Enrollment: Things to Know
Always Check Enrollment Restrictions for Classes - Students in International & Area Studies (I A STD) will need to follow enrollment policies of departments that offer the courses. Please note that most departments restrict enrollment during the first enrollment pass. I A STD majors/minors may be able to enroll in the courses during the second enrollment pass.

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Do you have an Internship during the Spring or Summer?

International and Area Studies 195CE internship course is offered during the Spring and Summer.   Depending on the type of the internship, the course can be applied to the International and Area Studies major by petition to the chair.   

Requirements:

  • The internship has to have an international component
  • The internship must supervised
  • Students must intern 8-10 hours a week
  • Attend 5 bi-weekly meetings with a TA
  • Submit weekly response papers and a final research paper

Students enrolled in International and Area Studies 195CE during the Summer session may apply for Muriel F. Siebert Scholarship.

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International and Area Studies 191
Schedule for 2025-2026 Academic Year

Fall 2025
I A STD 191 sec. 1: Fascism Then and Now
Instructor: Moore, A.D.

 
Winter 2026
I A STD 191 sec. 1: Chocolate and Coffee in the Americas and World
Instructor: Taub, B.

Students can submit a Petition to the Chair of African and Middle Eastern Studies if they want to apply a course not included on the major worksheet. This may also include courses taken or to be taken abroad. Students must include the course syllabus with their petition.

** Please be aware that the petition may be denied and you will need to plan alternative coursework. **

Petition Form 

Petition submissions will be checked at the end of each week. Please allow 2-3 weeks for a response.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCHOLARSHIPS

MAJOR-RELATED

  • Boren Scholarships: Boren Scholarships provide funding for U.S. undergraduate students to study world regions critical to U.S. interests (including Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East). The scholarship is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents only. Maximum awards for the Boren Fellowships are $20,000. In exchange for funding, recipients commit to working in the federal government for a minimum of one year.
  • Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) ProgramThe U.S. Department of State funds about 600 students for summer language institutes abroad at various skill levels. CLS is a program of the U.S. Department of State and provides fully funded group-based intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences for eight to ten weeks for U.S. citizen undergraduate students. Upon completion of the program, participants receive U.S. Academic Credit from Bryn Mawr College and an Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) score.

INTERNSHIPS

RESEARCH AWARDS

UCLA Undergraduate Research Center Awards:

UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS

  • UndocuBruins Fellowship Program: a fellowship program that ensures all students, regardless of immigration status, have the opportunity to receive financial support and achieve their educational and professional goals. Application closes August 29th, 2022.
  • Mariposa Achivement Project (MAP) Scholarship: MAP Scholarship was created to support undocumented students cover the cost of academic materials. Application will close on September 23, 2022.

SUMMER RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE SCHOLARSHIPS

  • The Judith Boyajian Travel Fellowship: The Judith Boyajian Travel Fellowship is designed to provide undergraduate and graduate students with support for purposeful travel to and cultural immersion in Africa. Key for any student who applies for the grant would be a commitment to public service, and whether in an established program or under an original project, students will also be required to be engaged in it. The fellowship will provide up to $4,000 to cover travel and approved related expenses and fellows are expected to spend a minimum of 45-days in-country. Applications open in early Winter quarter. 

APPLYING TO GRADUATE SCHOOL

  • Payne International Development Fellowship: The Payne Fellowship is a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Program which seeks to attract and prepare outstanding individuals for careers as USAID Foreign Service Officers. Graduating seniors or college graduates with strong academic records are eligible to apply. The Payne program encourages members of historically underrepresented minority groups and those with financial need to apply. Selected fellows will receive support for graduate school and gain employment with USAID in an exciting rewarding career in the Foreign Service with a commitment minimum of five years. Applicants must have U.S. citizenship. Awards up to $22,000 annually toward tuition, fees and living expenses for a two-year master's degree in fields related to the Foreign Service such as development, economics, public administration, business administration, global health, agriculture, or environmental science at a U.S.-based institution.
  • The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New AmericansThe purpose of the fellowship is to provide opportunities for continuing generations of immigrants or children of immigrants to achieve leadership in their chosen field. Generous stipends of up to $25,000 are awarded, as well as tuition scholarships. Undergraduate students may apply for this scholarship while simultaneously applying to graduate school. Application deadline is November 1st. 

 

STUDY ABROAD FUNDING

All Regions

Asia

Europe

Program-Specific Aid

Students studying abroad through programs below are eligible for funding.

General Study Abroad Scholarship Sites

  • UCLA Summer Travel Study Scholarships & Other Scholarship Opportunities
  • UCLA Scholarship Resource Center-Study Abroad Scholarships
    Search for scholarships, grants, & fellowships. Located at 233 Covel Commons. For more information, call (310) 206-2875
  • Studyabroad.com
    Forum on Financial Aid-Sources and Tips for Study Abroad Funding
  • UCLA Career Center Lab & UCLA Library
    There are numerous books available that highlight financial aid for specific programs and destinations. Here are a few to look into:
    • Financial Aid for Study Abroad by Gail Ann Schlachter and R. David Weber.
    • Work, Study, Travel Abroad: The Whole World Handbook, Council on International Educational Exchange.
    • Financial aid for research and creative activities abroad, Reference Service Press.
    • Financial aid for study and training abroad, Reference Service Press.
    • Financial resources for international study: a guide for U.S. nationals, Institution of International Education.


