Frequently Asked Questions

General

I want to apply for Global Edge but don't have a passport. What can I do?

You must hold a valid passport in order to register for the Global Edge program. Your passport must be valid through at least June 1, 2025.

If you are not in possession of a valid passport at the time of registration, you must be able to provide proof of your application for a renewed or new passport within your registration documents in order to be considered for participation in the program.

You can find all the information you need to apply for or renew your passport on the U.S. Department of State website. Passport processing can take up to a few months so apply as early as possible! Since Global Edge is a popular program with limited space, we can't hold spots for students who do not have a valid passport.

What happens if I am on the waitlist?

Students will be notified no later than June 1, 2024, if they have been admitted off the waitlist. If the program is not yet full, Global Edge will appear as an available First Year Pathway selection.

I am an international student. Is there anything I need to know?

International students may or may not be eligible to participate in the Global Edge program based on your citizenship.

If you do not have a US or EU passport, please contact globaledge@berkeley.edu regarding your eligibility.

If you are an international student planning on applying for Global Edge, when you are filling out your Nonimmigrant Information Form (NIF) through the Berkeley International Office, select June 19 as your start date. Please wait to complete the NIF until you are officially admitted into Global Edge.

Enrollment

Who can enroll in Global Edge?

New freshmen admitted into the College of Letters and Science, Rausser College of Natural Resources, or Haas Global Management Program who meet the following criteria:

  • Hold a valid United States, United Kingdom, or European Union passport at the time of registration* (must be valid through June 1, 2025).
  • Be 18 years old by August 9, 2024

*International students may or may not be eligible to participate in the Global Edge program based on your citizenship. If you do not have a US or EU passport, please contact globaledge@berkeley.edu regarding your eligibility.

How do I enroll in Global Edge?

Eligible students will receive admission to UC Berkeley through the student application portal (MAP @ Berkeley) and must accept their offer of admission for UC Berkeley through the student application portal (MAP @ Berkeley). After accepting your offer, register for Global Edge by selecting it on your First Year Pathways Form. After selecting Global Edge as their program choice, students will receive a "next steps" email from admissions, which includes a link to complete their electronic signature and upload their registration documents. Students who submit a complete registration will receive confirmation of their participation in the Global Edge program on a rolling basis via email from Global Edge program staff.

Complete documents for each student will be reviewed in the order received. Applications that are incomplete will not be reviewed for consideration and will jeopardize a student's registration in Global Edge.

If a student initially chooses Global Edge and decides not to participate in the program, a Program Enrollment Change Form must be submitted; nonrefundable program expenses will be incurred if their cancellation is received after the May 9th cancellation deadline.

I received a notification that my registration is missing documents. What should I do next?

Your registration for Global Edge is incomplete and will not be processed until all required documents have been received. Since Global Edge is a popular program with limited space, we are unable to hold spots for students who are missing documents. It is your responsibility to ensure that all required documents are submitted. If you experience any issues uploading your required documents through the Global Edge online registration page, please contact globaledge@berkeley.edu.

Complete documents for each student will be reviewed in the order received. Applications that are incomplete will not be reviewed for consideration and will jeopardize a student's registration in Global Edge.

If a student initially chooses Global Edge and decides not to participate in the program, a Program Enrollment Change Form must be submitted; nonrefundable program expenses will be incurred.

Courses

How do I pick my classes?

You will be manually registered for your two summer courses by Global Edge staff. You will enroll in fall courses abroad during the summer at Berkeley.

How many classes can I take?

Students will be enrolled in two required courses during the Summer Session. Due to the rigor and condensed nature of these courses, we do not recommend taking a third summer course. Please consult with your academic or college advisor in advance of pursuing an additional course for the summer semester. During the fall semester abroad, no additional course can be taken outside of your 4 courses.

Will all of my courses be with Berkeley students?

Your classmates enrolled in the Philosophy 2 and Reading & Composition R4A summer courses at Berkeley, and fall semester courses in London will be the members of the Global Edge cohort.

Can I take a class P/N?

You will be enrolled in courses on a Letter grade basis by default. If you wish to take a course on a Pass/Not Pass basis, you are able to change your grading option in your CalCentral account by the set deadline. Information on deadlines can be accessed at the Summer Sessions deadline page. If you have any questions about taking a class Pass/Not Pass for Global Edge, please contact your current/intended major advisor for assistance.

How do I make changes to my course selection?

Students are not able to change any of their two required summer courses. The only exceptions are rare circumstances in which a student may be waived out of a course based on previously completed equivalent college credit. If you would like to request a waiver out of a required course, please contact the Global Edge staff for more information.The process for requesting changes to course selection while abroad will be discussed during your orientation in London.

