Travel-Study FAQ
- Do the Travel-Study programs coincide with the UCI summer session dates??
In most cases students can take courses during Summer Session I or II on campus at UCI and still attend a Travel-Study program in the other session. The only exception is for the Italy program, which crosses both Summer Session I and II, but still occurs during the dates of summer quarter. Students can also participate in more than one Travel-Study program in one summer, as long as they are in different sessions.
- Do I need to write an essay or get letters of recommendation??
No. Just fill out an application and submit your deposit to ensure a spot in the program. All non-UC students are required to submit a recent transcript with their Travel-Study application. All transcripts will be evaluated by the Travel-Study office on an individual basis prior to confirming enrollment. Learn more about how to apply.
- I’m not a UC student, can I apply?
Of course! Any student (over 18) currently enrolled and degree seeking at a university or graduating in the spring is welcome to apply. In addition to the application and deposit, you'll need to send us a copy of your transcript. Transcripts will be evaluated by the Travel-Study office prior to confirming enrollment.
- I’m graduating in the spring, can I still attend?
Yes! But you should consult your academic advisor. If you choose to delay your graduation until August, you will be assessed the regular undergraduate fee if you are a UC student. UC students who keep their June graduation date will be considered a graduated student, and will therefore be subject to the more expensive “others/visitors” student program fee. Non-UC students are eligible to join us as late as the first summer after their final Spring semester and will be subject to “others/visitors” student program fee.
- Do you accept foreign students?
You can apply as a regular candidate if you are a foreign student attending school in the United States. If you are a foreign student attending school outside of the United States, then you must also submit TOEFL scores along with your application.
For all foreign students, proper visa and/or passport requirements are necessary. You will need to contact the nearest foreign consulate to determine your specific requirements.
- What if I apply and I don't get accepted? What happens to my deposit?
If we are unable to enroll you for any reason, we will notify you as soon as possible and will not collect a deposit.
- Can I go on more than one program?
Yes. Most programs occur during either Summer Session I or II, except for the Italy Program, which overlaps between Session I and II. So aside from Italy, students can start their adventure in one location through Summer Session I and continue on to another location through Summer Session II. Additionally, students may participate multiple times during their college education.
- What do the fees cover?
The fees cover tuition, all room and partial board (one, two or even three meals per day) as well as entrance fees and transportation for designated field trips. Learn more about payments and fees .
- Is airfare included?
Airfare is not included. This allows you to shop around for the best deal available, allows flexible dates (in case you want to travel before or after your program) and enables the use of any airline, in case you subscribe to a mileage program.
- Can I use financial aid for Travel-Study Programs?
Yes, if you are eligible.
Please note that the Travel-Study office does not administer, award, or provide counseling on financial aid. Rather, eligibility for federal or school-based aid is determined on an individual basis by financial aid counselors on your home-campus. For UC students, please make sure to notify counselors that this is a Summer Session Travel-Study Program (not EAP or another travel abroad program). If you are a UC student, and have available aid, you should be able to use the aid towards enrolling in UCI Summer Session (which includes our Travel-Study Programs). We recommend that you communicate with your financial aid counselor as early as possible to determine your eligibility. Learn more about financial aid.
- Should I purchase trip cancellation insurance?
Yes, all students are encouraged to purchase trip cancellation insurance in case they need to cancel the trip due to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness. Trip cancellation insurance is not included in the fees charged by Travel-Study. Learn more about Trip Cancellation Insurance.
- Will the courses I take abroad count toward my degree?
All of the courses are regular UCI courses with UCI course numbers. You will not receive a transcript from a foreign institution (rather, from UCI), though a notation will be made on your UCI transcript indicating that the courses were taken abroad. If you are not from UCI, you should always speak with your academic counselor at your home campus regarding transferability. Visit our information on grading and grade reports to learn more.
- Do I need to transfer my course units from Travel-Study to my home school?
Visit our policy on grade reports for more information.
- How will Travel-Study affect my future goals and resume?
Employers recognize study abroad as an experience that builds personal relationships and intercultural skills that will benefit you in your career. Be sure to highlight your study abroad experience to future employers by adding it to your resume.
- When is the enrollment deadline?
The deadline to turn in a completed Enrollment Packet is May 1 for Session I and June 1 for Session II. Note, that space in programs is allocated on a first-come, first served basis and popular programs do fill up quickly. Early enrollment will ensure your space in a program as well as your first choice course selections.
- Where can I get my passport processed?
Obtaining a passport can take up to four months. To locate your nearest Passport Acceptance Facility please visit http://iafdb.travel.state.gov. For UCI students, there is a Passport Office on campus. For more info please visit www.passport.uci.edu or call (949)424-5100.
- How will I get from the airport to the University?
For some programs we offer airport pick-up at specified times TBD (more information provided in your pre-departure information). For others, you will be responsible for travel from the airport, but we will provide you with specific information about how to reach your destination. It's highly likely you'll be on the same flight as other participants to your program.
Additionals questions?
Please email travel-study@uci.edu or call (949) 824-0234.
