Now that you have been selected for the Global Seminars program, please keep in mind the following important steps that must be followed between now and your departure.
Acceptance Form
You should have received an acceptance form by e-mail with your selection letter. Please make sure you have signed and returned it to the Programs Abroad Office. Contact globalseminar@ucsd.edu if you didn't receive it.
Passport and visa
You must have a valid passport to travel abroad. Check your passport expiration date now. It must be valid 6 months beyond the end of your program. If you need to apply for or renew your US passport, it may take as long as eight weeks, and a renewed passport will have a different number. UCSD Mail Services is the closest passport processing location.
If you are not a US citizen, you may have different visa requirements for the country you are going to. Check with the closest consulate to find out if you need a visa. The Global Seminars and program partner staff may also be able to provide assistance.
If you are not a US permanent resident, discuss with an international student advisor what paperwork you need to complete in order to re-enter the United States.
Program partner forms
Each Global Seminar has a program partner who handles the local arrangements, including arrival, housing, food, excursions, and emergency support. We will e-mail you a link to the program-specific forms created by our partner, and you can also access those forms from within MyPAO by clicking "GS Program Partner Forms" above the name of your program.
Roommate requests
If you and a friend are going on the same program and would like to request each other as roommates, you can do so by contacting the program partner. Most program partners will collect this information as part of their online forms.
Plane tickets
You are responsible for purchasing your own plane tickets. The program partner will provide specific arrival information with their forms. The Global Seminars staff will send you a list of students on your program and/or create a Facebook group where students on the same program can share information. You may choose to coordinate your travel plans if you wish.
Health insurance
Health insurance information is included with your program partner forms. You must also register for free UC traveler insurance at https://www.uctrips-insurance.org/. If you plan to travel independently before or after your program, you should consider purchasing your own short-term student health insurance if you are not covered by your family's insurance.
UCSD selectee forms
Please complete the following forms and return them to the Programs Abroad Office by the May deadline printed on the form.
- Emergency Contact Form (pdf)
- Flight Form (pdf)
- Insurance Form (pdf)
Global Seminars pre-departure letter
This mailing will remind you of your orientation dates and other important issues.
General orientation (Mandatory!)
All UCSD students must attend General Orientation either in person or by completing an online tutorial. See the online pre-departure announcements or the Pre-Departure Letter for dates.
Handouts:
- Go Global (pdf)
- Global Seminar Notes (pdf)
Country orientation (Mandatory!)
We will notify you by email of dates and times for your country and program. There is also a calendar of country orientations on the pre-departure announcements page. The orientation will bring together the faculty member, program partner staff, Programs Abroad Office staff, and students to discuss cultural and logistical issues specific to your location.
Summer Session course registration
In order to get credit for your program, you must register for the two courses through UCSD Summer Session. Summer Session course registration begins in mid-April. See the Summer Session website for registration procedures and dates.
Financial aid and scholarships
Once you have registered for the courses, you may apply for financial aid. Eligibility is based on the current year's FAFSA. UC San Diego students can learn more about summer financial aid on TritonLink. Summer aid is limited, so do not delay your application. Visiting students should apply for financial aid through their home institution. Please contact us immediately if you have any concerns about the timing of your financial aid disbursement.
Don't forget to apply for Programs Abroad Office (UCSD students only) and outside scholarships. Each scholarship has a different deadline.
Step-by-step Financial Instructions handout (doc)
Paying fees
You will receive an electronic bill for your Global Seminar fees about a month before the program begins. Please pay your fees promptly to avoid a late penalty. See the Summer Session website for more information about the billing process. Failure to pay your fees will result in a hold being placed on your enrollment for the following term, and your account will be sent to collections.
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