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Study Abroad at University of California, Riverside

Facts and Highlights about UCR

>> U.S. News & World Report(2017) ranked UCR highly in several categories:
56th among top public national universities
118th overall among national universities

>> The Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) conducted by the Center for World Class Universities at Shanghai Jiao Tong University(2017) ranked UCR in the 150 to 200 group among the top 500 universities worldwide and 61 to 70 in the United States.

>> The Times Higher Education World University Rankings (2017) placed UCR as the 165th ranked university in the world. The survey of more than 20,000 experienced academics from 133 countries ranked institutions solely on their reputations for teaching and research.

The University of California, Riverside is one of 10 universities within the prestigious University of California system, and it was officially dedicated in 1954. Widely recognized as one of the most ethnically diverse research universities in the nation, UCR's current enrollment is more than 22,000 students, with a goal of 25,000 students by 2020. UCR gives every student the resources to explore, engage, imagine and excel.

The University of California, Riverside offers 101 bachelor degree programs,52 master's degree programs, 42 Ph.D. programs. Apart from the study life, students can take full advantage of the audio-visual classroom, library and leisure facilities, such as the swimming pool, the gym, tennis courts and volleyball courts, fully experience the American campus life.

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The Place Where the Dream Begins (Photo by Liu Yaxin)

According to the rank of 2014 U.S. News and World Report, UCR is above average academically and cost considerably less than other schools when dispensed financial aid is taken into account (in the form of need-based grants and scholarships), which makes it one of the top 25 Best Value Schools in the US and the Top one in the UC system. In 2013, the Obama Administration announced a plan to assess schools on how well they serve their students, based on metrics like graduation rate, tuition, and the percentage of students who receive Pell Grants, the federally funded scholarships for low-income families. UCR was ranked No 1 on the ranking published by US TIME magazine.

UCR is 80 kilometers east of Los Angeles in the heart of beautiful, sunny Southern California. It is only two-hour driving from San Diego. Travel easily to the beaches or mountains, theme parks or shopping; live in a welcoming, affordable university community.

Study Abroad Program at UCR

>> Best value study abroad program: UC system, high academic level and reasonable cost
>> Excellent homestay system: Stay off-campus in the home of American families. Learn American life and customs, practice English every day, and experience genuine local food.
>> Mature and Stable Program: More learning opportunities; Flexible modules; Better chance to choose university credit courses and professional courses.
>> The advantage of location: Travelling easily to Hollywood, Disneyland and Universal Studio. Chances to watch the game played by NBA's Los Angeles Lakers.

Program Dates and Courses

Students can choose two types of courses: Intensive English Language Program or University Credit Program. All students on Study Abroad Program are registered as Visiting Students, and are administered by UCR Extension.

Intensive English Language Program [2018.01.03-2018.02.02 (Winter 4 weeks); 2018.01.03-2018.02.16 (Winter 6 weeks); 2018.01.03-2018.03.17 (Winter 10 weeks); 2018.02.26-2018.06.8 (Spring)]

Intensive EnglishLanguage Program is designed for the students who need to improve English level, to understand American society, to increase the understanding of different culture and to promote innovation and globalization. Students will have chances to study with international students from all over the world, which helps to improve their English level and international communication ability. The content of the course includes listening, reading, writing, speaking, American history, American culture, etc. Students can choose from the following courses depending on students' interests and level of English:

Intensive English Program(IEP)
English for International Business (EIB)
Improving Oral Fluency (IOF)
English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

University Credit Program (2018.02.26-2018.06.15)

University Credit Program(UCP): through UCP, students will be enrolled to study UCR credit bearing courses. Visiting students will study with UCR degree students, and enjoy all academic and teaching resources as well as facilities offered by UCR. Students who have successfully completed the courses they are enrolled will be granted official UCR transcripts and credits. Most UCR credits are transferrable to USIEA's Chinese partner universities.

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UCR Extension Main Entrance

Admission Requirements:

>> Students at Undergraduate or postgraduate level who are officially registered in USIEA's Chinese partner Universities;
>> Advanced English required: minimum TOEFL 80iBT; or IELTS 6.5, or pass UCR Online English test;
>> Interviewed by USIEA

Graduate Preparation Program in Engineering(GPP) (2018.08-2019.06)

Burns College of Engineering, University of California Riverside (BCOE) is one of the top engineering schools in the US. GPP is a one-year program providing students with strong academic background with opportunities to study at BCOE for the final year of undergraduate level, as well as opportunities to study further at BOCE at graduate level.

Students who have completed 3 years at USIEA's partner Chinese universities and have met the academic and language requirements for UCR will participate in one year of upper level undergraduate study at BCOE. Highly qualified students with the proper background areeligible to apply for Master's program and PhD program in Engineering at UCR.

