UC Berkeley Summer Programs

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Schedule of Classes

Eligibility and English Language Proficiency

Students are not required to submit an academic history (transcript). Students will be accepted and enrolled based on the recommendation of the home university.

Nominated students must be able to speak and write in English at the university level and should be comfortable studying in an cooperative learning environment. Participation may represent a significant portion of the course grade. English as a second language courses are not offered by UC summer sessions.

Students must provide minimum English proficiency scores as follows:

TOEFL

220 (computer based
550 (ITP= Institutional Testing Program/paper based)
83 (iBT= Internet based)

Course Selection and Course Load

It is particularly important that advisors and students be attentive to any course prerequisites or special enrollment instructions (i.e.: "Math 5 required", "consent of instructor required" or "by audition only") given in the catalog course descriptions.

Many summer classes list prerequisites in their course descriptions. There is no system control for prerequisites, and students are responsible for knowing if they are eligible for the class or not. Berkeley students should meet all prerequisites as they are listed. Visiting students should assess their background in light of the listed prerequisite. When in doubt, contact the department or the instructor for advice, or request an exception to the listed prerequisite at the first class meeting.

Students should have another course in mind as a backup if permission for an exception is not granted. Dropping or switching to another course should be done.

The compressed time frame of the summer sessions in comparison to the regular academic term makes it necessary for students to devote a much greater percentage of time than usual to study. Students generally enroll in two classes depending on the number of units assigned each class. Most courses are 3-4 units. Students can take a maximum of 10 units per session but this is not recommended for non-native speakers of English.

Enrollment in the minimum number of units is required for issue of the I-20 student visa document. For students attending concurrent sessions, students must be enrolled in the minimum as indicated for the first session of attendance. For example, a student enrolled in sessions C and D must enroll in at least six units in session C; NOT six units for sessions C and D combined.

EAP students are NOT permitted to enroll in on-line courses.

Grades and Transcripts

Summer sessions students receive grades for all coursework (except in cases where the pass/not pass option has been requested). Grades will be recorded on an official UC transcript as during the academic year. EAP Reciprocity students are not enrolled in degree programs and will receive no credit toward a UC degree.

It is very important for students to complete official “add” procedures and "drop" or cancellation procedures for any courses that they decide not to attend. If a student does not attend a course it will later appear as the UC transcript as an "F" grade. When an "I" (incomplete) appears on the transcript the student has asked the instructor for additional time to complete work required for the course. Incomplete work must be completed before the end of the following academic term or the "I" will become a grade of "F".

Health Services and Insurance

Health insurance must be purchased to meet these unexpected expenses. You should purchase a health insurance policy before you arrive in Berkeley. This policy should cover all medical and hospital costs, or provide you with a minimum of $50,000 ($USD) for each accident or illness, have a deductible of $500 or less, and cover at least 75% of hospital and physician costs from the time you leave your current residence to the day you plan to return. Bring with you a full description of the health benefits and an identification card giving the period of validity and telephone number of a U.S. contact person.

Link to requirements

All students are required to arrange for adequate travel insurance to cover transit to and from the home country to the U.S. and travel prior to or after the summer session’s program. Proof of health insurance must be presented to the registration check-in staff during the first week of the session.

International students who fail to present proof of health insurance at check-in will have their registration cancelled and will not be allowed to attend summer session.

Marsh-Affinity Group Services offers the Gateway Connexions Insurance plan for international students visiting the U.S. (Select U.S.A. plan). Students can enroll independently by using the individual application enrollment form.

Link to brochures and forms

Marsh-Affinity Group Services allows for enrollment of individuals or groups (Select Gateway Roster form).

Visa Information

In order to obtain an F1 visa, students will be required to provide the U.S. consulate or embassy with the I-20 visa authorization form and documentation of living expenses for the period of study. (Please contact the nearest consulate for more information about visa processing).

Required Funding

All international students must demonstrate proof of sufficient funding for living expenses in the U.S. over the summer. Since tuition and fees are provided by the exchange, the living expense funding must be documented for issue of the I-20. UC Berkeley requires a minimum of $2,500 for each student regardless of the session length or number of sessions of enrollment.

This amount does not include the cost of travel. The living expense estimate is for the purpose of I-20 issue only. Actual cost to the student will vary depending on the student's lifestyle.

Documentation

Financial Documentation: Listed below are some examples of the types of documentation you can send to show proof of your funding to cover living expenses for the summer:

• If you are self-supported using personal funds, you must send a bank statement or letter with your name on it and the amount of funds in your account.
• If a sponsoring organization is providing support, you must send a copy of an award letter printed on letterhead stationary outlining the type, duration, and amount of support.
• If a family member or individual sponsor is providing support, you must attach a signed letter from the sponsor stating the sponsor's intention to support you and the duration and exact amount of the support. The sponsor must also include a bank statement or letter showing sufficient funds to provide the support.

The total amount of support in all letters, statements, etc. must equal or exceed the minimum of $2,500 needed for living expenses over the summer. You may be asked for such financial documentation at the US Embassy when you apply for a visa stamp in your passport. Keep the original copy for your own use.

Personal Identification: Send a photocopy of the page in your passport that shows your full legal name, passport number, birthdate, passport expiration date, and photograph.

SEVIS Fee

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is an electronic system for collecting and managing information about international students and scholars. There is a SEVIS fee of $200. This fee is in addition to the fee paid to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate for visa application and must be paid at least three days in advance of the visa interview appointment. See Visa Resources for more information on the SEVIS fee.

Mandatory Arrival Meetings

You must attend an arrival meeting to receive important information about mantaining your visa status. You will not receive your student ID card until you have attended an arrival meeting. See the meeting schedule.

Housing

Students generally stay at International House or UCB campus residence hall and rooms are reserved at the time students register for classes.

International House Information (UC-Affiliated Housing)

Residence Hall Information (UC Housing)

TAU House Information (Non-UC Housing)

Travel

Foreign student visa regulations require that student arrive no more than 30 days prior to the start date of their academic program. The time required for processing of the student visa at the U.S. consulate is variable and it is to the student’s advantage to allow a maximum margin for visa processing prior to departure. Students benefit from a grace period of 60 days after the last day of the academic program and should be advised to plan to travel after their studies.

Forms

• Registration/Visa (Return completed forms to Diana Joiner Fax: 805-893-2583)
• I-House Enrollment
• Residence Halls Enrollment
• Insurance Coverage Declaration