The Application Portal is the most comprehensive source of Global Internship Program information and will be updated throughout the year. Please check the Global Internship Program Application Portal regularly.

As a Global Internship Program participant, you can access your online application for important program details and update some of your personal information.

Through the Application Portal, participants can:

• Upload a digital copy of your passport and passport information
• Upload your resume and Statement of Purpose
• Provide relevant health information
• Select a roommate
• View program participants
• View Arrival Instructions
• View Pre-Departure information
• Learn about your next steps!
• Cancel your participation

MyUCLA is UCLA’s online student records system. Through MyUCLA, participants can:

• View and update lived name and email
• View and update third-party authorization
• View course enrollments
• Pay their Global Internship Program fees
• View grades and order transcripts (beginning October after completion of program)

Lost ID or Password

If you forget your MyUCLA login ID or password, you can look up your login ID and reset your password at the MyUCLA website.

Deposit

A $300 non-refundable deposit is required at the time your application is approved in order to secure your space on a Global Internship Program. Global Internship Program acceptance notifications are sent out in mid-January. This deposit will be applied toward your total Global Internship Program fee.

Final Payment

Final payment for your Global Internship Program is due February 10, 2025. You will not receive a paper billing statement in the mail. E-mail reminders will be sent to you.

You may review your balance on MyUCLA beginning in early February. The final payment deadline is deferred for Financial Aid recipients (who have completed all of the financial aid requirements, documentation, processes, etc.). UCLA financial aid will disburse directly to the student’s billing account approximately 5-to-10 days prior to their Global Internship Program start date. 

Students eligible for Veteran Benefits should submit a Veteran Benefits Agreement Form (located on the Application Portal) by February 10, 2025 in order to defer their final payment. Please contact the UCLA Veteran Benefits Coordinator (vabenefits@saonet.ucla.edu) for more information.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel your registration, the following applies:

• The $300 deposit is not refundable under any circumstance.
• Paid program fees (minus the $300 deposit) are refundable until February 12, 2025.
• No refunds are available after cancellation deadline has passed.
• Cancellation and refund policies apply to ALL Financial Aid Students as well
• Dissatisfaction with your financial aid package or failure to accept sufficient aid to cover your costs will not result in an exception to the cancellation policy. Students will remain liable for the full cost of the program fee.
• Failure to cancel prior to the cancellation deadline will result in a bill for the full program fee. Financial aid is not available for students who cancel their program.

In order to cancel once you have enrolled in a Global Internship Program, please contact info@ieo.ucla.edu  for assistance. After the cancellation deadline, students must submit a cancellation form to the International Education Office.

*In the unlikely event that a Global Internship Program must be cancelled by IEO, all registered students will be notified immediately and given a refund of all recoverable costs (including the $300 deposit).

Withdrawal After a Program has Begun

UCLA discourages students from withdrawing after a program has begun. Successful programs require the full participation of all students, and we hope students are prepared to complete the program. However, we recognize that due to unforeseen circumstances, some students may need to leave a program early. In these rare instances, students must speak with the International Education Office and complete a withdrawal form. If a petition to withdraw is approved, students must vacate the program housing within 72 hours. 

All students who withdraw after a program has begun must still comply with the cancellation policy and are liable for program fees.

Required Courses

Each Global Internship Program has a required 195 (C/CE) internship course. Global Internship Program students are automatically enrolled in this course by UCLA IEO. This course is mandatory and cannot be dropped without terminating participation in the program. Students can review their course enrollments beginning in early February on MyUCLA.

Optional Course: CESC 130

The Global Internship Program offers an additional 4-unit upper division course, CESC 130, to provide students the option to enroll in 8 total units and to become eligible to receive financial aid.

UCLA students may add or drop the optional CESC 130 course as follows:

• Add course – The optional course may be added by applying to an 8-unit Global Internship Program. If a student wishes to add the course after starting their application, they must withdraw their original application and then apply for an 8-unit program. If a student has already submitted their application, they must email UCLA IEO directly to request a program change, in order to include the optional course enrollment.
• Drop course – After an application has been submitted, the optional course may be dropped by contacting UCLA IEO and requesting to drop. If the optional course is dropped by Friday of Week 2 (by 5 PM PST) the student will receive a full course tuition refund. After such time, the optional course may be dropped for NO REFUND until the Friday of Week 8.

*Please note that in order to be eligible for financial aid students MUST be enrolled in the optional course, in order to have a total of 8 units.

Optional Course Fees: $1,116 ($279 per unit) for UCLA Undergrad Students.

GPA Requirement

Students are required to have a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA and be in good academic standing during the spring quarter prior to participation in the Global Internship Program. Failure to do so may result in withdrawal from the program and cancellation of course enrollment.

Grades and Transcripts

Grades should be available via MyUCLA after October 1st. Summer grades are usually posted to students regular transcript when fall grades are processed. To request an official transcript, visit MyUCLA.

