Global Seminars Frequently Asked Questions

General Program Information

Please visit the Study Abroad and COVID-19 page for details on our office response to COVID-19, program updates, and other FAQs related to the pandemic.

See also the Global Seminars Travel Safety Considerations page for information about the Global Seminars response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

What are Global Seminars?

Each Global Seminar is a study abroad experience that lasts five weeks and is led by a UC San Diego professor. Students will enroll in two courses for a total of eight UCSD units. Class sizes will be between 15-28 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. The courses 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 courses will transfer to their home university and how the units will apply towards major, minor, or graduation requirements. Course descriptions are available on each program-specific page 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 15-28 students.

How will the Global Seminar appear on my transcript?

Global Seminars are UC San Diego courses. The courses and grades will appear on your transcript just like any other UC San Diego course. The grades will count toward your GPA. The course will have a "GS" at the end, indicating that it is a Global Seminar course. Non-UC San Diego students should see the Summer Session website for information on ordering transcripts and contact their home university to determine how the units will transfer.

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 UC San Diego Study Abroad Office 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, or if other unforeseen circumstances arise.

In such circumstances every effort would be made to provide students with a refund contingent upon recoverable fees.

Should I purchase trip cancellation insurance?

Trip cancellation insurance is included in the fees charged by UC San Diego Global Seminars, so you would receive a refund of your program and administrative fees if the UC San Diego Study Abroad Office had to cancel a program. However, we strongly encourage you to purchase individual trip cancellation insurance in case you have to withdraw from a program that is still running due to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness or family emergency. Some insurance policies may cover not only the cost of a plane ticket, but also non-refundable fees associated with the Global Seminars 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 receive confirmation the program has reached the minimum enrollment. You may wish to communicate with fellow classmates about making plans to fly together, and we will provide contact information for Student Universe, who can help you make group travel arrangements.

My friend or family member wants to visit me while I am attending the program. Can they 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 Global Seminars coordinators at globalseminar@ucsd.edu prior to the start of your Global Seminar to learn about your dietary options.

What special resources are available to LGBTQ+ 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.

I have a disability. Can I still study abroad?

The Office for Students with Disabilities works with students interested in or enrolled in Global Seminar programs offered through UC San Diego. Through an interactive process with the student, including a review of relevant documentation, the OSD will determine reasonable accommodations.

UC San Diego is committed to providing reasonable accommodations whenever possible. However, it should be noted that due to a particular program, the laws related to disability in countries outside of the United States, field work conditions, transportation limitations, housing availability, conditions in the country of study, or other factors, accommodations may not be available. For further information, please contact the OSD at 858.534.4382.

Cost and Financial Aid

What is the cost of a Global Seminar?

The cost is listed in the fees section of each Global Seminar program. UC San Diego will assess participants for the following fees: a program fee and a summer session course fee. The program fee varies for 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. It also includes a $500 administrative fee. When you receive your Global Seminars bill, the $250 non-refundable deposit that you paid with your application is credited towards your administrative fee. The registration fee includes tuition for 8 UC San Diego units (credits) as set by UC San Diego Summer Session, and a $500 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-UC San Diego 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 website for specifics.

Why is the $250 deposit non-refundable?

The $250 deposit fee covers administrative costs to review and process your application. That is why this fee is non-refundable. No exceptions are allowed. Do not confuse this deposit fee with the overall March 1 refund policy for the rest of the program fee. They are NOT the same thing.

Before applying for a Global Seminar, we strongly advise all students to speak with your academic adviser, your financial aid adviser ( if you are eligible for aid), and your family to make sure this is the right choice for you. Remember that you are agreeing with all the policies, procedures, and deadlines of the Global Seminar program, and that you are making a legally binding commitment to pay for the program when you submit the Global Seminar application.

If you have any questions, it is your responsibility to ask the Global Seminar advisers before applying.

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 by 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.

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 your classes will be canceled 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 the 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.

As a UC San Diego student, can I get Financial Aid to study on a Global Seminar?

UC San Diego students need to have filled out a FAFSA in order to be eligible for scholarships or Summer Aid. The application for Summer Aid opens in May from the Financial Aid Office. Please check their website for the exact date.

How and when do I apply for Financial Aid?

Apply for summer financial aid in mid April after you have registered for summer session classes. There is an online application on TritonLink. Consult the Financial Aid website for further details and exact dates.

What forms of Financial Aid will apply?

All forms of financial aid (grants, subsidized and unsubsidized loans) will apply. 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.

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 Seminar?

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.

