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Myths and Facts for Prospective Applicants Interested in EAP


  • Myth #1: "Studying Abroad Will Delay My Graduation."
  • Myth #2: "It's Too Expensive. I Could Never Afford It."
  • Myth #3: "You Have To Be Fluent In A Foreign Language To Study Abroad."
  • Myth #4: "There's No Value In Studying Abroad Unless You Are A Foreign Language Major."
  • Myth #5: "You Have To Be A Junior To Go On EAP."
  • Myth #6: "I Must Complete My Last 68 Of 80 Units At UCLA"
  • Myth #7: "I Can't Go Abroad If I Am A Transfer Student"
  • Myth #8: "EAP Is Just For Students Who Want To Go To Europe."
  • Myth #9: "It's Too Competitive -- I'd Never Get Accepted."
  • Myth #10: "You Have To Have A 3.0 GPA To Apply For EAP."
  • Myth #11: "EAP Has Only Year-Long Options."
  • Myth #12: "I've Already Missed The EAP Deadline"

Myth #1: "Studying Abroad Will Delay My Graduation."

  • Fact: With careful planning, you can make normal progress toward your degree. Most EAP students do just that. It might require more planning for some majors, but EAP is flexible enough that there should be some way for you to go abroad.

Myth #2: "It's Too Expensive. I Could Never Afford It."

  • Fact: Of the over 30 EAP countries, only a few are more expensive than staying at UCLA. Most programs cost about the same or less (some cost a LOT less!) than staying here in Westwood or West LA. And that includes airfare and all living expenses.
  • Fact: About 70% of UCLA participants on EAP receive financial aid.
  • Fact: All financial aid applies on EAP, except work-study which becomes a loan or grant.
  • Fact: Various scholarships--both need-based and merit-based--are available from EAP, the federal government, and other sources. Come to the EAP Resource Room or the UCLA Scholarship Resource Center to research scholarship options.

Myth #3: "You Have To Be Fluent In A Foreign Language To Study Abroad."

  • Fact: Many EAP countries have options that don't require prior knowledge of a foreign language. There are many programs where the language of instruction is English, even if the country itself is not English-speaking. Some programs require that you take courses in the language of the host country while pursuing other coursework in English. EAP also offers many Language and Culture Programs with minimal language prerequisites.

Myth #4: "There's No Value In Studying Abroad Unless You Are A Foreign Language Major."

  • Fact: Students from nearly every major--including sciences, engineering, art, political science, English, and many others--have studied abroad on EAP. Students from all majors have told us how much they gained from their EAP experiences, even if they didn't study their major while abroad. Some students are able to pick up a second major or a minor from the coursework taken abroad. The experience of being abroad helps you to attain many of the adaptation skills so valued in today's world.

Myth #5: "You Have To Be A Junior To Go On EAP."

  • Fact: Freshmen can apply in Winter Quarter of their first year to go the following summer or fall! Check with us for details about eligibility.
  • Fact: Sophomores are eligible to participate in many programs, including some of our new programs in London and Paris.
  • Fact: Seniors are often able to participate as well, even in their last year at UCLA. The Senior Residency Requirement can be waived for EAP participants as long as you meet General Residency requirements.

Myth #6: "I Must Complete My Last 68 Of 80 Units At UCLA"

  • Fact: The Senior Residency Requirement has recently changed for all students.

Myth #7: "I Can't Go Abroad If I Am A Transfer Student"

  • Fact: While it is true that transfer students might have tighter schedules and more to consider when planning on going abroad, the EAP program encourages you to explore your options through us. We send many transfer students abroad every year.

Myth #8: "EAP Is Just For Students Who Want To Go To Europe."

  • Fact: 75% of EAP countries are NOT in Western Europe. EAP sends students to every continent except Antarctica. A few examples outside of Western Europe include: Australia, South Africa, Chile, Korea, Ghana, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam, Canada, Hungary, Brazil, India, New Zealand, and many more.

Myth #9: "It's Too Competitive -- I'd Never Get Accepted."

  • Fact: Most EAP applicants who meet minimum qualifications are accepted to go abroad. There is room in most countries for more UCLA students. Plus, since everyone in the UCLA EAP office believes that study abroad is an important component of your educational experience we really want to send you abroad!

Myth #10: "You Have To Have A 3.0 GPA To Apply For EAP."

  • Fact: For many programs you must have a 3.0 by the end of the quarter before departure. In many cases, this is enough time to raise your GPA. Plus, a GPA of 2.5 is enough for some programs, such as many Language and Culture Programs. If you have a GPA that is lower than a 3.0, it is always best to come into the EAP office so we can help you find program possibilities. You can start by exploring the countries you are interested in.

Myth #11: "EAP Has Only Year-Long Options.

  • Fact: In addition to the dozens of year-long programs, which offer the richest and most complete study abroad option for most students, EAP has about 75 summer, quarter and semester options in exciting places.

Myth #12: "I've Already Missed The EAP Deadline"

  • Fact: EAP has different deadlines for different programs. Some are as early as October; others are as late as May. If you missed the deadline for the country you are interested in, either consider an alternative location or start planning early for next year. Be sure to check the EAP Deadlines or come in to the EAP office at B300 Murphy Hall for the most up-to-date information on current deadlines


Published: Monday, October 31, 2005