UCEAP's Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get major or minor credit on UCEAP?

Before Departure

Every UCEAP program has different types of course offerings; some have limited options or are pre-set for you, but most programs allow you to select from a wide variety of courses offered by the host university.

At the time of application, it is not always possible to tell exactly what courses will be offered the following academic year. You should use the current course listings on the host university website, as well as descriptions of past courses taken in the MyEAP Course Catalog, to determine if this university has sufficient offerings in your subject area. Reference the “Academics” link on the left-hand side of your program details section for resources on identifying courses.

Please note that each department varies on how they determine academic credit. Some departments maintain a pre-approved course list, which can be found on the department’s study abroad webpage, while others will review your APF with you, but require that you petition the courses upon return. 

Academic Planning Form

As part of your UCEAP application, you will be asked to fill out an Academic Planning Form (APF). This form is an opportunity for you to discuss the courses you plan to take abroad with your major/minor advisor.

The Academic Planning Form is not a course registration form; it is simply a tool to help you explore with your major advisor the types of courses you should be looking for when the time comes to register for your courses abroad. Despite what coursework you plan to take abroad, the APF must be signed by your major and minor advisor(s). The APF reviewal process is to ensure you have discussed your plans and the possibility to get credit towards that area while you are abroad. This is especially important since each department determines the number of courses that can be taken outside of the UCSD department, including on study abroad. 

At the time you are required to register for classes (this can be anywhere from a month before departure to a week after your arrival), you should also be in touch with your academic advisor if a course you planned to take isn’t offered, or you see another course available you’d prefer.  Please contact your advisor via VAC for some feedback on whether or not that new course might suffice.

While Abroad

Make sure you save ALL of your syllabi and coursework from abroad. If you are registering for courses after departure, see the above paragraph regarding course registration.Upon Return

Upon return, grades can take up to 90 days to transfer back. You will see the courses listed on your UC San Diego transcript and your corresponding UC grades at that time. Please contact your department to find out what the next steps are.  

UC San Diego Study Abroad recommends saving all your coursework, written assignments, syllabi, and textbooks or reading lists to present to your department upon return. These assignments oftentimes must be translated if you wish to receive credit.

How do I get GE credit on UCEAP?

As part of your UCEAP application, you will be required to have your Academic Planning Form (APF) reviewed and signed by your College advisor. Be prepared to show course descriptions to your College advisor prior to departure for advice on what may or may not be successfully approved. When you meet with your College advisor, please ask how you will petition coursework upon return.  Don’t forget, to save all your course materials for the petition process.

How and when do I register for my classes abroad?

For every program, registering for classes will happen differently. Most programs, you will register for classes anywhere from one month before departure (online) to a week after arrival (on campus during orientation week). The UCEAP system-wide office in Goleta (Santa Barbara) will be in touch with you via email regarding registering for courses when the time comes.

How many units do I take while abroad?

While abroad, you will be required to be a full-time student. The total number of classes and units varies by program. To find this information, look under the Academics tab on the UCEAP program page.

Can I take classes Pass/No pass on UCEAP?

Pass/No Pass options vary depending on your program, but in general, students may only take 1/3 of courses for P/NP credit. Please refer to the UCEAP Guide to Study Abroad for more information, which is located in the pre-departure section of your UCEAP application. However, if you are hoping to get credit within your department, you must be aware of their rules. Do not take a class P/NP if your department or College requires the course to be taken for a letter grade.

Also, remember that the P/NP option must be noted on the Study List at the time of enrollment or petitioned during the normal petition period. However, the P/NP is not allowed for:

-  Intensive Language Program (ILP) courses, unless the courses are offered on the P/NP basis only

-  Special study courses (independent study, research, or internships) when the particular program requires a letter grade

-  The language instruction portion of short-term language and culture programs.                                                                       

-  See the UCEAP Guide to Study Abroad in the pre-departure section of the UCEAP application portal for more information.

Do the classes I take abroad affect my UC GPA?

Yes. UCEAP courses taken abroad will be listed on your UC San Diego transcript and factored into your UC San Diego GPA, if taken for a letter grade.

If you fail a class abroad, it will show up on your UC San Diego transcript. Oftentimes, you will not be able to retake the course here because the same course is not offered.

How does UC San Diego know I am participating in a UCEAP program?

Before departure, the UC San Diego Study Abroad Office will send a list of UCEAP students studying abroad to the Registrar's Office. During the term that you are participating in UCEAP, you will be enrolled in EAP 100, which is a placeholder. This placeholder will be removed with your UCEAP courses and grades once available. Remember, this can take up to 90 days after the program ends.

I’d like to take classes in English for my major, but would prefer to go to a non-English speaking country? Is this possible?

Absolutely! UCEAP offers a ton of programs where classes are taught in English, even though the local language is not English. Great examples are Sweden, Korea, The Netherlands, and Costa Rica. When you use the “Find a Program” filter on the UCEAP website, choose “English” as the language of instruction.

How do I get academic or physical accommodations while I am abroad?

It is incredibly important that you notify your study abroad advisor as early as possible of any academic or physical accommodations you may need while you are abroad. Your UCEAP advisor can provide more details of what is available in the host country. Please note that not all programs abroad offer the disability services that UC San Diego provides, but your study abroad and UCEAP advisors will work closely with you to try to find a study abroad program that meets your academic and physical needs.