UCI students studying abroad

University of California Education Abroad Program
Global Start Program for Fall 2024 UCI First-year Students

Fostered by a world-class study abroad program, first-year students are invited to jump start their college career by studying abroad during their first quarter at UCI. Participants can complete  general education requirements in small classes, while exploring global culture in a safe and supportive group environment. 

Interested students will join newly admitted first-year students from UC Irvine and UCLA. While abroad students will have the support of UCEAP and UCI every step of the way. For more than 60 years, UCEAP has committed to excellence in study abroad programs, by collaborating with world-class partners that boost the educational experience for students.

Timeline to Apply for the UCEAP Global Start Program

UCI application opens April 1, 2024
UCI application closes May 17, 2024
Summer campus experience Date (TBD) between July and August
Fall quarter abroad starts September 20, 2024
Fall quarter abroad ends December 14, 2024

Start your academic experience at UCI by being one of our proud anteaters abroad!

This exciting opportunity consists of three parts:

Orientation Programming at UCI in Summer 2024

UCI will get you ready for the experience abroad through customized orientations and curated activities.

Fall 2024 Quarter abroad

Winter 2024 Quarter at UCI

After the program is over, you will come to UCI with a broader perspective, and intercultural competencies that will help you thrive in different contexts – personally, academically and professionally. 

The Global Start program is open to incoming first-year students who meet the following criteria: 

  • First-year students admitted to UC Irvine, or UCLA.
  • Be 18 years old by September 20, 2024. 
  • Have a U.S. or EU passport by September 20, 2024, that is valid at least three months beyond date of departure (other nationalities may require a visa).

The Global Start Program is an exciting way to start your college life through an international education experience. UCI and UCEAP will provide ongoing assistance related to pre-departure preparedness, health and safety abroad, writing skills, career readiness, living independently, connection with local communities to help you thrive abroad, and preparing you to return to campus.

Global Start is an experience unlike any other because you will:

  • Enjoy small class sizes and avoid waitlists for courses that you need.
  • Fulfill General Education (GE) requirements toward your UCI degree.
  • Hone academic skills needed to succeed at UCI.
  • With Europe as your classroom, take courses infused with local history and culture and go on excursions that bring lectures to life.
  • Immerse yourself in the local community and develop intercultural and language competences.
  • Increase your intercultural awareness and adaptability.
  • Make lifelong connections with other UC peers.

Spaces are limited, so apply today to secure your place.

  • A tailored summer orientation designed to welcome you to the UC community and answer questions.
  • An orientation prior to departure to prepare you for your experience abroad and answer related questions. 
  • Organized group travel from California to your destination.
  • Weekly extracurricular activities and excursions including market tours, museum visits, performances, walking tours, and sporting events to learn more about the host culture.
  • Re-entry preparation and advising to ensure a smooth transition back to your UC campus.
  • Support from UCI, UCEAP, and on-site staff abroad  through the application process, during the program, and upon your return.  
  • 24/7 health and safety support, as well as travel insurance.

  1. To be eligible, you must first be admitted to UCI through the student application portal, and must confirm your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) by May 15, 2024 by 11:59 p.m. (PST) at the latest.
  2. Look for outreach communications about the program, including emails from the Study Abroad Center (SAC) with “next steps,” as well as information and instructions to create an application in the UCIAbroad Portal. To access the UCIAbroad portal, log in using your UCInetID.  

Per UCI policy, all students participating in global educational opportunities must meet the UCI eligibility requirements for Student International Activities and take the below two steps:

  1. Request Your UCI Campus Approval 
  2. Submit Your UCEAP Global Start Program Application

When you submit a complete UCI campus approval request, you will receive confirmation of your UCI nomination for the Global Start Program, as well as further instructions on step two (Submit Your UCEAP Global Start Program Application).

Requests will be processed on a rolling basis after submitted, and because space is limited, we highly recommend that you apply as soon as possible!

Visit the UCEAP Global Start Program webpage to find more resources, including Frequently Asked Questions.

Review the information embedded in this slide-deck.

Review the information embedded in this slide-deck from the info session as well:

Global Start Program Info Session Slide-Deck

Program Contacts

UCI Contact
Casie Bonstein, Inbound and Custom Programs Advisor
cbonstei@uci.edu

UCEAP Contacts (TBD)