Who will be teaching my courses abroad in the fall?

Instructors for London courses include Berkeley faculty as well as local instructors selected by UC Berkeley from such institutions as University College London and King's College London.

Will I be required to purchase any textbooks for my courses abroad?

No, your courses abroad will not require you to purchase any textbooks and/or e-books prior to your departure.

Can RCNR students with the intent to study biology participate in Global Edge?

If you are intended/declared in Molecular Environmental Biology, Microbial Biology, Environmental Sciences or Nutritional Sciences, it would be best to contact your advisor to discuss and plan your first-year coursework. Your advisor can work with you to plan the best schedule to meet your academic goals.

I'm in RCNR and intended pre-med/pre-health. Would participating in Global Edge affect my academic progress?

Pre-health/pre-med students have a rigorous curriculum to complete at Berkeley. Well-prepared students can participate with careful planning but it may affect your course load in subsequent semesters. If you have any questions about curriculum planning for Global Edge, please contact your current/intended major advisor for assistance.

Can RCNR students with the intent to study biology participate in Global Edge?

If you are intended/declared in Molecular Environmental Biology, Microbial Biology, Environmental Sciences or Nutritional Sciences, it would be best to contact your advisor to discuss and plan your first-year coursework. Your advisor can work with you to plan the best schedule to meet your academic goals.

I'm in RCNR and intended pre-med/pre-health. Would participating in Global Edge affect my academic progress?

Pre-health/pre-med students have a rigorous curriculum to complete at Berkeley. Well-prepared students can participate with careful planning but it may affect your course load in subsequent semesters. If you have any questions about curriculum planning for Global Edge, please contact your current/intended major advisor for assistance.

I'm a RCNR student, how do I register for Spring courses while I'm still abroad?

Your registration time for Spring will be posted to CalCentral at about the time the spring schedule becomes available to view. Before registration begins, you will receive instructions from your RCNR advisor requesting your intended class schedule. Your advisor will review your courses, provide feedback, and remove the advisor block on your record after schedule approval.

Orientation

What is the orientation program?

Global Edge students will receive a pre-arrival online orientation in early June, before they arrive on UC Berkeley campus. The pre-arrival online orientation will serve as an introduction to the UC Berkeley and the Global Edge program. Important topics including academic advising, spring schedule planning, course registration, financial aid, and much more will be covered during this orientation. Students and their families will also be invited to attend a Global Edge Program Welcome event on campus that coincides with housing move-in.

A pre-departure orientation will be conducted on Berkeley campus one month before departure. When they arrive abroad, students will participate in a required in-depth weeklong orientation. During this orientation, students will meet UC London Center Director and staff and receive extensive information about health, safety, and emergency procedures; program academics and housing; the local area and transportation; and take part in a cultural excursion day trip.

During the summer session and while abroad, students will have access to various online orientation modules that will serve as a foundation for their student career at UC Berkeley. Students will be responsible for completing the online orientation modules that appear in your CalCentral Task list including Golden Bear Prep and Think About It.

Prior to the start of the spring semester, all Global Edge students are required to attend the Golden Bear Orientation (GBO) on the UC Berkeley campus. Golden Bear Orientation will take place for Global Edge students in mid-January 2025. Move-in day for Global Edge students will be mid-January 2025.

The orientation includes academic advising and College-specific programming, community-building events, mandated critical trainings, and much more to help assist students' return to campus.

Details regarding GBO and the online orientation modules will be discussed during your summer at Berkeley and Fall semester in London.

Do I have to attend orientation and preparatory workshops?

Participants are required to attend orientation and other preparatory workshops conducted by UC Berkeley faculty, staff, and student services. If the student is unable to attend for any reason, it is the student's responsibility to notify program staff.

Cancellation and Withdrawal

What if I need to withdraw from the program?

To cancel your participation in Global Edge before departure or withdraw after you have begun the program, you must submit a Program Enrollment Change Form. Writing an email or talking to program staff about your intention to cancel is not considered an official request. Please see our Policies for more information.

What happens if the program is canceled?

In the unlikely event that the Global Edge program is canceled, participants will receive a refund of all fees. In the event that the program is canceled, you will be notified by Global Edge staff who will discuss your options with you. Please refer to our Policies page for more information.

What happens if my registration has been canceled because I don't meet the criteria for Global Edge?

If you are a student admitted to UC Berkeley for Fall 2024 start and don't meet the criteria for Global Edge, your registration will be canceled and your first-year pathway will default to an alternative option, based on availability, which may be an August 2024 start.

