Questions & Answers About EAP

Where do I go to find out about education abroad programs (EAP)?

The Berkeley Programs for Study Abroad (BPSA) office is located at 160 Stephens Hall. They have a wealth of information on summer, semester or year-long programs and course descriptions to use for seeking approval of courses for your major or College.

I hear students can study abroad in their sophomore year for a semester or a year. Is that true?

Yes, sophomores can study abroad for a semester or a year as long as the following requirements are fulfilled:

• You must have completed at least 30 units of college coursework (post-high school graduation), but no more than 55 units. You may not use Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or other high school enrichment units to count toward the 30 unit minimum requirement, but you can deduct these units if they put you over 55 units.
  
• You must have completed the first half of the Reading and Composition requirement.
  
• You must have spent at least one semester at Cal.
  
• Prior to EAP participation you must either declare a major, or demonstrate the ability to declare a major by the beginning of your junior year, or within one semester after returning from EAP.
  

What about juniors and seniors who want to study abroad?

Juniors are students with 56-89 units, while seniors are students with 90 or more units completed. Both groups may study abroad as long as the following requirements are fulfilled:

• You must have completed both semesters of the Reading and Composition requirement.
  
• You must have declared a major at least two weeks prior to the program start date.
  
• You must satisfy senior residence, either by completing regular senior residence (two semesters and 24 units completed after 90 units earned), or by satisfying the modified senior residence requirement for EAP participants (24 units after completion of 60 units; at least 12 of these units must be completed after you reach 90 units).
  

What about the GPA requirement for EAP that I have heard about?

The minimum GPA requirement for EAP is set by the UC system-wide Education Abroad Program. Some programs have a minimum 2.5 GPA requirement. For more information about the GPA requirement, go to the BPSA web site.

Do these requirements apply to summer programs?

These requirements apply only to Cal students on semester or year-long education abroad programs sponsored by the UC system.

What if I study abroad through another university's program?

You will need to take a number of steps:

1. Research non-EAP program information on-line: www.studyabroad.com and www.goabroad.com are good sites; BPSA has a small resource library for non-EAP information but no advising services.
   
2. Check with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions in 110 Sproul to verify whether the units will transfer to Cal.
   
3. Cancel your registration through Tele-BEARS for the semester that you will be abroad.
   
4. Submit a readmission application with a $60 check for the semester that you plan to return.
   
5. Check with your major and the College if you plan to fulfill requirements for them.
   
6. Upon completion of the program, have the Registrar at the other university send an official transcript to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions in 110 Sproul #5800, Berkeley, CA 94720-5800.
   
7. Retain information on how to obtain an official transcript from the other institution should you need one for graduate school applications or a job.

Can I complete College or major requirements while abroad?

With careful planning, you can fulfill College, major and minor requirements while abroad. To determine if a course you plan to take abroad will satisfy a major/minor requirement, consult with your major/minor department. To determine if a course you plan to take abroad will satisfy a college breadth requirement, bring a description of the course to 113 Campbell Hall and ask to speak to an evaluator. The unit credit for courses taken through UC-EAP is guaranteed.

Please note that if you study abroad through a non-UC program, final determination of fulfillment of College, major and minor requirements will be pended until the Office of Undergraduate Admissions reviews the transcript and determines whether the courses are transferable for unit credit.

Should I see a L&S adviser?

You should make an appointment with a College adviser if...

• you are a transfer student;
  
• you will have 90 or more units on your record after EAP;
  
• you have any questions about College requirements for EAP students.