The World Is Your Classroom

The Education Abroad Program (EAP) is the University of California's international study program. For over 40 years EAP has been sending students abroad for the challenge and adventure of a lifetime. Join the 4,000+ students who travel each year to some 35 countries worldwide to find UC-quality academic excellence, cultural enhancement, and personal growth.

EAP provides access to outstanding educational opportunities at 150 diverse host institutions. Summer, short-term, and full-year opportunities are available in a wide range of academic disciplines. Options are available for all class levels.

Through EAP's various program options, students can take regular courses offered by a host university, participate in language and culture programs that emphasize language learning and proficiency, and/or focus on specialized study in a particular major or field. Field trips, internships, and independent study are an integral part of many programs.

Why Study Abroad?

Study on EAP provides new academic insights, a broader understanding of other cultures, and the preparation to excel in the internationally competitive world.
Alumni report that participation on EAP was the most rewarding time of their academic careers.
Study abroad gives students a competitive professional edge. Business recruiters note that the maturity, worldliness, and experience gained by those who have studied abroad make them stand out.
Similarly, students who have studied abroad have an advantage in their applications for graduate school.

EAP is UC

EAP is the UC-wide international study program for registered UC students
UC credit is awarded for work done on EAP—not transfer credit!
EAP students make normal progress toward their UC graduation, earning UC units and grades that may fulfill major, minor, breadth, and elective course requirements

On Site Support

On-site UC faculty and local staff help students integrate into the culture of their host country and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues.

Staff routinely monitor local and international conditions and provide support, counseling, and safety advisories.

EAP Study Centers are supported by UC, a network of EAP offices at every UC campus, and partnerships with EAP host universities throughout the world. The EAP network also includes local U.S. embassies and consulates, the U.S. Department of State, and other international student exchange programs at each site.

Student Safety

Student safety is a primary concern of EAP. EAP continually monitors local and international conditions and provides support, counseling, and safety advisories.

See EAP's Emergency Procedures page.

Competitive Cost

EAP is Affordable!

In many cases the cost of study abroad is comparable to the cost of study at UC. In some cases, study on EAP costs less.

Financial Aid is Available

Students who do not currently receive UC financial support may qualify for aid while on EAP
Students who receive UC financial aid continue to receive grants, loans, and scholarships toward their UC term abroad

Scholarships

EAP students are eligible for special grants and scholarships from UC, the host country, and other sources
Each year over $1 million in need-based scholarships are awarded to EAP students
EAP awards typically range between $1,500 and $4,000 and vary by program and participant's financial situation

Consult with your Campus EAP Office, Financial Aid Office, and the EAP website for details about financial assistance and program costs.

Plan Ahead!

The key to success is advance planning. Some programs have linguistic and academic prerequisites.

You can search for programs by specific areas of study at the EAP Program Wizard. Here you will find program details and links to host institutions.

The First Step

See your Campus EAP Office and the EAP website for application information and specific deadline dates. Procedures vary by campus.

Selection Requirements

Requirements vary by program. Prerequisites generally include a minimum 2.5 or 3.0 GPA. Some programs also require one to three years of university-level training in the host country language. See your Campus EAP Office and the EAP website for specific details.

Transfer Students

Students who transfer to UC from two- and four-year institutions in California may participate in select EAP options during their junior or senior years. UC Davis, UC Irvine, and UC Santa Barbara do not require a period of residency prior to study abroad. (UC San Diego will consider direct participation on a case-by-case basis.)

Graduate Students

Graduate students may apply to study or pursue research at most EAP-affiliated host universities and may participate in the short-term language programs. At some locations, graduate students may arrange to study for less than a full year. Graduate student participation can be classified into four categories (which in practice may overlap):

Participation in programs specifically designed to serve graduate student needs
Participation in existing programs for the purpose of taking EAP courses or host university courses that may or may not include graduate courses
Participation primarily or exclusively for the purpose of foreign language acquisition or improvement
Participation primarily for the purpose of independent or directed study or research

Graduate students must meet EAP minimum GPA requirements, have completed one year of graduate work, and have the support of their academic departments. A detailed statement of the projected program of study or research, and the completion of the Graduate Student Agreement (GSAG) (or GSAG for short-term or language and culture programs) are required.

Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities can and do study abroad. Explore your options through EAP.