Student Participation Agreement

As part of the application process, you agreed to stipulations in a comprehensive participation agreement and waiver of liability.

UCLA Student Code of Conduct

Your participation in a UCLA Global Internship Program makes you a representative of UCLA; therefore, you must adhere to the UCLA Student Code of Conduct. Students are subject to disciplinary action for several types of misconduct or attempted misconduct, including but not limited to:

• Dishonesty, such as cheating, multiple submission, plagiarism, or knowingly furnishing false information to the University;
• Forgery, alteration, or misuse of University documents, keys, or identification;
• Theft of, damage to, or destruction of any property of the University or property of others while on University premises, as well as on the premises of all property provided by the UCLA Global Internship Program;
• Failure to pay bills for extra services or incidentals associated with the Global Internship Program;
• Unauthorized entry to or use of University properties, equipment, or resources, including those abroad;
• Disruption of teaching, research, administration, or other University activities;
• Physical abuse, threats of violence, rape, or other forms of sexual assault, or conduct that threatens the health or safety of any person on University property or in connection with official University functions, including those activities taking place abroad;
• Disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, or failure to comply with the directions of a University employee acting in his/her official capacity;
• Use, possession, sale, distribution, or manufacture of alcohol on University properties or at official University functions;
• Unlawful use, possession, sale, distribution, or manufacture of controlled substances, identified in federal and state laws or regulations, on University properties or at official University functions.

Students in violation of the code of conduct will be expelled from the program at the discretion of UCLA IEO. Violations of the code of conduct will be referred to the Dean of Students and may also result in a decision to impose further sanctions, such as suspension or dismissal from UCLA.

In the event a student is expelled, the student is not eligible to receive a refund of any of the fees paid to UCLA. Dismissed students will not be permitted to participate in any program activity or be entitled to any program benefits including, but not limited to, travel, meals, and housing. Furthermore, the student will be responsible for any additional costs incurred for lodging and transportation once dismissed.

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Alcohol

Drinking alcohol while socializing is common in many parts of the world. The attitude in some countries toward alcohol may be much different than in the United States. Drinking in some countries is part of the social experience, but not the focus of it. Excessive drinking or drunken behavior is not acceptable. Public drunkenness is illegal in many countries. If your consumption of alcohol becomes disruptive to your program, it is cause for immediate dismissal. If you choose to drink, please be responsible.

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Avoiding Legal Difficulties

When you are in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws and are under its jurisdiction NOT the protection of the U.S. Constitution. You can be arrested overseas for actions that may be either legal or considered minor infractions in the United States. Be aware of what is considered criminal in the country where you are.

If you are arrested on a drug or criminal charge, it is important that you know what can and cannot be done. Always use your one phone call to contact the nearest United States embassy or consulate.

The U.S. Consular Officer CAN:

• Visit you in jail after being notified of your arrest;
• Give you a list of local attorneys;
• Intercede with local authorities to make sure your rights under local law are fully observed and that you are treated humanely;
• Protest mistreatment or abuse to the appropriate authorities.

The U.S. Consular Officer CANNOT:

• Demand your immediate release or get you out of jail;
• Represent you at trial or give legal counsel;
• Pay legal fees or fines with U.S. government funds.

Please note: UCLA IEO cannot provide legal assistance to students who are arrested or face legal charges while abroad. 

Passports

All Global Internship Program participants are required to have a valid passport. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date you expect to return to the United States (or home country). Currently, normal passport processing timelines take approximately 2 months. We encourage you to apply for your passport as soon as possible! 

For information on obtaining a passport, please visit the State Department Web site.

Visas

U.S. citizens may need a visa for some of the Global Internship Program locations. Participants in these particular programs will receive information about obtaining their visas from their IEO advisor. 

If you are not a U.S. citizen, please contact IEO for more details regarding visa requirements for your programs country location. 

Flights

All students will receive Arrival Instructions once it is permitted to purchase flights. You are responsible for making your own travel arrangements to and from your program destination. We request that participants wait until confirmation of internship placement and visa (if necessary) to book flights for your program. 

*The purchase of a fully-refundable and/or flexible airfare is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.  

Accommodations

All Global Internship Program participants are required to stay in program housing. Program housing is restricted to enrolled participants only. Guests (includes spouses, children, other family members and friends) are not allowed in Global Internship Program housing (including short-term overnight guests) or on any program related activity. UCLA IEO does not assist with housing arrangements for family, friends, or other guests of Global Internship Program participants. UCLA IEO does not make housing arrangements for students arriving prior to the program start date or after the program concludes. Participants must make their own housing arrangements for early arrivals and late departures.

