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Global Seminars Frequently Asked Questions

General Program Information

Cost and Financial Aid

Requirements and Eligibility

Application and Enrollment

Non-UC San Diego Students

Diversity Resources

General Program Information

What are Global Seminar programs?
Each Global Seminar is a study abroad experience that lasts five weeks and is led by a UCSD professor. Students will enroll in two courses for a total of eight UCSD units. Class sizes will be between 15-25 students, so there will be excellent opportunities for interaction with some of the best faculty at UCSD. All courses are taught in English, but several programs will have some very basic, elementary language instruction to help students navigate the local community.

Is past study abroad experience needed to participate?
No, past study abroad experience or travel is not needed to participate - only the desire to study abroad!

Will I earn academic credit for courses I take while studying abroad?
Yes. For UC San Diego students, all courses taken on a Global Seminar program are accredited UC San Diego courses. Thecourses may also fulfill major, minor, graduation, and general education requirements. Non-UC San Diego students should check with their academic advisor to determine how the units will apply towards major, minor, or graduation requirements. Course descriptions are available on the Global Seminars Website.

How will study abroad affect my future career goals and plans?
Employers recognize study abroad as an experience that builds personal and intercultural skills that will benefit you in your career. Be sure to highlight your study abroad experience to future employers by adding it to your resume. The UC San Diego Career Services Center can help you market your study abroad experience to potential employers and graduate school admissions committees.

What is the typical class size?
Classes are small, ranging from 15-25 students.

Can I go on more than one program?
Yes, as long as the programs are during different Summer Sessions. However, most Global Seminars take place during Summer Session I.

Can a Global Seminar be canceled?
Yes, the UCSD International Center can cancel a Global Seminar without prior notice. This would only be done in extreme circumstances, including but not limited to the following conditions: if the program does not reach minimum enrollment levels, if the US State Department issues a Travel Warning for the destination country, if the faculty member is unable to teach the program and we are unable to find a replacement, if other unforeseen circumstance arise. In such circumstances every effort would be made to provide students with a refund contingent upon recoverable fees. All students are strongly advised to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

My friend or family member wants to visit me while I'm attending the program. Can she stay with me?
No. Only participants officially enrolled in the program are allowed to attend the classes and field trips or stay with students in the program accommodations. No exceptions. You could, however, plan to meet up with your friend after the Global Seminar concludes.

Can I stay with family or friends that live in my host country rather than stay in the program accommodations?
No. In order to participate in the program, students must also stay at the program accommodations.

I have a special diet (vegan, kosher, etc.). Will my dietary requirements be met?
Not all dietary requests can be met in particular countries. Please contact the Faculty Led Coordinator at globalseminar@ucsd.edu prior to the start of your Global Seminar to learn about your dietary options.

I have a disability. Can I still study abroad?
Yes. Students with disabilities are encouraged to explore opportunities to study abroad. Although not all programs can accommodate all types of disabilities, we want as many students as possible to have a study abroad experience. It is important to plan ahead and consult with the Global Seminars Coordinator at globalseminar@ucsd.edu.

What resources are available to LGBT students who wish to study abroad?
We strive to make study abroad a welcoming and safe experience for LGBT students. A list of travel and study abroad resources, such as country guides, articles of interest, scholarship information, and LGBT study abroad alumni stories is available from the NAFSA Association of International Educators' Rainbow special interest group.

Cost and Financial Aid

What is the cost of the Global Seminar?
The cost is listed in the price section of each Global Seminar program. UC San Diego will assess participants for the following fees: a program fee and a registration/tuition fee. The program fee varies between each individual program. It may include things such as housing, classroom facilities, excursions, local health and safety support, international health insurance, some meals, local transportation, technology, and entrance fees to class destinations. The registration fee includes tuition for 8 UCSD units (credits) as set by UCSD Summer Session, and a $500 administrative fee. At the time you apply, your $250 non-refundable deposit goes towards your administrative fee. These fees will appear on your billing statement. For simplicity, the program and administrative fees are grouped together on this web site. Please note that non-UC students pay a different registration (tuition) fee rate for the 8 units. Summer session fees also apply to non-UCSD students ($50 for other UC students and $100 for students outside UC). All fees are subject to change without prior notice. These are set by Summer Session and you should consult their web site for specifics: http://summersession.ucsd.edu/

Are the fees subject to change?
Yes, the program and registration fees are estimates and are subject to change without notice. Every effort is made to keep fees to a minimum and to avoid price changes, however currency fluctuations, fuel costs, course enrollment size and other unexpected events can impact the fees.

Are there expenses not covered in the UCSD fees?
Students are responsible for purchasing their own airline ticket, most meals, a passport and visa (if required), and personal expenses such as weekend travel etc…

As a UC San Diego student, can I get Financial Aid to study with Global Seminars?
UC San Diego students need to have filled out a FASFA in order to be eligible for scholarships or Summer Aid. Applications for Summer Aid are available in April from the Financial Aid Office. Please, check their website for the exact date.