 

 

STUDY ABROAD OPTIONS

UCLA SUMMER TRAVEL STUDY * UCEAP PROGRAMS * NON-UC PROGRAMS

 

UCLA SUMMER TRAVEL

-Programs Offered in the Summer ONLY
-Courses taught by our own UCLA Faculty
-Open to anyone over the age of 18
-In most cases, two UCLA courses offered during a Summer Travel program. They will automatically appear on your transcript.

 

 UCEAP PROGRAMS 

 Quick Facts:

  • Programs Offered Year-round (i.e. Fall, Winter, Spring, Winter & Spring (Semester), Summer, and Year-long programs)
  • Full Immersion -  Take Classes at a University Abroad, Classes taught by University Professors, Live in University dorms (some programs)
  • Programs run through the UC system, not specific to UCLA 

Visit our UCEAP Databases to see which courses have been pre-approved:

*You are not limited to these courses. If you would like to take a different course, please submit a petition. See below for details.

 

 

SCHOLARSHIPS

Check the IEO Scholarship page for a complete list of scholarships.


 

Apply now for the 2025-2026 school year!

Deadline: Monday of Week 2 of Fall Quarter

Mandatory Meeting for Students Week 3 of Fall Quarter

 


WHY DO DEPARTMENTAL HONORS?

• Spend 3 quarters researching a topic you are passionate about

• Receive individual writing mentorship from a UCLA faculty member

• Add Departmental Honors recognition to your diploma and transcript 

• Strengthen research skills for graduate school and career


ABOUTThe Departmental Honors program offers highly motivated students in Asian Studies the opportunity to design and conduct their own independent research under the guidance of a faculty adviser. The program consists of three courses — International and Area Studies 198A, 198B, 198C — culminating in an honors thesis.

Departmental Honors and Highest Honors are recorded on the final transcript and diploma after students successfully complete the program. Please see "Guidelines" below for official requirements.


ELIGIBILITY

To enter the departmental honors program, students must:

  • have completed all preparation for the major requirements with a 3.5 grade-point average,
  • have a 3.5 GPA in all upper division coursework for the major,
  • secure a faculty member to supervise their honors thesis, and
  • formally submit an application to the honors program.

*Students are encouraged to apply in the Spring of their Junior year to begin their thesis in the Fall. In some cases, students may begin their thesis mid-year. Please consult with an advisor regarding your options.


APPLICATION FORM & GUIDELINES AND STUDENT HANDBOOK


SAMPLE HONORS THESES


NEXT STEPS

  1. If you have additional questions, consult with one of our advisors.
  2.  In Spring, attend our annual Research Workshop to prepare you to start your research in the Fall.
  3. Attend an online or in-person library research workshop/tutorial on narrowing down your topic, finding sources, organizing information, etc.
  4. Attend events during Undergraduate Research Week (annually in May) to gain inspiration from peers and learn about new opportunities with research.

WRITING ASSISTANCE RESOURCES

The Departmental Scholar Program (DSP) allows exceptional juniors and seniors to pursue the bachelor's and master's degrees simultaneously. It offers advanced students access to graduate level classes and an opportunity to do graduate level research under the direct supervision of UCLA's distinguished faculty.

International Institute Academic Programs that have participated in the Departmental Scholars program in the past include:

 
Eligibility

Students seeking nomination to the Departmental Scholar Program should review the eligibility criteria on the UCLA Honors Programs website.


Application Process

A completed application must include all of the following materials before being considered for admission:

  • Statement of Purpose –No more than two pages in length. Statement of purpose should describe academic, and/or professional experience
  • Two Letters of Recommendation – Letters should be from tenured UCLA faculty members as specified here
  • Writing Sample – A research paper or other writing sample that well demonstrates writing and analytical skills (10 pages maximum). The goal of the writing sample is to demonstrate your ability to write professionally and clearly. For that reason, the writing sample should be written in English.
  • Transcript (can be unofficial)

For more information please contact:

Yumi Kinoshita, Academic Advisor
UCLA International Institute Academic Programs
Office of Academic Advising
10256  Bunche Hall
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1487

idpgrads@international.ucla.edu

Zoom meetings can be scheduled here. 

For general information on becoming a Departmental Scholar, or to see if other departments offer similar programs, please contact College Honors.

 

***********************

The International Institute Commencement Ceremony

Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: UCLA Royce Hall

***********************

ELIGIBILITY

Students eligible to participate are:
• Undergraduates pursuing a major under the International Institute
• Graduate students pursuing a master’s degree under the International Institute

AND

• Those who have completed all degree requirements and graduated in Fall 2025 or Winter 2026 OR who are degree candidates for Spring 2026 or Summer 2026

If you are planning to graduate this Spring or Summer, please be sure your degree expected term is declared as such, which you can do on MyUCLA.

