Dusk view of the Charles bridge in Prague, Czechia

Education Abroad Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

  • Why should I learn abroad?
    • Broaden your horizons. When you live in another country, you see what tourists do not. You experience hobbies, foods, and ways of socializing that shape a culture. You have the chance to become part of that country as well as become more flexible to new environments when faced with change.
    • See the U.S. from a different perspective. Living in the U.S. provides one viewpoint. When you live in another country, it creates a space that allows you to see how the U.S. affects and fits 1 June 2020 into the global landscape. This becomes an important quality when you return to the U.S. and make choices in our democracy.
    • Explore your heritage. Learning or working in the country of your heritage can put you in touch with your ethnicity, helping you to understand why you like certain foods, celebrate family traditions and honor your ancestors in a specific way.
    • Really learn a language. By immersing yourself in another country, you can become fluent in a language in ways you will miss by taking a class. For starters, you will hear people speaking in the native language wherever you go — in restaurants, at stores, on the radio and on TV.
    • Become more marketable. In today’s global economy, job applicants with international experience and knowledge of multiple languages are in demand.
    • Build an international network. When you learn or work abroad, you will make new friends whom you may know for the rest of your life. Even after coming back to the U.S., you will have someone to visit when you see Beijing, or Sao Paolo, or Senegal. Plus, you can keep in touch with your international friends as you enter the workforce and build your business network.
    • Dispel stereotypes. With growing access to global media, people in your host country may have views about your own country that are not true. When they get to know you, they will see another side of what they thought they knew.
  • Am I able to get course credit?

    In most cases, yes, you may be able to either earn UC credit or receive transfer credit. Ask your academic advisor to help you choose coursework that fits into your major or minor. UC Education Abroad (UCEAP) and Faculty-Led Education Abroad Program (FLEAP) participants receive UC credit.

  • What’s the first step I should take to learn abroad?
    • Go to MyUCR Abroad.
    • Complete a Student Profile Survey.
    • Sign up for an Information Session, to get a better idea of which program you would prefer.

     

  • Whom can I speak with further if I have questions?

    If the dates listed for the Information Session or Application Workshop do not work for you, contact the Education Abroad office (educationabroad@ucr.edu) to make an appointment with an advisor.

  • Are there programs specifically for my major?

    Whether you are in engineering, chemistry, math, language or theatre, education abroad offers opportunities for you! Look for programs in your major.

  • I attended an information session last year. Do I have to do another one this year?

    Maybe! We will need to confirm that you have attended an information session last year. If you can answer these questions, you may not have to attend:

    • Which Education Abroad program do you want to do?
    • Does the program offer the courses you need? Do you know where to find the courses online?
    • Do you receive financial aid? Are you willing to take out sufficient student and parental loans if your program is more than the cost of UCR?
    • What are the eligibility requirements? Are you eligible for the program?
  • Do I need to take a leave of absence from UCR to go abroad?

    You are an enrolled UCR student while on a FLEAP or UCEAP program. If you are doing an Opportunities Abroad Program (OAP), you must meet with the OAP education abroad advisor. After meeting with the OAP education abroad advisor, they will let you know your next steps. For example, if you are participating in OAP during the normal academic calendar, you will file the Planned Opportunities Abroad Agreement Form, which allows you to take a leave to learn abroad but maintains your student status at UCR.

  • What scholarships are available for education abroad?

    There are a few scholarships that help students learn abroad while catering to specific areas of study and locations. See our list of scholarships.

  • I’m having problems accessing MyUCR Abroad. Whom should I contact?

    Send an email to Education Abroad regarding your MyUCR Abroad access issue. Put “Accessing MyUCR Abroad” in the subject heading.

  • Can I do my health clearance with my personal doctor? What about the immunizations?

    You can get your vaccines from your primary care physician as long as they meet the standards outlined by the travel nurse at UCR Student Health Services. It is important to complete the process at least 6 weeks before your departure date. Please note: specific programs may have different deadlines. Be sure you are tracking your program-specific deadlines in MyUCR Abroad.

  • When will my grades be posted in RWeb?

    It may take up to 90 days for grades to post on R’Web. If your grades have not posted after 90 days, send an email to Education Abroad so we can make a grade inquiry.

  • I’m not able to register for courses next quarter. What do I do?

    If you cannot register for classes for the term you are returning to UCR, email Education Abroad so that they can make an inquiry with the Registrars’ Office.

  • How do I get reimbursed for medical fees I incurred while abroad?

    Please consult directly with your medical insurance provider.

  • How can I stay involved with education abroad at UCR?

    As a returnee from an education abroad program, we hope you are willing to share your perspective with students who are interested in going abroad. Here are ways you can do that:

    • Global Opportunities Abroad Leader (GOAL). Did you recently return from learning, teaching, interning or volunteering abroad? Did you love your experience so much that you want to help others to do the same? Become a Global Opportunities Abroad Leader (GOAL). Help UCR students experience cultural enrichment and at the same time, enhance your leadership skills. As a GOAL, you can conduct Information Sessions and Application Workshops, design posters and flyers, work at the Worldfest Education Abroad Fair, and more.
    • UCEAP Student Ambassador. Are you a recent UCEAP participant? Become a UCEAP Student Ambassador! In exchange for actively promoting UCEAP’s education abroad program, you’ll receive a $3,000 scholarship. Host “UCEAP Education Abroad Nights” at UCR, spread the word among student organizations, clubs, classrooms and residence halls, and much more. 
    • Volunteer at WorldFest Education Abroad Fair.

Faculty Led Education Abroad Program (FLEAP)

UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP)

Opportunities Abroad Program (OAP)

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