How and when do I apply for financial aid?
If you are a FAFSA student, submit your FAFSA by early March. Then apply for summer financial aid in mid April. Global Seminars students use the online application. You must be registered for the Global Seminars courses to apply. Consult the Financial Aid Website for further details and exact dates.

What forms of financial aid will apply?
All forms of financial aid (grants, loans subsidized and un-subsidized) will apply, including federal, state, and UCSD aid. The International Center will also offer scholarships to UC San Diego students. Consult the Global Seminars Coordinator for more details. You should also check with your college about scholarship opportunities. The LGBT Resource Center offers a scholarship for LGBT students who go abroad.

Will financial aid cover my entire trip?
Financial aid (grants, loans subsidized and un-subsidized) may not cover the entire cost of the program.

Is travel to the program site included in the cost?
No. You are free to make your own flight arrangements. You should not purchase your ticket until you recieve confirmation the program has reached the minimum enrolment. You may wish to communicate wtih fellow classmates about making plans to fly together.

Should I purchase trip cancellation insurance?
Trip cancellation insurance is not included in the fees charged by UC San Diego Global Seminars; students are strongly encouraged to purchase trip cancellation insurance in case they have to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness. Some insurance policies may cover not only the cost of a plane ticket, but also non-refundable fees associated with the Global Seminars program. Trip cancellation insurance is not included in the fees charged by UC San Diego Global Seminars.

Requirements and Eligibility

What are the GPA requirements to study abroad on Global Seminars?
There is no minimum GPA requirement but you must be in good academic and judicial standing.

Are there any prerequisites?
Course prerequisites are listed with the program description on the Global Seminars website. If you have a question about your preparation for a course or program, please send an inquiry to Professor of the Global Seminar you are interested in.

Are international students able to participate in Global Seminars?
Yes, international students are welcome to participate in Global Seminars. If you are an international student please contact the Global Seminars Coordinator at globalseminar@ucsd.edu so that she can assist you with visa and passport documents. Begin your visa application months before departure to avoid delays. Unfortunately, UCSD cannot be responsible if you are unable to obtain a visa. You will still owe all fees as stated in the Billing, Drop, Withdrawal and Refund policy.

Are there any language requirements?
No, there are no language requirements. We do recommend that, at the minimum, you learn some basic vocabulary and phrases prior to departure.

How will the Global Seminar appear on my transcript?
Global Seminars are UCSD courses. The courses and grades will appear on your transcript just like any other UCSD course. The grades will count toward your GPA. The course will have a GS, indicating it is a Global Seminar course. Non-UCSD students should contact their home university to determine how the units will transfer.

What if I need to withdrawal from the program?
Refer to the Billing, Drop, Withdrawal and Refund policy provided by the Programs Abroad Office and contact the coordinator at globalseminar@ucsd.edu immediately.

If I do not pay my fees on time will I still be able to participate in the program?
No, you will not be able to participate if you have not paid your UC fees for the Global Seminar in full by the deadline. If you have not paid in full by the deadline, then you will be cancelled for non-payment and you will still owe the full UC fees. Remember that if you receive full FAFSA financial aid (Grants, Loans, and/or Scholarships), then that will pay for your UC fees. If you receive partial financial aid, then you must pay the difference between to total UC fees and your financial aid package. If you do not receive any financial aid, then you must pay all fees by the deadline. Please contact globalseminar@ucsd.edu.

If I do not pay the UC fees what will happen?
A hold will be placed on your academic record and you will not be able to register for classes or receive a UC San Diego transcript until you have paid your fees in full. A collections agency may be assigned to recover the UC fees, which could in turn negatively impact your credit rating. Legal action may also be taken against you.

Application and Enrollment

When is the application due?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis beginning in October and will be accepted until the class is full. The $250 non-refundable deposit is due with the application.

How will applicants be selected?
Applicants will be selected based on a one-page essay, good academic standing, completed course prerequisites, if any, and a review of the conduct code record. Assuming these criteria are fulfilled, we will admit on a first come, first serve basis. Some Global Seminars may also require an interview. Consult the Global Seminars Coordinator for more details.

How can I find out what courses are being offered next summer?
1) Stop by the Programs Abroad Office in the Fall.
2) Check out our Website.

How do I apply?
The application will be posted on the Global Seminars Website. First complete the online application, and then download the paper portion of the application. Submit the downloaded forms to the Programs Abroad Office at the International Center. It is very important that you read and follow the application checklist. You must turn in your $250 non-refundable deposit with your application, otherwise your application is not complete and will not be accepted. Once you have applied, your $250 deposit will not be returned unless a review of your student conduct history causes us to deny your application.

