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Global Exchange Pre-Departure Requirements

Amidst the excitement and the prospect of going abroad, please keep in mind the following important steps that must be followed between now and your departure.

General Orientation

As a requirement of participation in study abroad at UC San Diego, students must first complete the Study Abroad UC San Diego Online General Orientation prior to departure. The orientation should take about an hour to complete, and participation will be recorded and is a requirement of study abroad. 

How to Access Study Abroad's Online General Orientation:

  1. Access the orientation module via Canvas
  2. Log in with your UC San Diego Active Directory account
  3. Click “Enroll in Course” 

Deadlines to Complete the Online General Orientation:

  • Summer/Fall/Year Departures: JUNE 15
  • Winter/Spring Departures: DECEMBER 15

Passport

You must have a valid passport to travel abroad. If you already have a passport, check the expiration date now. It must be valid six months beyond the end of your program. If you need to apply for or renew your U.S. passport, it may take as long as eight weeks, and a renewed passport will have a different number. UC San Diego Mail Services is the closest passport processing location. If you are not a U.S. permanent resident, discuss with your advisor what paperwork you need to complete in order to re-enter the U.S.

Apply for Visa

Visa Checklist 

  • Check your host institution’s exchange program site for visa support resources. 
  • Visit the consulate/embassy site for your host country to determine if a visa is required for your stay. Additional information can be found on the country-specific information maintained by the U.S. Department of State
  • Note whether a visa application can be mailed or if you must schedule an appointment and appear in person. 
  • Note visa application windows and processing times. 
    • Note required documents.  
    • Contact Global Exchange Program Manager to request a specific visa letter if required. 
    • Contact Study Abroad Financial Aid Office to request a visa financial aid letter if required.  

UC Away and SHIP Insurance

  • Complete UC Away Travel Registration. This is a requirement for all participants. After completing the registration, you will be provided with a link to the travel insurance contact card. For information about the policy benefits, exclusions, claims process, and more visit the UC Travel Risk and Insurance website.

Apply for Scholarships

Scholarships are available and all Global Exchange participants are eligible for at least one of our listed scholarships! 

WebReg

Bring your PID and PAC abroad with you to register for classes on TritonLink for the quarter you return to UC San Diego. We can't obtain your PAC number for you if lost; you must request it from the Registrar by email or fax (PDF).

UC San Diego On-Campus Housing Upon Return

  • If you would like to live on campus after you return from abroad, sign up for the housing waitlist as soon as it is available.
  • If you have a housing guarantee, you should also e-mail the Housing Office (housinginfo@ucsd.edu) to let them know you are going on a UC sponsored program and you were eligible for Room Selection for the term you are abroad.
  • Students without a housing guarantee may also sign up for the waitlist.
  • Another great on-campus housing option is I-House, which has a separate application process and is geared towards international-minded students, such as study abroad returnees.

Register with the U.S. State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. Registration allows you to record information about your upcoming trip abroad that the Department of State can use to assist you in case of an emergency.

Student Identity

Your identity matters here and abroad. Visit our Student Identity site to learn more about resources related to the intersections of your identity.  

Transcripts and Credit

SEND TRANSCRIPTS BY MAIL: You must order an official transcript from your academic institution which must be sent to us directly in a sealed envelope addressed as follows:  

University of California San Diego – Office of Admissions  
Attn: Transcripts  
9500 Gilman Drive, # 0021
La Jolla, CA 92093-0021
USA 

SEND TRANSCRIPTS ELECTRONICALLY through Parchment, a safe and secure method of requesting your official transcript(s). If your host institution is registered with Parchment to send electronic transcripts, please order transcripts through your school's website or create an account with Parchment directly.   

Admissions also accepts transcripts electronically through eTranscriptCA, Credential Solutions, eScripSafe, Scribbles, SCOIR, and National Student Clearinghouse if your host institution is registered with these e-transcript vendors. Please check whether they utilize these e-transcript vendors to send transcripts and order through your school's transcript ordering process.   

Make sure you select University of California San Diego in La Jolla, CA as the receiving school if you choose one of these e-transcript vendors. Some vendors may list our school as UC San Diego.   

For questions or to check its status, contact UC San Diego Admissions at: (858) 534-4208 or receiptoftranscript@ad.ucsd.edu  

Credit:  

It will take approximately 90 days from the end of your program for transcripts to be sent, received, and processed. One your credit is posted, your EXPR placeholder will be removed and replaced with your transfer courses and credit. Once your courses are posted, you can petition them through your respective academic departments.