Roommates

On your Application Portal you may request another program participant as your roommate/housemate. Both participants must request each other in order to be paired together. Assignments are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed. If you would like to be assigned within gender inclusive housing, you should indicate your preference on the Roommate and Housing Preference Form, on the application portal. Gender inclusive options are provided where possible and based upon local housing availability. Please contact your study abroad program coordinator if you have any additional questions regarding housing arrangements for your specific program

Safety in Housing

• Keep your door locked at all times. Meet visitors in the lobby.
• Do not leave money and other valuables in your room while you are out.
• Let someone know when you expect to return if you are out late at night or leave town.
• Do not tell strangers where you are staying.
• Know how to report a fire. Be sure you know where the nearest fire exits and alternate exits are located.

Dietary Restrictions

Please keep in mind that in many countries not all dietary restrictions can be easily accommodated and the diversity of food options available at home may not exist in your program destination. For instance, if vegan and/or vegetarian options exist in the country you are visiting, they may be quite limited. If you foresee challenges meeting your dietary restrictions in your selected program destination, please contact UCLA IEO for guidance. 

Careful planning of your finances is important. Adjusting to a new currency and to the prices in a new country can produce some anxiety.

As You Prepare for Your Trip:

• Create a budget for personal expenses (airfare, study materials, meals, optional excursions, etc.). Remember, your budget will depend on personal choices about travel, food, entertainment, purchases, etc.
• With regard to spending money, make it last the duration of your trip. Always overestimate your spending. Budget your extra food money first. When buying gifts or souvenirs think about how you will transport them home.
• The exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies are not fixed. The rates change daily. Visit Oanda.com  to get a sense of how rates change.
• It is best to take a combination of debit cards, credit cards, and a small amount of cash. Keep copies of your credit card and ATM card, separate from the cards themselves. Make a list of phone numbers to report lost or stolen cards. 
• Exchange about $100 to $200 into local currency before you depart. You may need some cash in local currency when you arrive at your destination. This will also give you an opportunity to become familiar with the currency.
• Keep in mind that your bank may charge an ATM transaction fee for each withdrawal. Check with your bank before you go and include those fees in your budget.
• IEO strongly recommends that all students travel with a credit card for emergency purposes. If you do not have a credit card, we encourage you to apply for one that does not include any foreign transaction fees.  

Handling Monday and Documents Safely:

• Withdraw cash from ATMs only as needed. Be aware of your surroundings when withdrawing money.
• Do not flash large amounts of money when paying a bill. Make sure your credit card is returned to you after each transaction.
• Only use authorized agents when you exchange money, buy airline tickets, or purchase souvenirs. 
• If your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the local police. Keep a copy of the police report for insurance claims. Ask the police to provide you with an English translation of the police report (if necessary).
• After reporting missing items to the police, report the loss or theft of:
  • Credit cards to the issuing company;
  • Airline tickets to the airline or travel agent;
  • Passport to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Always travel light: Limit yourself to one checked bag and one carry-on. You can move more quickly and will be more likely to have a free hand. You will also be less tired and less likely to set your luggage down, leaving it unattended.

Prescription medications: Verify that your prescription medication is legal in your host country. If you have any doubt about the legality of carrying a certain drug into your host country, consult the embassy or consulate of the host country before departure. Remember to bring any prescription medication with you in your carry-on bag. Bring enough to last the duration of your trip and a little extra in case you have travel disruptions. Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Bring copies of your prescriptions and the generic names for the drugs. If a medication is unusual or contains narcotics, carry a letter from your doctor attesting to your need to take the drug. 

Money: Bring ATM cards, one or two major credit cards, and $100 to $200 in the local currency. Be sure to verify with your bank if your ATM cards and/or credit cards have international transaction fees. 

Passport: Bring a photocopy of your passport information page to make replacement of your passport easier in the event it is lost or stolen. Leave an extra copy of your passport with someone at home. If you lose your passport while traveling abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. 

Airline tickets and travel itinerary: Make sure your itinerary is in order and the name on your airline ticket matches the name on your passport. Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home in case they need to contact you in an emergency.

Cell phones: Check with your cell phone provider to see if they offer an international phone plan. You can also ask whether your phone may be unlocked in order  to use a local SIM card while abroad. In many countries, it is fairly easy and cheap to buy a local prepaid SIM card for your unlocked phone (this gives you a local telephone number while using the SIM card). 

Security: Put your name, address and telephone numbers inside and outside of each piece of luggage. If possible, lock your luggage (consult the airline about their locked luggage policy). Don’t bring anything you would hate to lose. Leave at home:

• Valuable or expensive-looking jewelry; irreplaceable family objects;
• Any unnecessary credit cards;
• Social Security card and similar items you may routinely carry in your wallet.

Please review the Diversity and Identity Abroad resource pages.

Please review the Health & Safety Guide.

UCLA Global Internship Program
1332 Murphy Hall
International Education Office
Tel. 310-825-4995

Associate Director: Andrew Bottom (abottom@ieo.ucla.edu)
Coordinator: Ana Arellano (aarellano@ieo.ucla.edu)

UCLA Financial Aid & Scholarships Office
A129 Murphy Hall
Tel. 310-206-0400