Extending Your Study Abroad
Some single-term UCEAP programs allow you to extend your participation to a full year within the same program.
EXTENDING PARTICIPATION
Process Steps
The extension process can begin before departure or during the initial time abroad. It is easier to extend if you obtain approval before departure. Obtaining pre-approval does not commit you to extending, but it will simplify and expedite the process if you decide to extend. Extension processing times can take up to six weeks.
OPTION 1: APPLY PRIOR TO DEPARTURE
Obtain Pre-Approval to Extend Before Departure
Complete and submit an approved Departmental/College Preliminary Approval to Extend (DPA) form at the time of UCEAP application. If you miss this first deadline, contact your Program Specialist to determine if you can still submit an approved DPA during the predeparture period.
Request Final Approval to Extend by the Deadline
Once abroad, complete a Request for Final Approval to Extend (RFA) form by the deadline. It is your responsibility to meet the deadline.
The RFA can be used only if you submit an approved DPA prior to departure. Submit the RFA to your UCEAP study center or host institution for processing.
OPTION 2: APPLY DURING THE INITIAL TERM ABROAD
If you didn’t submit an approved DPA before departure, you must complete a Petition to Extend (PTE) by the deadline.
Final Approval of Your Request
Final approval is determined by UCEAP and is contingent upon space availability in the program, fulfillment of financial obligations, and satisfactory academic and behavioral standing.
- If you submitted an RFA: If approved by the study center or host institution, the RFA will be forwarded to the UCEAP Systemwide Office for final approval. The RFA process usually takes less than one week.
- If you submitted a PTE: If approved by the study center or host institution, the PTE must then be approved by the UCEAP Systemwide Office, your UC campus department chair, and dean/provost. The PTE process usually takes up to six weeks.
Once your extension is approved, you will be notified via email with additional steps you need to complete in the UCEAP Portal. UCEAP will notify your UC campus study abroad office which will notify your home campus registrar and financial aid office.
Planning for a Second Term
Make sure you have housing and other arrangements in order, and budget appropriately.
- Visa/residence permit: Work with the UCEAP study center or host institution to extend your visa or residence permit for the duration of the extended program. If you are an international student, check in with your UC campus international student office to take any steps required to maintain your US student status so that you can reenter the US after your time abroad.
- Housing: Make arrangements to extend or secure new housing for the additional term.
- Health insurance: Ensure you maintain health insurance coverage in the US for the duration of your extended program.
- Finances (including scholarship): Review the revised Estimated Student Budget for your new term in your UCEAP Portal. If you receive financial aid, contact your campus Financial Aid Office to request a revision of your financial aid package after your extension is finalized. Financial aid revisions may delay disbursement, so be sure to plan and budget accordingly. Consider applying for the UCEAP extension scholarship.