Mar 29, 2024  
2015-2016 Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Office of International Affairs


Return to: About UC Merced 

Kolligian Library 101
Phone: 209-228-4722
Fax: 209-228-4708
Email: international@ucmerced.edu
Web: international.ucmerced.edu

The Office of International Affairs (OIA) supports UC Merced’s vision of becoming a leading international institution. Through the International Center, visa services and study abroad exchange, OIA aims to assist students and scholars as they engage in global higher education and research.

OIA is comprised of three programmatic areas: visa services, study abroad, and the International Center. For more information about OIA please view international.ucmerced.edu.

Study Abroad

OIA assists students with study abroad in programs through:

  1. The UC Education Abroad Program, UCEAP
  2. UC Summer Abroad (through UCLA, UCD, etc.)
  3. The International Opportunities Program (independent and external programs)

The University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) offers 142 international study programs in 40 countries. Participating students remain matriculated at UC while studying abroad and receive full UC academic credit for their work. Students in every discipline are encouraged to consider fulfilling a portion of their degree requirements abroad, as every career path intersects with global issues. Transfer students may also begin the application process before enrolling in UC courses in order to participate during their second term at UC Merced.

UCEAP opportunities are also open to qualified graduate students who have completed at least one full year of graduate work and have the support of their faculty advisor and graduate dean. A detailed statement of the projected program of study is required.

The cost of studying on UCEAP is comparable to the cost of studying at UC Merced. In some cases, UCEAP may cost less than a semester on campus.  Students who qualify for UC financial aid continue to receive grants, loans, and scholarships while abroad. Aid is based on the cost of studying at each UCEAP location and on individual need. Budgets include the cost of airfare for the purpose of program participation. Students who do not currently receive UC financial support may qualify for financial aid while on UCEAP. Additionally, UCEAP provides support through scholarships and grants.

Please visit studyabroad.ucmerced.edu to learn about UCEAP, UC Summer Abroad, and IOP study abroad opportunities, and find out about the application process. Applications may be due as early as 10 months in advance of the program, but students are encouraged to visit the Office of International Affairs and their academic advisor(s) even earlier to begin planning for study abroad.

International Student and Scholar Services

UC Merced enjoys a diverse international community on campus with international students, staff, researchers, and professors who represent more than 60 nations. We sponsor non-immigrant visas in the areas of F-1 for the purpose of study, J-1 visas for the purposes of study, research, and academic employment, and H-1B visas for faculty employment.

The International Student and Scholar Services at OIA offer a wide range of services to UC Merced’s international students, scholars and their families. Services include orientations, guidance on immigration and visa matters, help with adjusting to life in the United States and special cultural programing. All prospective, new and current students and scholars are encouraged to speak with a Visa Specialist for assistance with questions related to their visa status.

More information and resources for international students and scholars are available at iss.ucmerced.edu.