Exploring the World: A Guide to UCLA Study Abroad Programs

Study abroad offers a transformative academic experience, broadening horizons and fostering personal growth. For college students seeking to expand their education beyond the familiar, UCLA provides a wealth of opportunities to explore the globe through its diverse study abroad programs.

Discovering Opportunities with the UCLA International Education Office (IEO)

The UCLA International Education Office (IEO) serves as the central hub for students interested in studying abroad. The IEO offers a comprehensive suite of services for both UCLA students and international students looking to study abroad. Their team of dedicated study abroad advisors and program coordinators provides guidance on a range of crucial aspects, including academic planning, cultural adaptation, and financial considerations.

UCLA acknowledges the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar (Los Angeles basin, So. Channel Islands).

Planning Your Academic Journey: The Proposed Study Plan

A key component of the application process is the submission of a Proposed Study Plan. This plan allows IP-GEO advisors to offer tailored guidance, ensuring students make informed decisions that align with their individual academic needs and goals.

Navigating Course Options and Credit Transfer

UCLA offers a wide array of courses suitable for study abroad students. Understanding the course numbering system is essential for selecting appropriate classes:

Read also: Comprehensive Work-Study Info

Undergraduate Courses: Typically numbered 0-199.
Post-Baccalaureate and Professional Level Courses: Numbered 300-499.
Professional Level Courses: Courses denoted X 400-499 are generally post-baccalaureate credit-bearing courses and lecture series in professional fields. They are designed in content, focus, and presentation style to standards of instruction used in professional-level degree programs. Credit earned in these courses may lead to the award of formal certificates by UCLA Extension and may be transferable for undergraduate or post-baccalaureate degree credit, subject to the procedures of the receiving institution.
Non-Credit Bearing Courses: Courses with numbers 700-999 are non-credit bearing and are not open to Study Abroad or International Certificate students, as all courses must be credit-bearing to be in compliance with student visa requirements.

The transferability of credits earned at UCLA is determined by the student's home institution. It is strongly recommended to consult with an academic advisor or study abroad consultant at the home university to confirm whether specific courses will be accepted for credit.

Understanding Academic Credit at UCLA

Academic work at UCLA is measured in units of credit, which represent the amount of time a student dedicates to a particular subject. One unit of credit corresponds to three hours of work per week during the quarter, encompassing both class attendance and preparation.

Converting Quarter Units

To convert quarter units to semester units: divide quarter units by 1.5.
To convert semester units to quarter units: multiply semester units by 1.5.
European units: 30 ECTS=22.5 quarter units

A GPA calculator can be a useful tool for estimating your Grade Point Average.

Official UCLA Extension transcripts are available at the end of each academic quarter. The transcript reports all UCLA Extension and UCLA courses, grades, and the academic credit earned for each course. UCLA Summer Session courses and grades are listed on a separate official UCLA transcript.

The Study Abroad at UCLA Program: An In-Depth Look

The Study Abroad at UCLA Program caters to international students enrolled in degree programs, freemovers, and those on a gap year who are seeking to broaden their academic horizons. The program allows participants to study at a top-ranked university and earn transferable academic credits at the undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and professional levels. The Study Abroad at UCLA Program is open to anyone. Study Abroad programs allow students to select classes from the entire UCLA Extension catalog and attend for one quarter, two, three, or more! Even domestic students (usually undergraduates) who are interested in a domestic study away program and want additional support and programming are welcome.

Academics at UCLA

Many UCLA Extension courses offered to undergraduate students are the same courses offered by our main campus (same syllabus, course instruction, and curriculum) offered at a reduced tuition rate. Students can also explore the possibility of taking UCLA undergraduate courses offered by UCLA College and Letters and Science on our main campus through concurrent enrollment. It is important to note concurrent courses have a higher tuition rate and placements can be competitive. All UCLA Extension or UCLA concurrent courses offer academic credit that can be transferred back to their home university toward their bachelor's degree.

Benefits of the Study Abroad at UCLA Program

The Study Abroad at UCLA program offers a multitude of benefits, enhancing both the academic and personal growth of its participants.

Access to UCLA Facilities and Los Angeles: Participants gain access to UCLA's library, recreation center, Bruin card, and the ability to join clubs on campus and can enjoy the park-like UCLA campus and our year-round sunny climate. Los Angeles is a hub for international business; it’s the home of the film and entertainment industry; it’s famous for museums, theaters, and concert venues; and, with its incredible beaches, mountains, and deserts, it’s a destination for sports and leisure activities.
Networking: Students can network in class with fellow students, people already in your field of study, working professionals, and UCLA Extension career center appointments.
Credits and Transferability: All credit-bearing courses offered by UCLA Extension and UCLA are transferable, allowing you to earn credits while studying in-person or online at one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
In-person Support and Academic Counseling: Participants receive academic counseling from a program representative and student advisor.
Orientation: An in-person orientation week of activities and events helps students acclimate to the campus and city. Past activities have included a scavenger hunt and campus tour, an excursion to the Santa Monica Pier, hikes to iconic LA sites like the Griffith Observatory, a visit to the Westwood Farmers Market, and more!
Experience Los Angeles: Participants have the opportunity to experience all that L.A. has to offer-the diversity, the culture, and the people.

UCEAP: Expanding the UC Experience Globally

UCEAP expands on the UC experience. It introduces you to the people and places where ideas are born. Journeying to a new country, you'll encounter cultures, traditions, languages, and stories that surprise, delight, and expand your intellect. As you shift your view of the world, you'll test the boundaries of who you are and what you're capable of achieving. You'll discover unknown abilities that fuel your confidence and empower you to seize new challenges.

The Enduring Impact of Studying Abroad

There's a reason everyone says studying abroad is the best experience of their life. Moving to another country and fully immersing in another culture quickly teaches you to adapt. It gives you a constant stream of new ideas and experiences. It encourages you to explore the world and yourself. It provides the chance to learn a new language and meet people from all over the world.

For anyone scared to jump into study abroad, I get it. There are a lot of outside factors at play, but taking that leap was the best thing I've ever done for myself. I became more confident and adventurous and even developed a better sense of style. Yes, there were hard moments, but this is the time to challenge ourselves and push outside our comfort zones. Making the decision to study abroad was the bravest decision I've ever made. Don't be afraid to explore "uncharted territory" because as much as we may be inclined to take the popular study abroad programs, there is so much value in learning about a world completely different from yours. Embrace the chance to learn about a world completely different from yours.

tags: #UCLA #study #abroad #programs