill breadth requirements, or take
classes toward a second major or a minor.
What happens to my status at
UC Berkeley while I'm on EAP?
You continue to be enrolled and registered at UC Berkeley while you are
abroad. Before your departure, our 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.
I want to
spend my last semester abroad. Is that possible?
Many students finish their
undergraduate career abroad. Students should consult with their
college/major adviser to confirm that all college/major requirements will be
completed by the end of their term abroad.
What happens
if I want to quit early?
By withdrawing from EAP
you are also withdrawing from Berkeley. Your college 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.
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FINANCIAL QUESTIONS
How much does it cost to go
on EAP?
There is a specific budget for each program, which includes the same UC
education and registration fees that you would normally pay for a similar
period at UC Berkeley, a mandatory insurance fee, room, board, books,
round-trip transportation, on-site orientation, intensive language program
expenses (where applicable), and personal expenses. With a few exceptions,
the budgets are roughly equivalent to or less than an off campus UC Berkeley
budget for a similar amount of time. To see program costs for a specific
country/program, check out
Program
Reference Grid.
Do I still pay out-of-state
UC tuition and registration fees if I'm an out-of-state student on EAP?
Yes, you still pay non-resident tuition and registration fees, in
addition to specific program costs. Please refer to the
Additional Program Fees page of the Country-Specific Guide.
Will my financial aid apply
and cover all my costs?
As an EAP student, you are eligible for financial aid. The Financial Aid
office simply adjusts your aid package according to the estimated budget for
your program. EAP also awards need-based scholarships to assist in keeping
the financial aid packages for students as reasonable as possible.
What types of financial aid
are available for EAP students?
As an EAP student, you will receive all the same financial aid you
usually receive--grants, scholarships, and loans--except work-study. EAP
scholarship funds and loans are awarded to help replace the financial aid
students usually receive through work-study.
Who are my
finance contacts at the University-wide Office of EAP (UOEAP)?
Please refer to your EAP General Guide or the
Student Financial Services page on the UOEAP website.
To whom do I pay
registration fees?
Checks should be made payable to "UC Regents" and mailed to UOEAP.
Payment due dates and amounts are outlined in the
payment coupons in your EAP country-specific guide. If you are a
financial aid student your fees will be deducted from your financial aid.
Your registration fees will not appear on your UC Berkeley statement.
How will I receive the
financial aid funds?
You must fill out the EAP EFT form and return it to UOEAP for direct
deposits. You must fill out this form even if you are signed up for UC
Berkeley EFT.
Who do I contact if I change
my address?
Please visit the Berkeley EAP office and complete a Student
Address/Information form.
Do I keep a bank account in
the U.S. or start one abroad?
This varies by country, so you will want to read your EAP County Guide
to make the best decision for you. For example, in Germany you must have a
bank account there to pay your rent. Most students maintain a bank account
in the U.S., with the assistance of a family member whom is given Power of
Attorney or added as an account signatory, and access it from overseas using
ATMs. It will be necessary for a student to consult with his or her home
bank regarding the possible use of an ATM card in the new host country, and
how many digits the PIN for the ATM needs to be, as this varies by country.
For more information on finances while on EAP, visit the UOEAP website
http://eap.ucop.edu/eap/reference/GUIDE/finances.htm#money
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What if I extend from a
semester to a year program while abroad?
Your financial aid will be revised once the extension has been approved
by UOEAP.
When do I
receive the financial aid disbursements?
Please reference the
Financial Aid Disbursement Schedule on the UOEAP website.
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