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Professional International Education Programs

Beyond Academic Inc

Connecting Dreams. Bridging Cultures. Co-Creating a Global Future.

Life Resources and Support

Students at our partner universities receive the following support.

Your success and enjoyment of your study abroad experience depends on the decisions you make before and after arrival. Research housing options thoroughly. After arrival, enjoy activities, field trips, and other opportunities to practice English and experience American culture.

Partner university staff are committed to helping you get the most out of your experience—academically, culturally, and socially. Services include:

Housing

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UniversityCompanyWebsiteEmail
UC San DiegoFA HomestayFA Homestayinfo@fahomestay.com
UC San DiegoDRA HousingDRA Housingdaniel@drahousing.com
UC San DiegoUniversal Student Housing (USH)USHcontact@usaish.com
UC DavisDavis Housing ServicesDavis Housing Servicesdavishousingservices@gmail.com
UC DavisWISEWISEshannon@wisefoundation.com
UC IrvineStudent Room Staystudentroomstay.comsupport@studentroomstay.com
UC IrvineUniversal Student Housingushstudent.comcontact@usaish.com
UC IrvineHomestayMatchhomestaymatch.comcontact@homestaymatch.com
UC IrvineHSIhomestayservices.comhomestay@homestayservices.com
Transportation

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UniversityModeAreaWebsite
UC San DiegoBusSan Diegosdmts.com
UC San DiegoUCSD ShuttlesCampus / NearbyUCSD Shuttles
UC San DiegoTrainGreater San DiegoTransit
UC DavisAirport ShuttleSMF / SFOdavisairporter.com
UC DavisSuperShuttleAirport / Citysupershuttle.com
UC DavisUnitransLocalunitrans.ucdavis.edu
UC DavisYolobusRegionalyolobus.com
UC DavisAmtrakCaliforniaamtrak.com
UC Santa Cruz*VTA / BusLocal / South Bay
UC Santa Cruz*CALtrainSF ↔ Gilroycaltrain.com
* UCSC students often connect via San Jose (South Bay).
Activities

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UniversityCampus ActivitiesCity / Trips
UC San Diego Day at the Bay, Whale Watching, Conversation Cafés, Padres Games, Moonlight Kayaking, Beach Bonfire, more.
  • sandiegoreader.com
  • sandiego.org
  • everfest.com/lists/california-san-diego-festivals
UC Davis Conversation groups, sports & games, arts & crafts, socials, movie/book discussions. Yosemite, Sacramento Capitol, San Francisco, Disneyland/Universal Studios, Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe, Six Flags, NBA/MLB games, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas.
UC Irvine Computer labs, libraries, lecture series, 600+ clubs, Communication Club, recreation center, smoke-free campus. Transit tips, DMV/driver’s license, banks & cell phone options, weekly events around Irvine/OC.
Visa & OPT

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F-1 Visa

All full-time nonimmigrant students require a valid F-1 visa for U.S. entry. After obtaining an I-20, pay the I-901 (SEVIS) fee and schedule a visa interview at a U.S. consulate/embassy. General info: travel.state.gov → Student Visa.

Steps
  • Receive your I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility) after program acceptance.
  • Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee.
  • Submit DS-160 and schedule interview; pay visa fee (separate from SEVIS fee).
  • Attend interview with passport, I-20, admission letter, financial docs, receipts.
OPT (Optional Practical Training)

After completing 9–12 months certificate or academic programs, students may apply for up to one year of work authorization (OPT) in the field of study.

  • Tech ~44%, Business ~20%, Bioscience ~10%, Education/Non-profit ~4% (illustrative mix).
Internships (Curricular)
  • Approval from internship coordinator; internship must relate to program.
  • 90–200 hours per quarter; 3.0 units for F-1 maintenance (units don’t apply to cert).
  • End-of-quarter evaluation; typical $200 enrollment fee.
Orientation

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Welcome & Introduction

New students complete a pre-arrival online orientation and join an on-site orientation in the first week. ESL students take an online placement test and are placed by level; credit/certificate students receive academic policy briefings and enrollment guidance.

Choosing Classes

Many ESL programs and most university credit/certificate programs allow electives or course selection. Academic advisers help you plan and enroll.

Campus Tour & Services

Meet staff and instructors, learn key campus locations (athletics, health center, library), and review visa/immigration rules and support schedules.

Medical

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Medical Insurance

Coverage varies by university. Typical coverage includes medically necessary care (incl. mental health & pre-existing), evacuation & repatriation, and prescriptions after co-pay. Insurance is generally non-refundable.

Tuberculosis (TB) Screening

Many programs require TB screening via student portal prior to arrival; upload assessment forms signed by licensed providers. Immunizations (Tdap, MMR, Varicella, Meningococcal, Flu, COVID-19) may be required.

UC Davis – Access to Medical Care (examples)

Davis Urgent Care · 4515 Fermi Place #105 · (530) 759-9110 · 9am–9pm daily

Sutter Medical Foundation Urgent Care · 2020 Sutter Place · (530) 750-5830

Emergency: 911 (off-campus) · (530) 752-1230 (on-campus)

Weather

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Typical Year-Round Weather
CitySpringSummerFallWinter
DavisWarm days, cool nights, little rainHot & dry, mild eveningsWarm to cool, little rainMild, some rain/fog
San Diego16–21°C19–25°C12–21°C11–19°C
Santa Cruz9–22°C12–24°C7–19°C6–18°C
Irvine14–26°C18–31°C12–24°C10–22°C
Cities

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College town near Sacramento with bike-friendly streets, farmers markets, and strong ag/food/health tech sectors. Cost of living moderate for CA; hot summers, mild winters.

Planned, safe city in Orange County; beaches, theme parks, and tech/biomed employers nearby. Cost of living high; Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters.

Coastal city with biotech hub, beaches, and outdoor lifestyle. Cost of living high; very mild year-round climate with ocean breeze.

Surf culture, redwood forests, gateway to Silicon Valley. Marine sciences and CS are strong. Cost: moderate-high; cool coastal climate.

Port city between LA and OC with arts scene and beach access. Cost moderate-high; warm, sunny weather most of the year.

Inland Empire location close to mountains and desert. Lower cost than coastal CA; hot summers, cooler winters; business & public admin strengths.

Desert city with aerospace/optics, space sciences, and mining tech. Cost reasonable; very hot summers, mild winters; strong outdoor & food culture.

Mountain city at 2100m near Grand Canyon. Four distinct seasons (snow in winter). Outdoor life, astronomy, forestry, sustainability.

Pacific Northwest tech hub (cloud, AI, biotech). Maritime scenery, coffee culture; cost high; mild, wet winters and dry summers.

Mississippi River city known for music heritage and logistics/healthcare sectors. Cost moderate; hot humid summers, mild winters.

Mountain-river metropolis; automotive, manufacturing, and rising tech. Known for spicy cuisine; humid summers, mild winters; extensive transit.