FAQs

This program is designed to help participants apply to and prepare for attending university in the United States. Participants will attend classes each weekday that will introduce them to American university level training and acquaint them with American cultural and academic practices. They will take part in numerous seminars, activities, university visits, and other outings that will help them understand and be comfortable living in the United States and help them choose and apply to American Universities. Attending the program should enhance the possibility for participants of acceptance at the university of their choice. Details of the program are available here.

This program is completely organized and managed by the University of California at Los Angeles. It is an official university program offered by a department at UCLA.

The 2012 program will run for three weeks from August 5th until August 25th.

Everything, including room and board in modern rooms on the UCLA campus, daily classes taught by UCLA instructors, trips to universities and other outings, medical insurance, movies, plays, recreational facilities, and seminars on living in the United States, applying to American Universities, and being a foreign student. Only incidental expenses such as for souvenirs, snacks, and other personal items are paid for by participants. Participants will be responsible for travel and visa expenses to the United States

The Tuition is ¥35,000 for the entire program. The total amount must be paid by June 30th, 2012. A non-refundable deposit of ¥10,000 (applied towards tuition) is due no later than May 30th. For cancellations, refunds of the tuition, less the deposit, are available until June 30th, 2012. Between July 1st and August 1st, a refund of ¥12,000 will be provided in case of cancellation. There will be no refunds after August 1st, 2012.

You can apply online at this site (apply here). There is no charge for the application. Applications will be accepted until the program is full. You will receive further information about the application process after you apply. After acceptance, a non-refundable deposit of ¥10,000 will be due no later than May 30th, 2012 and full tuition no later than June 30th, 2012.

No. These classes have been designed specifically for high school students to learn the skill necessary to understand, apply to, and thrive at American Universities. While taught by UCLA instructors, these classes are only offered to international students.

The program offers no scholarship although any individual who is able to refer ten other individuals who are accepted into and ultimately attend the program is eligible for free tuition, plus airfare to the United States. The program is also willing to work with any scholarship agencies in the students home country that may be willing to provide funding for a student.

UCLA accepts credit cards and international wire transfers. You will be provided with details upon acceptance into the program.

UCLA is not only one of the most prestigious universities in the United States, it also receives more applications each year than any other university in the United States. It has outstanding facilities, beautiful grounds, and world-renowned faculty. Los Angeles is one of the most interesting cities in the world with terrific beaches, shopping, and entertainment possibilities. It is home to numerous universities. The city is very culturally diverse with people from many nationalities, ethnicities, and backgrounds living together in relative harmony. Along with Hollywood and Disneyland, Southern California is probably most known for its very pleasant weather, mild climate and sunny skies.

Your English should be quite good. While fluent Chinese speakers are on the program staff, all classes and activities are conducted in English. It is unlikely that a participant with weak English language skills will enjoy the program or gain much from it. The application packet will contain information on how we will help assess your English language skills prior to enrolling in the program.

You will learn all about American Culture and American Universities. You will be taught basic University research skills and about how Americans think. You will learn about the nature of American Universities and life in the United States. There will be an emphasis on understanding independent thinking and analysis, creativity, leadership, innovation, as well as productive group processes. You will learn how to create hypotheses, and how to formulate and undertake research. You will gain substantial experience in speaking English most relevant to study at an American University, and you will be taught how to present research results and how to speak publicly. You will visit several local universities and meet with their admission representatives and alumni. You will learn which American universities might be best suited to your interests and how to apply to them. You will interact with UCLA faculty, and other foreign and American students and learn about their experiences.

Students would normally be housed in one of UCLA's residential plazas. Each room in the plaza buildings would generally be shared by two students. Plaza buildings are wired for computer network connections and cable television. Each building features study space, lounges and laundry facilities. Meals are provided in nearby residential restaurants. If desired, it may be possible to arrange a single room at additional cost.

Yes, you will be able to indicate your preferences on your final application.

Just about anything you can imagine. UCLA has beautiful modern dining halls with multiple food stations serving a large variety of American, Chinese, and international cuisine. All meals are buffet style and all-you-care-to-eat.

The campus of the University of California at Los Angeles is very safe. There will be both Chinese and American Counselors living with the students in the dormitories, as well as accompanying the students on their outings. Participants will have plenty of supervised activities to keep them busy each day. Rules regarding their expected behavior and safety will be distributed on the first day at the orientation meeting. Serious violations of the rules may result in termination of the student in the program and a return home, without refund.

A tourist visa (B-2) is acceptable for enrollment in this program. Parents will be responsible for obtaining the visa for their children, but UCLA can provide a letter that may help facilitate the granting of the visa by the U.S. consulate nearest to you. Participants and their parents are ultimately responsible for obtaining visas and are encouraged to do so early in the process.

Yes, participants are subject only to the usual B-2 visa requirements. The program, however, will not participate in the supervision of, or provide medical insurance to participants, other than during the dates of the program.

The program will meet and provide free transportation to UCLA for students arriving at Los Angeles Airport International Terminal on August 5th, 2012 between the hours of 7:00am and 4:00pm. Accommodation will be made for incoming participants whose flights are delayed. A bus travels between the International Terminal and the UCLA campus on a regular basis. On the final day of the program, students will be escorted to this bus for their trips home. Private transportation can also be arranged to or from the airport at any time for an additional fee of ¥600.

Students will have access to UCLA doctors for minor illnesses and will be covered by medical insurance provided by the program for any serious sicknesses or injuries. Details of Medical Coverage while at UCLA will be sent to you with the application packet.

The students will be visiting local universities as well as numerous Los Angeles area attractions, including Chinatown, Disneyland, and Universal Studios. They will meet with UCLA faculty and other International and American students. They will attend films and plays in the area, and also learn useful skills such as taking a public bus and ordering in a restaurant. They will also take part in a western style BBQ, and special welcoming and graduation banquets.

Participants will have complete access to UCLA's world class recreational facilities including large Olympic swimming pools, numerous playing fields, and sports equipment, use of well-equipped gyms including a large array of athletic equipment, rock climbing walls, and numerous courts for racquet sports and other activities. Pretty much everything you can imagine.

Yes. At the final graduation ceremony, students will be awarded a certificate of program completion.