I am an... Underground Scholar
Did you know that Berkeley students who are system-impacted and formerly incarcerated have studied abroad in the past? We want to help you experience the world, and our office is here to support you along your journey.
Berkeley Study Abroad offers summer, semester, and year-long programs in more than 40 countries. These include programs that offer courses, internships, research, language study, and more. You can view these options by searching the Explore tool on our website.
Passports
All international travelers need to have a valid passport. The Department of State provides U.S. citizens with instructions about how to apply for a passport on or after probation or parole. There is also a U.S. Passport Customer Service Center at the Recreational Sports Facility (RSF) that offers services by appointment.
Students who would be traveling on non-U.S. passports should make sure that their passport is up to date and consult with an immigration attorney about international travel considerations and risks as they are considering studying abroad. Students who are undocumented can reach out to the East Bay Community Law Center; legal permanent residents can connect with the UC Immigrant Legal Services Center.
Visas and Entry Requirements
When you travel to a new country, you may also need to apply for a visa or other entry requirements. It’s important to research what the entry requirements are for the country you are considering. While we do not hold expertise in each country’s visa or entry requirements, we can provide resources to help you in your research.
A criminal conviction does not automatically prevent participation in our Study Abroad. Entry requirements vary significantly by country and visa type. Some countries do not require visas, while others may offer waiver, rehabilitation, character review, or discretionary processes that may allow entry. Students are encouraged to begin planning early and meet with Berkeley Study Abroad advisers as soon as they begin considering a program. There are also resources linked at the bottom of this page to assist you in learning more about different countries’ requirements. We encourage you not to assume you are automatically ineligible; instead, review appropriate consular resources and speak with an immigration attorney and/or country-specific visa offices for further review.
Every study abroad program will have a deadline to withdraw before fees are due, and it is important to keep in mind the withdrawal timeline in relation to when to apply for and receive a visa or other entry requirement. Depending on the country and program, it is possible that withdrawal deadlines and late withdrawal fees may come before visa application and/or decision timelines. Connect with a Berkeley Study Abroad adviser so that you can make an informed decision in relation to your personal risk assessment and comfort level.
While it is not required for a student to study in their major while abroad, some prefer to satisfy major requirements. If that is the case, talk with an academic adviser to verify which degree requirements you have left to complete and how to request credit for courses taken abroad. Completing these steps prior to study abroad advising will assist us in recommending programs based on your academic needs. Read more about Academic Planning.
Some students consider taking an additional semester to study abroad. Talk to your college to see whether or not it is possible to qualify for an additional term, either by remaining under the unit ceiling or through petition to the college.
Students with disabilities can and do study abroad. The I am a Student with a Disability page provides information about the process to request DSP accommodations for study abroad programs. Accommodations may look the same or a bit different than in the United States and at Berkeley, and we encourage you to talk with a Berkeley Study Abroad adviser early on in the planning process about specific accommodation needs.
Financial aid travels with students who study abroad on UCEAP, Berkeley Global Internships, or Berkeley Summer Abroad programs. Students are repackaged for financial aid based on the total cost of the program, which includes tuition, room and board, roundtrip airfare, and more. You can request a financial aid estimate and connect with a financial aid counselor if you have specific questions.
There are also many scholarships to support study abroad participation. If you are a Pell Grant–eligible U.S. citizen, we highly recommend applying for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.
We invite you to connect with a Berkeley Study Abroad adviser and disclose early on so that we can help you find a program that meets your interests and goals, and discuss entry requirements for the specific country or countries you are considering.
You can sign up for an advising appointment or email us at studyabroad@berkeley.edu.
Can Felons Travel? What You Need to Know About Felony Travel Restrictions
Can You Travel Abroad If You Have a Felony Conviction?
Countries That Don't Allow Felons Map
Getting a U.S. Passport On or After Probation or Parole
Travelling Abroad With a Criminal Record – Country by Country
This resource is for U.K. citizens, not U.S. passport holders, but may provide relevant links and information about specific country’s visa policies.
What Countries Do Not Allow Entry If You Are a Convicted Felon?