Students participating in this program should be aware that if the University of California Office of the President, Center for Disease Control, and US Department of State recommend that students do not travel due to COVID-19, there is a chance that this program could be suspended until a later date. The UCSC Global Learning team will be monitoring the situation closely and making decisions closer to the withdrawal deadline in March.
COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs
Do I need to provide proof of compliance with the UC COVID-19 Vaccination Program Policy in order to participate in the Global Seminar?
Yes, you must provide proof of vaccination or approved exception through the standard campus process. UC Santa Cruz Student Health Center will verify your compliance with the vaccination policy. Failure to provide this information at least three months in advance of the UC Santa Cruz Global Seminar program start date is grounds for dismissal from the UC Santa Cruz Global Seminar program without a refund.
After you have been selected for participation in a UC Santa Cruz Global Seminar, you will be provided instructions on how to request a “COVID-19 Vaccination Program Verification Letter” from the UC Santa Cruz Student Health Center.
Is the COVID-19 vaccination required to participate in a UC Santa Cruz Global Seminar?
All UC students who wish to participate in a UC Santa Cruz Global Seminar must satisfy the requirements of the UC SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy (the “UC COVID-19 Vaccination Policy”). Note however, that acceptance into the program does not guarantee participation. There are different rules for each country and additional rules that may vary by location or local program regarding COVID-19 vaccination and boosters. UC Santa Cruz Global Learning strongly recommends that all students be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to program departure, regardless of whether you have received an approved exception. Even if you have received an approved exception to the UC vaccination requirement, understand that UC policies do not have any bearing on other entities. Many airlines, border entry officials, on-site accommodations, classrooms, restaurants, and others, depending on the destination, may require proof of COVID-19 vaccination. An approved exception to the UC COVID vaccination policy will NOT override the requirements of airlines, host governments, and local requirements on-site. Lack of COVID-19 vaccination may also limit access to many other activities while abroad. No refunds are possible if an unvaccinated student, or a student without proof of COVID-19 vaccination, is denied program access, access to transportation (e.g. airline or ground transportation), access to housing, classroom, educational excursions, or other resources & services.
Non-vaccinated students may also be required to quarantine upon arrival and/or prior to departure for two weeks at a time. This may hinder your ability to participate fully in the classes, program, or to complete the course assignments. Quarantine requirements may add substantial additional costs for housing, food, and other accommodations upon arrival or stay in the country before or after the end of the Global Seminar program. All costs relating to quarantine requirements are the sole responsibility of the student and will not be covered by Financial Aid or other campus funds. In addition to any local in-country guidelines, you may also be required to follow UCSC guidelines for unvaccinated students when you are abroad.
Please keep in mind that UC Santa Cruz Global Learning partners with third-party program providers to administer Global Seminars who may require students to submit proof of vaccination, without exception, in order to participate. Global Learning staff are NOT able to grant exceptions to the UC COVID-19 Vaccination Policy or grant any exceptions to any COVID-19 vaccination or mitigation policies of third-party program providers.
If you receive an exception or deferral pursuant to the UC COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, and you choose to participate in a UC Santa Cruz Global Seminar program, you are accepting the risks associated with traveling while unvaccinated for COVID-19 and understand and acknowledge that The Regents of the University of California shall bear no responsibility or liability with respect to any damages, losses, consequences or claims arising out of your decision to travel while unvaccinated for COVID-19.
Program Orientation
There will be a program-specific orientation with the instructor and global learning program coordinator at UCSC during the spring quarter before departure. This orientation addresses travel, packing, academics, health and safety, and more. It also provides you the opportunity to meet with others on your program.
Travel Arrangements
Participants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to the program site. Instructions for making flight arrangements will be sent to students via email after the program reaches minimum enrollment or within a week after the enrollment deadline. Instructions on how to get to the program accommodations will be available to enrolled students in their Program Guide.
On-Site Transportation
Group transportation will be provided for class activities and excursions.
Notes on Travel to your Destination
As UCSC Global Seminars are not affiliated with a host university, you will enter as a tourist and can travel there for 90 total days if you are a U.S. citizen.
Please make sure your passport is valid for 6 months after your return and you have blank pages available per entry/exit stamp. Note those with passports that do not meet these requirements may not be allowed to enter and could be sent back to the United States at their own expense. For full entry and exit requirements, visit the U.S. Department of State link below.
Note: If you intend to participate in another study, intern or travel program immediately beforehand or afterwards, make sure to take this program into account when figuring out your visa situation. UCSC Global Learning can provide you a verification of enrollment letter when requested, but you are responsible for securing visa(s) if needed.
Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens
No foreign visa is required for this program. You will enter on a 90-day tourist visa.
A passport is required for this program.
Entry Requirements for Non-U.S. Citizens
A passport is required for this program.
Non-U.S. citizens should check for visa and other entry requirements by contacting the consulate of their travel destination(s) (see links below). Participants are responsible for obtaining their own visa. UCSC Global Learning will supply a verification of enrollment or other necessary documents for non-U.S. citizens upon request.
International students in the United States on an F-1 or J-1 visa interested in studying abroad or away, should ensure the US visa in their passport has at least 90 days validity remaining whenever they travel abroad. If the US visa expires or is about to expire (even if the I-20 is current), students may be required to apply for the visa to their study abroad country in their home country.
Non-US citizens unable to gain access to the host country will be subject to cancellation fees as shown in the cancellation schedule. For this reason, international students are highly encouraged to research entry to their destination country well in advance, and before enrolling in the program if possible.
Embassies and Consulates
US Embassy in Berlin
Clayallee 170
14191 Berlin, Germany
+49-30-8305-0