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EAP RECIPROCAL EXCHANGES PROGRAM – UC BERKELEY The following list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) is intended for students who have already applied to the EAP Reciprocal Exchanges Program and been accepted to UC Berkeley. For information on how to apply, visit UOEAP Reciprocal Exchanges. In addition to the FAQs found here, Reciprocal Exchange students are advised to consult the Pre-Arrival Information on the UOEAP website. HOUSING How and when should I apply for housing? Do I need to finalize housing arrangements before arrival at UC Berkeley?
VISA AND ARRIVAL I have visa and travel-related questions. Who should I speak to? When should I arrive in Berkeley? Which meetings/events are mandatory for Reciprocal Exchange students? Are there any social events specifically for Reciprocal Exchange students? How do I get my student ID card? How do I set up a UC Berkeley email account? What is a Class Pass and where do I get one?
ACADEMICS AND REGISTRATION When will I receive my CalNet ID? Do I need to complete a Statement of Legal Residence? Do I need to complete a Statement of Intent to Register? Do I need an adviser code to enroll in classes? If so, where do I get my adviser code? Who should I contact for academic advising? Does UC Berkeley offer tutoring or other academic support services? Will I need to take a language placement test once I arrive? I would like to extend or withdraw from the EAP Reciprocal Exchanges program. What is the process? I need confirmation of my enrollment at UC Berkeley. How do I obtain this? How can I get an official UC Berkeley transcript? Will I receive a certificate of completion or a diploma for my work at UC Berkeley? How can I become a degree candidate at the University of California?
FINANCIAL ISSUES I received a request from UC Berkeley for a registration deposit and campus fees. What should I do? What forms of payment can I use to pay my CARS bill?
HEALTH AND SAFETY What is student health insurance and how do I pay for it? How do I waive student health insurance? What safety services does UC Berkeley offer?
HOUSING Q: How and when should I apply for housing? A: Apply for housing as soon as you receive instructions from UOEAP (usually by e-mail). For specific information on housing options at UC Berkeley and application instructions, see the Housing Information on the UOEAP website.
Q: Do I need to finalize housing arrangements before arriving at UC Berkeley? A: If you are planning to live in UC housing, you will need to finalize your housing arrangements and contract before arrival. For students who wish to live in non-UC housing, it may be difficult to finalize independent living arrangements before arrival. Students are advised to familiarize themselves with Berkeley neighborhoods and visit their potential place of residence before making any financial or contractual commitments. Therefore, it is recommended that you arrive in Berkeley as early as possible (but no more than 30 days prior to the program start date on your DS-2019 document) to look for housing.
VISA AND ARRIVAL Q: I have visa and travel-related questions. Who should I speak to? A: The Berkeley International Office handles visa and immigration advising for all international students. See the EAP Reciprocity FAQs on the Berkeley International Office website or contact an adviser. Students may also consult Visa Resources on the UOEAP website.
Q: When should I arrive in Berkeley? A: It is important to plan to arrive early in the United States but no more than 30 days prior to the start of your program (this date is listed on your DS-2019 document). The “Semester Begins” date on UC Berkeley’s academic calendar date designates the “official” beginning of the term, but instruction will usually begin a few days later. Your arrival date will be determined by your housing situation and the date of mandatory orientations. If you have pre-arranged campus housing, you should arrive by your assigned move-in date for UC housing or International House. If you are seeking non-UC housing, you should arrive well in advance of the beginning of classes (but no more than 30 days prior to the start of your program) to allow time to secure housing. For information on suggested arrival dates and guidelines, see the Arrival Information on the UOEAP website.
Q: Which meetings/events are mandatory for Reciprocal Exchange students? A: A list of mandatory and recommended sessions can be found in the Arrival Information on the UOEAP website.
Q: Are there any social events specifically for Reciprocal Exchange students? A: Yes! The first social event to kick off the semester will be:
Q: How do I get my student ID card? A: Go to the Cal 1 Card office at 110 Cesar Chavez Student Center in Lower Sproul Plaza. You will need to present a government-issued identification card (such as a driver’s license or passport), and have your student ID number.
Q: How do I set up a UC Berkeley email account? A: Once you have your Cal 1 card, you can obtain a free CalMail (@berkeley.edu) email account. If living in campus housing, follow the instructions provided from UC housing or International House. If living in non-UC housing, you can create a CalMail account here.
Q: What is a Class Pass and where do I get one? A: All currently-enrolled students are entitled to a Class Pass sticker, which lets you ride on any AC Transit bus and Campus Shuttle for free. Class Pass stickers are issued in the first several weeks of each semester. You can pick up your Class Pass at the Cal 1 Card office at 110 Cesar Chavez Student Center in Lower Sproul Plaza.
ACADEMICS AND REGISTRATION Q: When will I receive my CalNet ID? A: The CalNet ID (an 8-digit number also referred to as SID or Student Identification Number) originates in the UC Berkeley Office of Undergraduate Admissions, is sent to UOEAP and from there is forwarded to the EAP liaison at your home university. CalNet IDs may be released in several batches over time, so please be patient if you have not yet received your CalNet ID. If your departure to the United States is approaching and you are concerned about receiving your CalNet ID, contact the UC Liaison at your home university.
