Opportunities Abroad Program

What is the Opportunities Abroad Program (OAP)?

It is the name for any type of abroad experience sponsored by an organization outside of the University of California system. It allows students more flexibility in GPA requirements, deadlines, program length, available countries and universities around the globe because there are so many options.

How to Choose a Program Abroad

If you are just starting to think about going abroad, the International Education Center has many resources available to help you learn about your options:

  1. Think about your personal, academic, and practical reasons for going abroad.
  2. Sign up for a Info Session session lead by interns who have returned from abroad by calling the IEC front desk. This half-hour presentation will give you tools to research programs, explain how to apply, and prepare you to meet with an advisor.
  3. Look at a list of Web links for programs in the most popular countries.
  4. Our office and library are open Monday - Friday from 8:30 am - 4:45 pm., and are always staffed with our professional staff and trained student interns, all of whom have studied overseas themselves. If you have questions that aren't answered by this site, please call or come see us in person.
  5. When you have a good idea about which country you are interested in, call the IEC front desk to schedule a one-on-one appointment with an advisor, who can talk to you in detail about which specific program is right for you.


OAP Application Process

The following is a general outline of the OAP application process. Contact the International Education Center with questions:

International Education Center
Statistics Computer Bldg, Rm 1669
(951) 827-4113
Office hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 - 4:45

To apply for an OAP program, you must complete the following steps:

  1. Before applying for OAP, attend an Info Session to find out how to search for a program that meets your needs. At the Info Session you will receive information on how to research OAP and information on EAP to help you match your background to the proper program.
  2. Spend some time researching programs in the IEC Library, on the Web, and at information sessions. Try these websites:

    Once you have found one or more programs that you are interested in, you are ready to make an appointment.

  3. Before proceeding please check the State Department website on countries with travel warnings. If your desired destination is on the list of travel warnings please read our policy on Policy Restrictions on Student Participation In Countries with U.S. State Department Travel Warnings.
  4. Schedule an individual advising appointment with the OAP advisor to discuss the program and review the procedures necessary to transfer credit and use UCR financial aid. Call (951) 827-4113 to schedule your appointment or visit our office in person at the International Education Center.
  5. Before the appointment, fill out the Pre-Advising Worksheet.  You should also bring your Pre-Advising Worksheet and brochures or Web printouts about the program(s) you have selected to your appointment.
  6. You can apply to the OAP program before or after your appointment. You should send the application directly to the program sponsor or overseas university. Your application may ask for signatures from your OAP advisor. If so, let us know in the appointment. You can usually pick up the signed form within 24 hours.
  7. Review the OAP Checklist that you will receive at your appointment. This checklist summarizes the forms you will need to complete for UCR. Turn in the OAP forms the appropriate campus offices before you leave campus to go abroad.

OAP Student Resources
 

Health and Safety
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Cultural Adjustment