Myth #1: You have to be a junior to go on EAP.
FACT: Sophomores are eligible to participate in many EAP
programs (so freshmen, apply now to go next summer, fall,
or year!)
FACT: Seniors are able to participate on EAP, even
in their last semester or last year!
MYTH #2: You have to have a 3.0 GPA to go on EAP.
FACT: While it is true that most of the year-long immersion
programs require a GPA of 3.0, a 2.5 GPA is enough for
many of the semester and summer programs. And if your
GPA is just shy of 3.0, in many cases, you can still
apply and use the time until the program begins to raise
it.
MYTH #3: EAP has only year-long options.
FACT: EAP has many short-term options that take place during
the summer, fall, and spring. See all short term programs
at www.eap.ucop.edu/eap/discipline/short-term.htm
MYTH #4: You have to be fluent in a foreign language.
FACT: 26 out of 33 EAP countries have options that don't
require prior knowledge of the local language (even though
the local language is used in some). EAP also offers many
language and culture programs that have minimal language
prerequisites. EAP’s full-immersion options that
have language prerequisites begin abroad with an intensive
language program, or ILP, that provides excellent preparation.
Many UC students succeed every year—so can you!
MYTH
#5: It's too expensive—I could never
afford it.
FACT: The cost of most programs
is about the same as the cost of studying at UCSB for the
same time period. Many sites are even cheaper (some are
MUCH cheaper!) And that includes airfare and all living
expenses!
FACT: A large percentage of EAP participants receive financial
aid.
FACT: All financial aid applies on EAP (except work-study
which becomes a loan).
FACT: Various scholarships—both need- and non-need-based—are
available from EAP, the federal government, and outside
sources.
MYTH
#6: It's too competitive—I'd never
get accepted.
FACT: Most all EAP applicants who meet minimum qualifications
are accepted.
MYTH #7: Studying abroad would delay my graduation.
FACT: With careful planning, you can make normal progress
toward your degree. Most EAP students do just that.
MYTH #8: EAP is just for students who want to go to Europe.
FACT: 24 out of 33 EAP countries are NOT in Western Europe.
EAP sends students to every continent except Antarctica.
A few examples: South Africa, Chile, Philippines, Korea,
Vietnam, Canada, Hungary, Turkey, India, New Zealand, and
many more. See all EAP options at www.eap.ucop.edu/eap/country/.
MYTH #9: There's no value in studying abroad unless you're
a foreign language major.
FACT: Students from every major (including the sciences,
engineering, and architecture) have studied abroad on EAP
and have report having gained a great deal from the experience,
even if they didn't study their major while abroad.
MYTH #10: It's too late now to apply for next
year.
FACT: We have 3 applications cycles during the year. Check
the deadline chart in the news section to
see how soon you could go abroad.