>> Research with Top Engineering Faculty in real-life projects
>> Potential Candidate in MS or PhD program with potential scholarship for 5 years
>> Available for OPT after graduation for gain practical working experience in the US

Admission Requirements:

>> Students who have completed 3 years majoring in engineering at USIEA's Chinese partner Universities;
>> English required: TOEFL 80iBT; or IELTS 6.5, or pass UCR Online English test;
>> Interviewed by USIEA

TESOL Gateway to Master’s in Education (2018.03.26-2018.06.15 or 2018.01.02-2018.06.15)

Students eligible for this program will have completed at least three years of course work for degree completion at one of USIEA’s China partner universities. Students will undertake 6 months of study at UCR Extension to gain a 15-unit TESOL Certificate, which will allow students to transfer 8 credits towards UCR Graduate School of Education Master’s in Education (emphasis in TESOL) program.  There will be 3 stages that students will go through to get Master’s in Education degree:

>> Stage One: Students study in China for at least three years;
>> Stage Two: Students who have met the academic and language requirements for UCR Extension TESOL certificate will participate in two quarters of certificate-level study at UCR Extension, leading to a TESOL Certificate;
>> Stage Three: Students accepted to the GSOE M.Ed. TESOL emphasis will become matriculated degree students at UCR in Fall quarter following certificate completion. It will take one year (three quarters) before students can get Master’s in Education degree from GSOE;
>> Stage Four (optional): All students who successfully complete the UCR GSOE Master’s in Education TESOL emphasis with a minimum of 9 months continuous study are eligible for Optional Practical Training, which allows students to undertake paid work in their field in the USA for one year.

Admission Requirements:
>> TESOL Certificate: TOEFL 71iBT with speaking score of 22, or IELTS 6.0 with speaking score of 6.0, or a passing score on the placement test and oral interview by UCR;
>> To complete TESOL Certificate: TOEFL iBT score of 80 with speaking score of 23, or IELTS score of 6.0 with speaking score of 6.5.  Students must also have a 3.0 GPA;
>> Master’s in Education: Meet GSOE’s English requirement, GPA3.0, TESOL Certificate

Accommodation

UCR provides students with two kinds of accommodations: Homestay and International village. Students studying English Language Program can apply for living with an American family to learn American life and customs, practice English daily, and form a unique bond. Homestay is economical and the best opportunity or cultural immersion. UCR has more than 30 years' experience on managing the Homestay. All the American families are carefully chosen and managed by UCR Extension directly.

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Students' Home Away Home, with American Host Family

International Village (IV) is on-campus apartments available to all students. It is conveniently located next to the Extension Centerwith only 2-minute walk to Extension building. Many restaurants, shops and banks are within walking distance. IV has various facilities such as basketball courts, soccer fields, gym, billiard rooms, table tennis rooms and self-study rooms, etc. Basic furniture is fixed and all bills are included. International Village will organize different activities for international students on the weekends and holidays to enable all residents to engage in meaningful community while enjoying the comfort of a spacious apartment and convenient location.

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On-campus apartment: International Village (IV)

Thanks to UCR visiting students program operated by USIEA which brought me to my dreamland. Thanks to my lovely teachers, friends and classmates at UCR, and my homestay Mom. They had given me great support, courage and had accompanied me to explore the marvelous California, which has left me with unforgettable and invaluable experience in the US.
Wenlu Zhou, Harbin Engineering University, UCR Spring 2011
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It was an amazing experience studying and living in sunny California. UCR is like a garden where the flowers of knowledge, freedom, respect, and happiness are in full blossom. Grab a cup of coffee, sit in the lovely sunshine, open my favorite book, and start my brand new day.
Xiaoxuan Zhang
Xi'an International Studies University

While studying at Columbia University, I was taken to the real science. This is not the "textbook science", but science at the frontier. With the inspiration from the professor, I started trying to solve the critical problem independently and the process has been full of excitement. No doubt the spirit of independence and the capacity of foresight would be indispensable for my future life. Columbia University is definitely an amazing place to improve you at the fundamental level.
Duo Guo
Xi'an Jiaotong University

The UC San Diego ELI(Intensive Business) program brought me not only the experience studying in a world class university, but also the friendship with all my Extension teachers, international classmates and some acquaintances who own super awesome working experience to share. Studying in this program, my English, especially business English skills, got improved, which will make my job hunting easier. I am just so glad to be in part of this program.
Yun Chen
Zhejiang Gongshang University

You live the same way as others and feel comfortable in home country.Only those who have studied in a foreign country understand the opportunities and the challenges you have to confront. Never give up and you will obtain not only knowledge but also the courage to face uncertain future.
Xin Zhou
Tianjin University of Finance and Economics

I had a really wonderful time at CELOP and made a lot of friends that I still keep in touch with today. My instructors were great and taught me a lot both inside and outside classroom. I also had a conversation partner who was very helpful in improving my English. My experience at CELOP really helped me learn more about American culture and schools which has allowed me to succeed in my current position. I wish I could go back and study there again and again. You will never forget your experience here.
Qian Wang
Wuhan

If you ask me what the most awesome activity is while I study at Metropolitan College Boston University in regards to academics, my answer is definitely networking events and professional conferences. Boston is home to many institutions of higher education like MIT, Harvard, and Boston College. Every year an increasing number of elite specialists in different industries from all over the world come to Boston for specific events. I joined Aite group for internship, and worked as a full-time employee. Even though the project I was assigned was a little bit tough for me, I learned a lot from my teammates. Thanks to this certificate program, I entered a small international arena to learn from different people from different countries.
Jen
Beijing