Q: Do I need to complete a Statement of Legal Residence? A: No, Reciprocal Exchange students at UC Berkeley are exempt from completing this form.
Q: Do I need to complete a Statement of Intent to Register? A: No, Reciprocal Exchange students at UC Berkeley are exempt from completing this form.
Q: Do I need an adviser code to enroll in classes? If so, where do I get my adviser code? A: Adviser code procedures vary by college (e.g. Letters & Science, Chemistry, Engineering, etc.). For information on course enrollment requirements and procedures, see the Course Enrollment Information on the UOEAP website.
Q: Who should I contact for academic advising? A: Each college at UC Berkeley has an adviser designated for Reciprocal Exchange students. College-specific information is available here.
Q: Does UC Berkeley offer tutoring or other academic support services? A: Yes! These services are offered through the Student Learning Center. The Student Learning Center also provides academic support specifically geared towards non-native English speakers.
Q: Will I need to take a language placement test once I arrive? A: No, a language placement exam is not required by UC Berkeley for Reciprocal Exchange students.
Q: I would like to extend or withdraw from the EAP Reciprocal Exchanges program. What is the process? A: If you need to adjust the length of your academic program, contact your academic adviser and UC liaison at your home university to discuss this decision. Any request to extend your stay must be approved by your home university, your UC Berkeley host department and UOEAP. For students who wish to withdraw, please be aware that leaving the program may affect your academic progress and standing at your home university. In addition to consulting with the UC liaison at your home university, make an appointment to see Anthony Yuen, the Reciprocal Exchanges adviser at the Campus EAP Office. For additional information on extension or withdrawal, see the Academic Information of the EAP Reciprocal Exchanges Student Guide.
Q: I need confirmation of my enrollment at UC Berkeley. How do I obtain this? A: Students wishing to obtain verification of enrollment at UC Berkeley will need to visit the Office of the Registrar in 120 Sproul Hall.
Q: How can I get an official UC Berkeley transcript? A: An official transcript will be sent from UOEAP to your home university after completion of the EAP Reciprocal Exchanges Program. If you would like to obtain an official transcript for your own records, you will need to order a transcript from the Office of the Registrar online or at 120 Sproul Hall after your semester grades have posted to your record. There is a charge for each official transcript requested while in the United States and payment from abroad can be very expensive.
Q: Will I receive a certificate of completion or diploma for my work at UC Berkeley? A: No, your UC Berkeley transcript serves as the official document for completion of coursework on the EAP Reciprocal Exchanges Program.
Q: How can I become a degree candidate at the University of California? A: If your intention is to attend the University of California as a degree candidate, it is not to your advantage to participate in the EAP Reciprocal Exchanges Program. Most Reciprocal Exchange students are too advanced in their studies to be eligible for transfer to the University of California. If you would still like to apply as a degree candidate, make an appointment with the international admissions specialist at the Office of Admissions and visit the UC websites for admissions and special information for international applicants. Note: If accepted by the University of California you may be required to retroactively pay UC non-resident fees and tuition from which you were exempt as a Reciprocal Exchange student.
FINANCIAL ISSUES Q: I received a request from UC Berkeley for a registration deposit and campus fees. What should I do? A: Host UC campuses automatically send Reciprocal Exchange students a request for a $100 registration deposit or registration and campus fees. Reciprocal Exchange students do not pay tuition, registration or campus fees, so you should not pay these fees. However, you are responsible for payment of housing charges, utilities, UC health insurance, books and laboratory/materials fees, and any personal expenses incurred while on the program.
Q: I have a charge on my CARS statement that I do not understand. Where can I get clarification on my statement? A: Reciprocal Exchange students will sometimes see charges on their CARS statement that are erroneous or need further explanation. If you have a CARS-related question or concern, please contact Anthony Yuen at the Campus EAP Office.
Q: What forms of payment can I use to pay my CARS bill? A: Acceptable forms of payment include e-Check, checks or money orders drawn from a U.S. bank, international wire transfer, or cash presented in-person at 140 University Hall. UC Berkeley does not accept payment via credit card. For more information on payment options, contact Billing and Payment Information.
HEALTH AND SAFETY Q: What is student health insurance and how do I pay for it? A: The Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) provides reasonably priced, extensive coverage and is well known in the United States, an advantage when accessing health-care providers. All Reciprocal Exchange students will be automatically enrolled in SHIP unless you are approved for a waiver that provides proof of equivalent coverage. Students are advised to pay insurance fees at Billing and Payment Services in 140 University Hall as soon after arrival as possible. For more information on SHIP, see the Health Insurance Information on the UOEAP website.
Q: How do I waive student health insurance? A: If hoping to waive the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), review the Health Insurance Information on the UOEAP website before going to University Health Services in Tang Center Rm 3200. Note: Waiver requirements can be very specific and for this reason waivers are rarely granted.
Q: What safety services does UC Berkeley offer? A: UC Berkeley offers a number of safety services through the UC Police Department, including night safety shuttles, BearWALK and door-to-door van service. For more information, see the Safety Information on the UCPD website.
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