Congratulations and Welcome to IOP!
Here's how you should proceed:
1. Have you picked up the IOP Pre-Departure Requirements 1/2 sheet from CIE?
- NO => STOP! You must complete and submit a Program Assessment Worksheet (PDF) to CIE before proceeding. No appointment necessary.
- YES => Continue below.
2. The following items require your attention immediately. Read the appropriate tabs above now and take action as needed:
- IOP Financial Aid
- IOP Credit
- Apply to Your IOP Program
3. Read all emails you receive from CIE and your IOP program or host university as soon as you receive them and take action to meet every deadline. Check your UCI email account daily.
4. Complete the IOP Forms as soon as you are admitted to your program. See tab above.
5. Review the remaining tabs above and the links under "All Participants" to the left, as they pertain to you.
Questions???
- If you have specific questions about your IOP program (e.g. housing, fees, airfare), contact your IOP sponsoring program directly.
- If you have questions about your IOP participation in relation to UCI, review the tabs above and links to the left thoroughly.
- If you still have questions, contact CIE for assistance.
Airline Ticket
After you have been accepted by your IOP program and know the official dates, check with your program to see if you should buy your airline tickets on your own or if they will be assisting you with this. If needed, advice on buying airline tickets can be found on the CIE web site at: Getting There.
Apply to Your IOP Program
Applying to an IOP program is a two-part process:
1. Apply directly to your IOP program according to their instructions. Some programs may require forms to be completed by your study abroad advisor. You can drop off these forms at the CIE front desk and then pick them up within 48 hours.
2. Complete the IOP Forms for CIE. If applicable, complete the necessary steps for IOP Financial Aid and IOP Credit. See relevant tabs above.
Country Information
- NOW is the time to start learning about the country to which you are going. Preparation is an important component of going abroad. The more you prepare, the better off you will be when you arrive in your host country!
- The How to Prepare link to the left contains a lot of web sites you can use to learn about your host country, especially Know Your Hosts and Travel Issues.
- Another good resource is talking to past participants. See Contacts List to the left.
Disability Services
If you require special assistance to obtain equal access to the program while abroad because of a physical (e.g.: mobility, hearing, visual or chronic systemic condition), or hidden (e.g., ADHD, learning, psychological condition) disability, you should notify your IOP provider and follow their instructions. It is likely that they will want a letter from the UCI Disability Services Center describing your needs.
IOP Fees
For the term(s) you are on IOP, do not pay registration fees to UCI. Pay IOP Program fees directly to your IOP program.
Financial Aid recipients: Read the IOP Financial Aid tab above.
Health Insurance While on IOP
- You should have adequate health/medical insurance coverage during your time abroad. If you currently carry insurance or your parents' policy covers you, make sure that the policy will be in effect during your time abroad. Check with your IOP program to see if they provide health insurance coverage. If you do not have sufficient coverage, you should purchase some international health insurance to cover you while abroad.
- For more information, see: Health Insurance.
- All IOP participants are strongly advised to register for the UC Traveler Insurance. It is FREE to you. UC already pays the premiums for this insurance. There is NO COST to IOP participants.
Details of coverage and on-line registration are at: http://www.uctrips-insurance.org/
To register, click on "Apply by Completing this Form."
Tips for completing the registration:
- For "Purpose of Trip" choose "Other".
- For "UC location" choose "Irvine Campus".
A few highlights of the coverage include: medical emergency evacuation, security evacuation (non-medical), various accidents, sickness, and more. For coverage details click on, "Travel Benefits Comparison for Students".
Make sure you are not left without health insurance at any time!!
IOP Credit
To Receive Credit:
- Be sure to review the information on transferring credit to UCI on How to Get Credit.
IOP Financial Aid
To Receive Financial Aid:
- Second, meet with the IOP Financial Aid Counselor in 102 Aldrich Hall for instructions and to answer any questions. Do this before submitting your IOP Credit Contract. No appointment necessary.
IOP Forms
1. IOP Confirmation Form (DOC). Once admitted to your IOP program: Complete and turn in to CIE.
2. Acceptance notification from your IOP program. Submit a copy to CIE.
3. IOP Waiver Form (DOC). Once admitted to your IOP program: Complete and turn in to CIE.
Note: If your program is in a country with a current U.S. State Department Travel Warning, contact your CIE Advisor to obtain an Alternate Waiver form and the IOP Safety Instructions and Risk Acknowledgement.
4. IOP Advance Readmission form. Required only if both are true:
- You will be abroad one or more quarters during the academic year
AND
-You will return to UCI
Not required for summer participants
Pick up hard copy from CIE.
Note: If you normally receive financial aid, you must turn in this form by the UCI Fee Payment Deadline for your first quarter abroad.
Orientations for programs beginning in Winter
You will be notified via e-mail when orientation dates have been scheduled on the RSVP web site. RSVP by OCTOBER 5th.
MANDATORY:
1) Living Abroad Orientation
- Offered multiple times – attend only once.
2) Country Orientation
- Offered only once.
Passport
All Students:
- A valid passport is required for all participants. If you do not currently have a passport that is valid until at least six months after the end of your program, apply for one immediately.
- The name on your passport should be the same name that appears on your IOP program application. Ideally, it should also be the same as your name on your UCI records. You should not officially change your name in the middle of applying for or participating in your IOP program.
U.S. Citizens:
- Routine processing for a U.S. passport can take 4-6 weeks. You may visit the UCI Passport Office web site for more information on obtaining a passport.
Non-U.S. Citizens:
- Non-U.S. citizens must obtain a passport from the embassy of your country of citizenship.
- If you are unable to obtain a passport from your home country, make an appointment with your IOP Advisor immediately.
- If you are considering applying for U.S. citizenship, or are already in the process, make an appointment with your IOP Advisor immediately.
Student Visa
U.S. Citizens:
- Information on how to obtain a Student Visa for U.S. citizens should be provided to you by your IOP program. If you are uncertain as to whether or not you need a visa, ask your IOP program.
Non-U.S. Citizens:
- Non-U.S. citizens should contact the consulate of your host country immediately to inquire as to the paperwork necessary to obtain a visa. Processing can take up to 6 months.
Withdrawing from IOP
If you decide that you cannot participate on IOP, inform your IOP program and CIE so we can update our records.
Update Your Contact Information
If your local or permanent address or phone number(s) change at any time before or after departure, you MUST update your contact information with:
