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FAQs

Programs Application Payments/Cancellations Academics Housing

Programs

What kinds of programs are available at GLI?

  • Academic year: Certificate (1 academic quarter - 2 years)
  • Quarterly customized program
  • Short-term, customized program
  • Summer ESL Program
  • Future Global Leaders, Pre-College Programs 
  • Study abroad destination
  • Sylff Research Abroad

Is GLI a Masters program?

GLI is a non-degree program. Fellows receive a certificate of recognition for coursework or study at the end of their session. For more information about IR/PS degree programs, click here.

Application

How do I apply to the GLI program?
You can download an application here. GLI has a rolling admissions process, but application materials should be sent at least two months before your intended start date.

How long will it take to process my application?
The GLI staff will contact you within two weeks of receiving your application. It can take up to two months after the receipt of your initial application to process and receive your Form DS-2019.

If I cannot attend during the exact dates of the official quarter, may I still enroll?
If you are a full-time student planning to attend courses on a quaterly basis, you must begin study at GLI on the start date listed on the academic calendar and also complete your program on a quarterly end date.

I have a TOEIC or IELTS score, but not a TOEFL score. Will you accept another kind of test? What are the requirements?
Yes. We are happy to review your score on an alternate, official, recognized test, and accept the equivalent. For example, we require a score of 68 on the TOEFL IBT (190 CBT, 520 PBT). Equivalent scores: TOEIC (620); and IELTS (6.5).

What kind of visa will I be on? If I am already in the U.S. on an F visa, can you accept it?
GLI supports the J visa. We will send you Form DS-2019 after your application is complete. At or before that time, you need to schedule a visa interview appointment at your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are already studying in the U.S. on an F visa, it is possible to change your status while you are still here, but this process can take a long time – sometimes up to six months. However, you may begin study at GLI while you wait for the change of status to be approved by USCIS.

Payments/Cancellations

When is payment due?
The application and DS-2019 processing fees are due at the time you apply to the program. Tuition is due on or before the first day of study.

Are scholarships or financial aid available?
GLI does not offer financial assistance or scholarships. Most of the candidates are sponsored by their institution or government, an outside scholarship, and/or personal funds.

What types of payment are accepted?
We can accept a check, money order, traveler’s checks, or bank draft in U.S. dollars, payable to UC Regents. If you would like to pay by bank wire, please contact us for bank wire instructions. You will need to pay all bank wire fees.

What is your cancellation policy?
Fellows withdrawing during the first thirty-five calendar days of a quarter will receive a refund of fees according to the UCSD Schedule of Refunds for Tuition, Educational Fee, University Registration Fee, and other Student Fees. The date of withdrawal used in calculating a refund will be the date on which an offical withdrawal notice in the form of a signed letter is submitted to GLI. Refer to the UCSD Schedule of Refunds for refund information.

What is the cost of the program?
Current Tuition and Program Costs for GLI's quarterly certificate program can be found here. Please contact GLI to discuss proposals for groups of executives and study abroad opportunities.

Academics

What can I expect at the beginning of the quarter?
When you arrive, you will need to come to our offices and check in by attending an Orientation session. Orientation takes place the week before, or the week of, the first day of classes. Please check the GLI Calendar of Events to see the scheduled Orientation for the start of your program. Additionally, at the beginning of most quarters, we will have a reception for all incoming and continuing Fellows.

What kinds of classes will I be taking?
As a full-time, enrolled Fellow, you are required to take at least 12 units each quarter to fulfill your certificate requirements and to maintain your nonimmigrant visa status. GLI Fellows choose from the courses offered at IR/PS, which are supplemented with customized GLI English language and content-based courses. At least one course each quarter must be in a subject other than English for Professionals. Please see the sample course schedule for an example. If you are interested in part-time studies, please contact us.

Do I need to bring a laptop?
It is strongly recommended that all Fellows have a personal notebook computer for use during their studies at GLI, with the appropriate security and firewall software installed. Some courses require you to bring a laptop (notebook computer) to school every day the class meets. See the Computing Services section of the IR/PS website for the most current recommendations and specifications.

Housing

Are Fellows required to live on campus? Will someone assist me with housing?
During the academic year, UC San Diego campus housing is only available to students enrolled in degree programs.  Housing options near campus include renting your own apartment, sharing off-campus housing with students, and staying with a host family (homestay). We are happy to provide you with a housing resources list and to answer questions about your stay.

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