Non-UC Sponsored Study Abroad
Frequently Asked Questions
I plan to study abroad in a non-UC Study Abroad program. How do I determine if the units from the classes I will enroll in will be transferable to UCSB?
UCSB does not provide individualized advising for non-UC study abroad programs. For general guidance, you should attend the Study Abroad information session for non-UC study abroad programs. These general sessions are offered every Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. in the UCSB Visitor’s Center during fall, winter, and spring quarters.
The transfer of credit back to UCSB is dependent on the agency and institution issuing your transcript for your study abroad program. UCSB does not recognize credit from every study abroad program. At a minimum, it must be course work from a university that is recognized by that country’s Ministry of Education and is authorized to award bachelor’s degrees.
How do I request a formal leave while participating in a non-UC study abroad program?
If you decide to study abroad through a non-UC program and want the benefit of returning to UCSB without applying for readmission, you will need to complete the leave request and waiver agreement forms.
Is there a charge associated with the leave request?
Is there a deadline to request the non-UC study abroad leave?
What is the maximum time limit per leave?
Are there eligibility requirements associated with the leave request?
My non-UC study abroad program requires me to obtain verification of good standing and disciplinary forms. How do I accomplish this?
A verification of good academic standing can be obtained through GOLD, using the Official Verification option.
Regarding the disciplinary verification, you will need to go to the Office of Student Life in the Student Resource Building (SRB). Student Life will ask you to complete a form and your verification will be mailed to the agency requesting it or directly back to you.
How do I determine if I am in Good Academic Standing?
To determine your standing, log on to GOLD. From GOLD, select Grades and then select your last graded quarter. The information is located at the bottom of the Quarter and Cumulative Total information.
Are there other steps that I will need to take to complete the leave process?
Yes. You must make an appointment with your college advisor to obtain his or her signature.
College of Creative Studies - All students must obtain a signature.
College of Engineering - All students must obtain a signature.
College of Letters & Sciences – Students who are currently in senior standing, or upon completion of study abroad work will place into senior standing, will need to obtain a signature.
Knowing UCSB doesn't pre-approve transfer of credit, what course documents should I bring back to assist in the transfer evaluation process?
I currently submit deferment forms to the Clearinghouse in order to defer my student loan payments. Can I continue to defer my loans while participating in a non-UC program?
The study abroad program I applied to has directed me to obtain permission from UCSB that would clear me to enroll in their classes. What office can provide this clearance?
UCSB does not require students to gain prior permission to study abroad. When you attend one of the Study Abroad information sessions, you will have the opportunity to have your documents signed noting this information. This is accepted by the various agencies that other UCSB students have studied through.
My plan is to study abroad in a country where EAP has suspended the study program due to safety concerns. Although I found a university who does sponsor study in that country, I still have a few concerns that I’d like to discuss. Where should I go?
Because UCSB does not offer individualized study abroad counseling and advising, you should attend one of the Study Abroad information sessions for students interested in non-UC study abroad programs. These general sessions are offered every Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. in the UCSB Visitor’s Center during the fall, winter, and spring quarters. Additionally, it is to the student's advantage to check the following sites for relevant travel warnings and security updates:
What do I need to know about foreign language classes I should take and the requirements before I study abroad?
How will dropped or failed courses affect my UCSB degree requirements and GPA?
Courses taken through non-UC study abroad programs do not affect your UC grade point average. However, UCSB requires all students to submit an official transcript from the university or Study Abroad program you attended. Once received, your transcript will be evaluated by the Office of Admissions on a course by course basis to determine if any transfer credit will be awarded. Units are not guaranteed until an official evaluation of your transcript is completed.
Transcripts should be requested prior to leaving your country of study and will need to be mailed to:
Office of the Registrar
University of California
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-2015
I have signed up for a 3 week summer study abroad program. I have registered for classes during summer session B at UCSB. Do I need to do anything when I return from the summer study abroad program?
What if I decide not to go?
If I decide to return early or extend my study abroad program, should I notify UCSB?
If your study abroad dates change, you will need to advise the Office of the Registrar immediately by submitting a Change in Leave Status form.
Currently, I am eligible for financial aid. What aid is available for non-UC Study Abroad programs?
UCSB students who will study abroad in a non-UC study abroad program are eligible to receive federal aid (Pell Grant, Direct Loan, and PLUS Loan) and state aid (Cal Grant) for which they have qualified. However, you will need to request that the UCSB Financial Aid Office complete a Consortium Agreement with the non-UC school or non-UC study abroad program. There are deadlines associated with this process.
Even if you normally do not receive aid, you should file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). While this application is due in early March of each year for consideration of all aid types, students can apply throughout the year for Pell Grant and Direct Loans. Also, students can look for outside scholarships at: www.studyabroadfunding.org.
I don’t have a passport, so how do I start the process?
You can apply for a passport at various locations. To find a location nearest you, go to: http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/. For renewals, you can apply online. Currently, it takes up to 12-14 weeks to get a passport. Expedited services take 2-3 weeks.
You will need to apply for your passport in person if any one of the follow is true for you:
- You are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time
- Your previous passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago
- Your previous passport was lost, stolen, or damaged
- Your previous passport has expired and was issued when you were under 16 years
- Your name has changed since it was issued and there is no legal documentation for this change.
Documents required to apply for a passport are:
- Birth certificate or previous passport (undamaged)
- Valid picture ID
- 2 current and identical passport size photos
What type of immunizations and health issues should I be aware of?
Check for immunization and health issues in your host country before you depart at: http://cdc.gov/travel/. Also, you will need to contact your health insurance company to verify your coverage will span the length of your time abroad. If you receive health insurance from UCSB (USHIP), your coverage will end the last quarter you are enrolled at UCSB.
At minimum, purchase an International Student IC Card from STA Travel (http://www.statravel.com). This covers minimum catastrophic medical insurance and emergency evacuation coverage, plus many more discounts in the US and abroad.