Will Financial Aid cover my entire trip?

Financial aid (grants, subsidized and unsubsidized loans) may not cover the entire cost of the program.

Is travel to the program site included in the cost?

Should I purchase trip cancellation insurance?

Trip cancellation insurance for an individual student withdrawal after the deadline 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.

Requirements and Eligibility

What are the GPA requirements to study on a Global Seminar?

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 descriptions on the Global Seminars website. If you have a question about your preparation for a course or program, please send an inquiry to the Professor of the Global Seminar you are interested in.

Are there any age requirements?

Yes, university policy requires that all Global Seminar participants be at least 18 years old by the first day of the program.

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.

If I am planning to graduate in the spring, can I still participate in a Global Seminar?

If you would like to participate in a Global Seminar in the summer after your senior year, we recommend that you contact your College academic advising office to discuss delaying your official graduation until after summer session. That way you can take advantage of lower Summer Session tution and fees for current students and apply for financial aid and scholarships. You can still walk in the June commencement ceremony.

I am not a UC San Diego student. Can I apply?

Yes, current undergraduate college students at other U.S. universities (in good academic standing) may apply but they must contact the Global Seminars coordinator at globalseminar@ucsd.edu prior to applying.

Are international students able to participate in Global Seminars?

Yes, international students attending U.S. universities are welcome to participate in Global Seminars. If you are an international student please contact the Global Seminars Coordinators at globalseminar@ucsd.edu so that they can assist you with visa documents.

Begin your visa application at least three 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, Withdrawal and Refund policy.

How will the Global Seminar appear on my transcript?

Global Seminar courses are UC San Diego courses. The courses and grades will appear on your transcript just like any other UC San Diego course. The grades will count toward your GPA. The course number will have a "GS" at the end, indicating it is a Global Seminar course.

Non-UCSD students can request an official transcript from the UC San Diego Registrar and should contact their home university to determine how the units will transfer.

What if I need to withdraw from the program?

Refer to the Billing, Withdrawal and Refund policy provided by the Programs Abroad Office and contact the coordinator at globalseminar@ucsd.edu immediately.

Application and Enrollment

When is the application due?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis beginning in November and will be accepted until the March 1st deadline or 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?

Stop by the Study Abroad Office in the Fall.
Check out our Website.

How do I get started?

We recommend that students attend a First Steps meeting.

Get Started sessions are 30-minute information sessions about study abroad and financial aid options. You can watch a video online or attend a live virtual session.
Complete your TritonsAbroad student profile.
Attend an information session given by the professor who is leading the Global Seminar. Information sessions will be announced each 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 "Judicial Affairs Form" and a “Health Clearance Form." The Judicial Affairs form must be printed out from Tritons Abroad, signed by the student, and brought to their college Student Affairs Office to be filled out and returned to our office. In order to complete the Health Clearance form, you will need to make an appointment with UCSD Student Health or your private physician and then upload this completed form into your application. Do this during fall quarter.

How do I apply?

The application process is online through TritonsAbroad . You must submit 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 on a Global Seminar?

No, you are prohibited 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 UC San Diego Global Seminar courses pass/no pass?

We strongly advise 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 UC San Diego faculty, and interaction with motivated classmates. However, you may take the Global Seminar Courses P/NP if you wish. You must follow existing UC San Diego policies and deadlines when selecting your grade base.

Why do you require the Health Screening and Confidential Health History 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 a 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.

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 your TritonsAbroad student profile . Once you have done so call the Study Abroad Office to make an appointment with a Global Seminars advisor. Call (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 UC San Diego web 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, do I need permission to register for 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 at UC San Diego. Can I apply?

Yes, current undergraduate college students at U.S. universities (in good academic standing) 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. For students from other University of California campuses, a transcript will be sent to your home campus automatically, and the courses and grades will then appear on your home campus transcript. Non-University of California students will need to request a transcript from UC San Diego and submit it to their university of transfer credit. You should check with your home campus advisor to determine how the units will apply to your major, minor, or graduation requirements.

Do non-UCSD students pay a different rate for the education/registration fees?

Yes, students from other universities are assessed a different fee per unit (credit) than UC students. Summer session fees also apply to non-UC San Diego students ($50 for other UC students and $100 for students outside UC). We have estimated that total tuition on each program fee webpage, but these are set by Summer Session and you should consult their website for specifics.

All fees are subject to change without prior notice.

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 Seminar?

You need to talk to your home university financial aid advisor to find out whether you can receive financial aid for UC San Diego Global Seminar courses.