Important Information About OAP

UC San Diego students are encouraged to pursue University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP), UC San Diego Global Seminars, or UC San Diego Global Exchange programs whenever possible. These programs are better aligned with UC San Diego’s administrative systems, offer stronger advising support for most students, and students can take advantage of full financial aid.

• Grades and units automatically transfer: UCEAP and Global Seminars offer UC credit, and the grades are posted automatically posted to your UC San Diego transcript. Global Exchange and OAP offer transfer credit on a separate transcript, and the credit must be evaluated by the Admissions Office upon return.
  
  
• Full Advising Support: UC San Diego Study Abroad and UCEAP advisors provide comprehensive support throughout your experience. UC San Diego advising support is limited for OAP programs.
  
  
• Receive more financial aid: California residents can use all types of financial aid (federal, state, and institutional) for UC programs but only federal and state aid for OAP programs
  
  
• Strong risk management and emergency support: UC programs offer strong emergency support through the UCEAP systemwide office and UCOP. Emergency support for OAP programs varies based on the program sponsor.

• You are a non-California resident or international student who wants to avoid paying out-of-state tuition for UCEAP.
• You wish to study in a country or at a university not available through UCEAP, Global Seminars, or Global Exchange.

If either of these situations applies to you and you are considering an OAP program, pre-approval is required. To obtain pre-approval, please send a message via the Virtual Advising Center (VAC) with your reasons for requesting approval to participate in an OAP program. Include the location, term, and name of the program you are considering.