Travel

Do I need a passport to participate in Global Edge? How do I apply for one?

Yes, you must hold a valid passport, or be in the process of applying for a new or renewed passport in order to register for the Global Edge program. You can find all the information you need to apply for or renew your passport on the U.S. Department of State website. Passport processing can take up to a few months so apply as early as possible!

Do I need a visa?

Depending on your citizenship status you may need to obtain a visa. There may be different requirements for U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens. It is your responsibility to prepare any visa documents that are necessary to enter the country based on your citizenship status. You will receive visa instructions upon confirmation to the program and during your pre-departure orientation. Global Edge staff will provide you with key documentation necessary for UK Border Entry. Staff will also instruct you about additional documentation that you will need in advance of departure. It is ultimately the student's responsibility to ensure they have all necessary visa documentation before departure.

How will I travel to my abroad location after Summer Sessions ends?

You will travel on a group flight from San Francisco to your study abroad location. Global Edge staff will serve as chaperones and accompany participants abroad. Upon arrival abroad, a chartered bus will take participants and chaperones from the airport to their housing.

Am I required to take the group flight?

Yes, you are required to travel on the group flight from San Francisco to your abroad location. On the return flight, you may change your reservation to return on a later date or fly into a city other than San Francisco. You will be responsible for any change fees and costs associated with changing your reservation.

Can I travel while abroad?

Many students take advantage of the proximity of other European countries and relatively inexpensive flights to travel on weekends. Due to the academic rigor of the program, we highly recommend that you do not proceed with making travel plans until you have adjusted to your academic schedule and environment abroad. COVID-19 protocols, local public health status, and entry requirements are also important to be aware of when considering any travel outside of the UK.

Can family members join me on the program?

Dependents or other accompanying persons are not allowed on this program.

Housing

Do I have to live in program housing?

Living in the Residence Halls is recommended but not mandatory during summer. However, you are required to live in the program housing during fall semester abroad.

How is my roommate selected?

In advance of your semester abroad, you will complete a housing form with a series of questions intended to help match participants, and be matched with a roommate based on information provided. You and another participant may also request to be assigned together as roommates. Due to the complexity of program logistics, we cannot guarantee roommate matching.

Please consult our Policies page for additional information on housing.

Living in London

Will I have a meal plan in London?

The program does not provide a meal plan in London, but you will have the option of grocery shopping and preparing your meals in your apartment kitchen, or purchasing your own meals from local establishments who offer affordable food options and student specials. While on a budget in London, making a plan for your meals abroad is a good idea to stay on track. Refer to the resources below to plan ahead:

What activities or events can I participate in while in London?

London is a large, metropolitan city with endless options for activities. Through personal research using resources like Time Out London, and recommendations from the local staff of the ACCENT London Study Center (via email, in person, and on the bulletin board in the Study Center) you can stay keyed into all of the amazing opportunities London has to offer. The ACCENT London Study Center also plans a series of optional activities throughout the fall semester that students are able to sign up for, including: walking tours, theater shows, etc. Please note: some of these activities may have a fee associated with participation. Details regarding activities and signup will be discussed during your onsite orientation in London.

How can I meet other students that live in London?

While studying at the ACCENT London Study Center, you are likely to encounter students from a variety of colleges and universities in the US, including many UC students. You can interact with these students during the series of optional activities planned by the ACCENT London Study Center.

Students may also be able to purchase associate membership at Student Central London (formerly the University of London Student Union). This is an optional membership associated with the local University of London. Global Edge participants may be able to purchase a membership if interested in meeting local students or joining university clubs and societies. The estimated cost of this membership is around £40.

Billing and Payment

What are the fees?

For more information on program expenses, please visit our Costs page. For more information on Billing and Payment, please visit our Policies page.

Financial Aid

Does my fall semester financial aid cover summer?

You will need to apply for summer financial aid separately by completing the 2023-2024 FAFSA. You can use an aid calculator to estimate how much financial aid you might receive.

How many units must I be enrolled in to qualify for summer financial aid?

To qualify for summer financial aid you must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 units.

How much financial aid will I be eligible for in summer?

Summer financial aid differs from the academic year and is based on your actual summer enrollment. Financial aid is more limited in the summer than the regular academic year. You will not be awarded summer aid or be able to view your aid package until you have actually enrolled in your summer courses and have met all other summer aid eligibility requirements.

You can get an estimate of how much financial aid you might receive.

Can I see my aid package before I commit to the program?