There are two classes listed for each program. Do I have to take both?
Yes. All participants must enroll in both courses. All students must carry two 4-unit Global Seminars courses. Please note that students who withdraw from a course or courses after the program begins may not continue to participate in the program and will not receive a refund of their fees.

What if I have taken a course here on campus. Can I repeat it through Global Seminars?
No, you are preohibited from repeating a course on a Global Seminar if you have taken it previously. If you apply and we discover you repeated a course, you will be dropped and there will be no refund of your $250 deposit.

Can I take UCSD Global Seminar courses Pass-No Pass?
We strongly advising students to take both courses for a letter grade. Students often do excellent work in their Global Seminar courses because of the small class size, direct contact with leading UCSD faculty, and interaction with motivated classmates. However, you may take the Global Seminar Courses P/NP if you wish. You must follow existing UCSD policies and deadlines when selecting your grade base.

Can I turn in a picture of myself printed from my computer?
Yes. We require 4 passport style pictures (2 inches by 2 inches, full face view - as required for a passport). The photo must be printed on glossy photo paper and have a solid white background as a passport photo would. Photos that do not meet these requirements will not be accepted.

Why do you require the Travel Clearance and Confidential Health forms?
In the case of an emergency while overseas, we need to have a complete record of your health history so you can be adequately cared for by a physician.

Where can I get my passport?
You can apply for a new passport or renew an old one at many post offices, including UCSD Mail Services. Check the Department of State website to find other nearby passport acceptance facilities. To download a passport application and application instructions, visit the Department of State's passport site. NOTE: If you have a passport, check the expiration date. It needs to be valid for at least six months after the end date of your program.

How do I get started?
You must attend a First Steps meeting.

* First Steps is a 30-minute information session about study abroad and financial aid options. You can sign up on-line.

* Complete an interest profile.

*Attend an information session given by the professor who is leading the Global Seminar. Information sessions will be announced in the fall.

* Apply for your passport today!

* If you missed an information session you can contact the Global Seminars coordinator at globalseminar@ucsd.edu or the professor who is teaching the Global Seminar.

*As part of the application, you must complete a “Health Form." In order to complete the form, you will need to make an appointment with UCSD Student Health or your private physician. Do this during fall quarter. If you are applying to more than one program contact globalseminar@ucsd.edu to request the proper form.

If I have more questions, is there an advisor I can meet with?
Prior to meeting with an advisor you must attend a First Steps session and complete an interest profile . Once you have done so call the Programs Abroad Office to make an appointment with a Global Seminars advisor. The phone number is 858-534-1123.

Which summer session term do I select for registration?
Students who have been admitted to the Global Seminars program will register using the UCSD on-line registration system. Global Seminar courses are considered to be session I or II depending on the dates of the program.

If I participate in two Global Seminars back-to-back in summer session I and II for a total of 16 quarter units (credits), then do I need permission to register more than 12 units?
Yes, students who are attempting to take more than 12 units in any given session must get permission from their college prior to enrolling in the additional units. Once approved, the college will make a change to the student account that will allow you to enroll in the extra units.

Non-UC San Diego Students

I am not a student of the UC San Diego. Can I apply?
Yes, students from other campuses may apply but they must contact the Global Seminars Coordinator at globalseminar@ucsd.edu prior to applying.

I am not a UC San Diego student. Will units transfer to my university?
All courses offered are official UC San Diego courses and transfer throughout the UC system. You must, however, request your UC San Diego transcript and submit it to your home campus. To find out if a course will meet a particular requirement, students should check with their home campus advisor to determine how the units will apply to their major, minor, or graduation requirements.

Do Non-UC students pay a different rate for the education/registration fees?
Yes, students from outside the University of California (UC) system are assessed a different fee per unit (credit) than UC students. Please note that summer session also assess a flat $100 fee for non UC students. All prices are subject to change without prior notice.

You should consult the summer session web site for more details

Can Non-UC San Diego students apply for UC San Diego Financial Aid?
No. You should contact the Financial Aid Office at your home campus to determine if you are eligible to receive aid for courses taken at another university.

As a Non-UC San Diego student, can I use my financial aid from my home campus to go on a UC San Diego Global Seminars program?
Students need to talk to their home campus financial aid advisor to find out whether they can use Summer Aid on UC San Diego Global Seminars courses.

Diversity Resources

International Resources

Under publications enter search words “gay” or “lesbian” or “bisexual” or “transgender”

Campus Resources

LGBT Resource Center (in Original Student Center): 858-822-3493 or
LGBTQIA: 858-534-GAYS
Cross Cultural Center: 858-534-9689
Women’s Center: 858-534-0074
Sexual Assault & Violence Prevention Resource Center (SARC) 858-534-5793
Diversity Abroad
OASIS
Office for Students with disabilities

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