Travel-Study FAQ

• Do the Travel-Study programs coincide with the UCI summer session dates?
  Yes! Students can take courses during either summer session on campus at UCI and still attend a Travel-Study program in the other session. 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. Non-UC students should also submit a current copy of their transcript. Learn more about how to apply.
  
• I’m not a UC student, can I apply?  
  Of course! Any student (over 18) currently enrolled 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.
  
• I’m graduating in the spring, can I still attend?
  Yes! But please be aware that you will be considered a graduate student, and will therefore be subject to the graduate student program fee. If you choose to delay your graduation until August, you will be assessed the regular undergraduate fee if you are a UC student.
  
• 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. If the program is cancelled, you will be notified and your deposit will be refunded.
  
• Can I go on more than one program?
  Yes, 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?
  The answer is yes, if you are eligible. The Travel-Study office does not administer or award financial aid. Rather, eligibility 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 have available funds, any UC student should be able to use the funds 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.
• Will the courses I take abroad count toward my degree?
  All of the courses are regular UCI courses, but you'll need to speak with your academic counselor at your school 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, 2008 for Session I and June 1, 2008 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. The hours of operation are M-F 8am – 6pm. 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. 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.
• My friend wants to visit me while I’m attending the program. Can he or she stay with me?
  No. Only participants officially enrolled in the program are allowed to attend the classes and field trips or stay with students in the program accommodations. No exceptions.

Additionals questions?
Please email travel-study@uci.edu or call (949) 824-0234.