You can view your aid package by doing the following:

Summer

  1. Login to CalCentral (CalNet ID required) and click on the My Finances tab.
  2. Select 2023-2024 from the drop-down menu under Financial Aid and Scholarships and click View Awards.
  3. Your financial aid awards will appear on the right-hand side of the screen if you have been offered aid.

You will be awarded summer financial aid 2-3 business days after enrolling in your summer courses if you meet all other summer aid eligibility requirements. Summer financial aid differs from the academic year and is based on the actual number of units enrolled for summer. Your financial aid package will depend on your financial need, summer enrollment, and eligibility for grants and loans. Waitlisted units are not considered when evaluating eligibility for summer financial aid. See Summer Aid information for more details.

Fall Semester

  1. Log into CalCentral and click on the My Finances tab.
  2. Select 2024-2025 from the drop-down menu under Financial Aid and Scholarships and click View Awards.
  3. Under "Update Housing/Pathway", you can estimate your awards for Global Edge by updating your housing type to Fall Global Edge and the appropriate housing status for when you return in Spring (i.e. Residence Hall, Off Campus, Living with Relatives, etc). This will update your Cost of Attendance and your aid package accordingly so you can see how your aid package would change if you participated in Global Edge this fall. If you are unable to revise your housing option, you can estimate your aid using our online calculator.
  4. Changes to your “Housing or Pathway” option in My Finances will not commit you to Global Edge nor will it release you from Global Edge or a housing contract once you have confirmed your participation.

In some cases, more information is required and you have been offered "conditional awards." These awards are not official and are subject to change. Log into CalCentral (CalNet ID required) to review your Communications and submit all required documents and information.

Fall semester aid does not cover summer. You will need to apply for summer financial aid separately by completing the 2023-2024 FAFSA.

Students should consult with Cal Student Central and review types of aid and eligibility for both summer and fall. When the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office calculates the amount of aid offered for participation in Global Edge, they consider not only the tuition and program fee charges but also out-of-pocket expenses students may incur during the program. The charges are posted directly to your CalCentral My Finances account. The tuition and the program fee are part of the total expenses that will be incurred while abroad.

If a student requires financial aid to cover program costs, it is their responsibility to obtain confirmation in advance of any program deadlines. Inability to pay the program fee or tuition is not a valid reason to receive a refund of the fees associated with the Global Edge program.

Even if a student receives financial aid for the program, if the student then decides to cancel their participation, their aid will be reversed and the student will receive a bill posted on their CalCentral My Finances page.

Accommodations

How do I request accommodations?

Students are encouraged to disclose any accommodations (physical, academic, etc.) they may need as early as possible. The Global Edge staff will work with you through the interactive process to provide reasonable accommodations to the extent possible given the realities of the country to which you will be traveling and the time at which the accommodation request is made. Students who disclose needs at the last minute, or who require accommodations that cannot be made available in the host country, may be advised against participation.

In order to request academic accommodations, please visit the UC Berkeley Disabled Student's Program (DSP) website and follow the steps for "New Students" to request accommodations. You will work directly with DSP to request accommodations needed for your on-campus summer courses/participation. Once an assessment of your needs is made, you will need to obtain a letter from DSP documenting your accommodation requests for the portion of your Global Edge program. The letter must be on letterhead and must be signed. Please submit the letter to Global Edge via email at globaledge@berkeley.edu.

If you have other accommodations that you will need, please contact Global Edge via email at globaledge@berkeley.edu.

Insurance and Healthcare

Will I have health insurance coverage abroad?

During the fall semester in London, all Global Edge participants will be automatically enrolled in Berkeley's Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). Berkeley SHIP is an affordable health insurance plan, providing medical, counseling, prescription, vision and dental services. If you wish to waive out of SHIP coverage for fall semester and instead be covered by your family's private insurance, you must do so by submitting an online waiver to University Health Services.

While abroad you are able to use your SHIP insurance under the services of Academic Emergency Services, which provides emergency medical/travel assistance, medical referrals, medical monitoring, medical evacuations, and can even help you find a local pharmacy (you will not have access to Academic Emergency Services if you have waived out of SHIP insurance).

Additionally, all Global Edge students must register their travel abroad online in order to secure UC Student Traveler's Insurance, which provides emergency travel, medical care, and evacuation coverage. This policy does not cover routine physicals and continued medical/psychiatric care. To access this coverage, it is important that Global Edge participants register their trip with the university.

How does my insurance work abroad?

If you are planning to waive out of SHIP insurance for fall semester, there are several questions and considerations to think through in advance of your departure for London. If you will be relying on your private insurance plan, make sure to consider the following when contacting your provider to gain the best understanding of your plan:

  • What medical coverage does your insurance plan provide abroad?
  • What is your private insurance plan policy number?
  • Who should you contact while abroad to get assistance for medical emergency/non-emergency insurance assistance?
  • How should you plan to use your insurance to receive any treatment or continuation of treatment (counseling, therapy, medical monitoring, etc.), while abroad?
  • How should you plan to use your insurance to request extra refills or maintenance medication to cover the duration of your program while abroad?
  • What is the reimbursement process if you receive care or medicine not coordinated through your insurance?

If you remain covered by SHIP during the fall semester abroad, you will be able to utilize this insurance abroad through Academic Emergency Services.

How can I access healthcare abroad?

With your SHIP insurance (Academic Emergency Services abroad) or your private insurance (depending on your policy), you will be able to easily access many types of medical and mental health care abroad. Please refer to the resources below for recommended health resources abroad:

London Doctors Clinic: For a doctor's appointment with a general practitioner while in London, we recommend visiting London Doctors Clinic. LDC has locations all over London, and are set up to accept visiting students for fee paying appointments (to visit the doctor in the UK as a non-UK citizen, you will need to pay a small fee). It is easy to book an appointment at LDC online; an in-person appointment or a video appointment is around £100. We recommend you keep a receipt of your fee payment in case you want to make an insurance claim, although this is not usually practical unless you have several appointments or are referred for further tests and treatment.

In the case of a serious medical emergency, students can walk-in to an urgent care clinic or A&E (Accident & Emergency - hospital ER) for treatment.

Teladoc: Offered through SHIP, Teladoc provides students with 24 hour access to virtual healthcare appointments and the ability to see board-certified medical professionals for things like the flu, common colds, and more through phone, tablet, or laptop. Students can also access mental health clinicians for counseling and psychiatry with Teladoc. Both medical and counseling services will require a co-pay of $15. Students who waive out of SHIP are not eligible for Teladoc.

UC Student Traveler's Insurance: Additionally, you will be covered by, which provides emergency travel, medical care, and evacuation coverage. This policy does not cover routine physicals and continued medical/psychiatric care. To access this coverage, it is important that Global Edge participants register their trip with the university.

Mindhamok: While abroad, you will have access to Mindhamok services, a 24/7 anonymous counseling helpline which students may call as many times as they like at no charge. Upon your orientation abroad, you will be given a toll-free number which will connect you to a licensed psychologist when dialed, anytime, day or night. This is a completely confidential and private service, with no limit to the number or duration of the calls you make. Mindhamok can also refer you to local English-speaking counselors for in person appointments.

Return Information

Should I be worried about missing Fall Golden Bear Orientation and the opportunity to join clubs and activities in the fall?

Though you will be in London during Fall Semester Golden Bear Orientation, you'll be in the midst of embarking on your incredible journey of studying abroad and living in London. Try not to frame it in your mind as what you're missing out on, but what you have the opportunity to experience instead. You will have the chance to experience Golden Bear Orientation on campus in January when you return from London, and clubs, organizations, and CalGreeks do accept new members, registrations, and rushes in spring semester as well.

What happens when I return to Berkeley in the spring?

Preparation for your return to Berkeley in the spring will begin in October. While abroad you will be responsible for consulting with your UC Berkeley academic adviser regarding spring course selection. After consulting with your adviser you will select your spring courses and register for them on-line at the same time as the rest of your first-year classmates at Berkeley. For students seeking on-campus housing, you will need to complete the on-campus application. Note that Global Edge students are guaranteed campus housing in Spring.

During the summer session, students will attend a Preparing for Fall/Spring workshop in which representatives from various departments including, Housing, Financial Aid, and your college-specific academic advisors will discuss important dates, deadlines, and processes you need to be aware of while abroad.

During the summer session and while abroad you will have access to various online orientation modules that will serve as a foundation for your student career at UC Berkeley. You will be responsible for completing the online orientation modules that appear in your CalCentral Task list including Golden Bear Prep and Think About It.

Prior to the start of the spring semester, all Global Edge students are required to attend the Golden Bear Orientation (GBO) on the UC Berkeley campus. Golden Bear Orientation will take place for Global Edge students on mid-January 2025. Move-in day for Global Edge students will be mid-January 2025.

The orientation includes academic advising and College-specific programming, community-building events, mandated critical trainings, and much more to help assist you upon your return to campus.

Details regarding GBO and the online orientation modules will be discussed during your summer at Cal and Fall semester in London.