Given space limitations, International Institute minors are not eligible to participate and should seek inclusion in the commencement activities of their major department, instead.


RSVPING & TICKET ORDERING/DISTRIBUTION

RSVP & Ticket Ordering Window:
Friday, May 8, 2026 at 12:00pm through Friday, May 22, 2026 at 11:59pm

During the RSVP & Ticket Ordering window, students participating in the International Institute Commencement Ceremony will be able to RSVP for the event and obtain their own electronic ticket (free of charge) which will allow their entry to Royce Hall.

Students will also have the opportunity to order electronic tickets for their guests during the same RSVP & Ticket Ordering window. Note that guest tickets must be ordered by the graduating student (see below).

Undergraduates: During the RSVP & Ticket Ordering window (dates and times stated above), students can RSVP for themselves and order guest tickets via the Commencement Feature on MyUCLA. If you encounter issues accessing the system, contact the College Commencement Office.
Graduate Students: During the RSVP & Ticket Ordering window (dates and times stated above) students can RSVP for themselves and order guest tickets through their Academic Counselor.

Ticket Allowances:

• During the RSVP & Ticket Ordering window, students may RSVP and secure a ticket for themselves, as well as order up to 12 guest tickets.
• The first 4 guest tickets are complimentary.
• Additional tickets beyond the first 4 cost $20 each, billed through BruinBill.
No refunds are available for unused tickets. Students will be billed for guest tickets ordered whether or not the tickets are used.

Additional Guest Tickets:

Additional tickets (beyond any ordered during the RSVP wjndow) may be requested as of Saturday, May 23, 2026.

To request additional tickets:
• Contact your International Institute Academic Counselor
• Be sure to include:
     o Your full name
     o UID#
     o Number of additional tickets requested

Recall that refunds are not available and students will be billed for all guest tickets ordered whether or not the tickets are used. Because of this, please be clear in requesting the number of additional guest tickets desired, beyond any already ordered.

Ticket Distribution:

Ticket Distribution Window:
Friday, May 29, 2026 at 8:00 AM through Friday, June 12, 2026 at 5:00 PM

• The Central Ticket Office (CTO) will distribute all student and guest tickets electronically via cto@tickets.ucla.edu.
All attendees—including graduating students—must have their own electronic ticket to enter Royce Hall.


ACADEMIC REGALIA

All students are expected to wear academic regalia to the International Institute Commencement Ceremony which can be ordered through Grad Etc. (UCLA Store, Ackerman Union A Level, 310 825 2587).

Recommended Regalia:
Undergraduates: Grad Etc. Bachelor Unit
Graduate Students: Master Unit Rental

Sashes and other accessories are optional and are also available through Grad Etc.


CEREMONY DETAILS


Student Arrival
• Arrive at Royce Hall no later than 5:45 PM wearing academic regalia.
• Have your student ticket ready for entry.
• Once inside Royce Hall, proceed to the Registration Table in the West Lobby to pick up your name card.
• Note that there is no rehearsal, so punctuality is essential so that you can be directed to the proper location and given more detailed information on the ceremony.
Bags and purses are not permitted in the processional. Please consider leaving them with guests.
IMPORTANT: Students arriving after the processional begins will not be allowed to participate.

Guest Arrival
• Guests should arrive no later than 5:45 PM.
• Seating is general admission; early arrival is strongly encouraged.
• Guests much show their guest ticket to obtain entry into Royce. **In order to ease day-of anxiety, it is highly recommended that you distribute your guest tickets well prior to commencement day!**.
Balloons are not permitted inside Royce Hall.

The International Institute Commencement Ceremony is expected to conclude at 8:00pm (approx.), followed by a small reception in Royce Quad where graduates and their guests can reunite.


ALLOWABLE/PROHIBITED ITEMS FOR GUESTS

Royce Hall will have a clear bag only policy for guests:
• Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12”W x 12”H x 6”D
• One gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)
• Small clutch bag 4.5” x 6/5”, with or without a handle or strap. This can be carried separately or within a plastic bag

Please review the Commencement FAQs/Guest Information for a list of allowable and prohibited items.


PHOTOGRAPHY

Professional photographers from GradImages will be taking individual photos of each student during the ceremony.
• Photos will be available for purchase shortly after the ceremony.
• Students who preregister with GradImages (select UCLA, then search for UCLA International Institute) prior to the commencement ceremony receive a 20% discount.
• While GradImages will be taking the official photos of the International Institute Commencement Ceremony, there is no obligation to purchase any photograph from them, as ordering pictures is completely optional.
• Guests may take their own photos as well, but must remain in their seats and will not be allowed in the aisles during the ceremony.


PARKING PERMITS

As a convenience, parking permits for commencement events may be pre ordered via UCLA Transportation beginning May 1.


COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM

The Commencement Program will be distributed via email to students who are eligible to participate in the International Institute Commencement Ceremony.

We ask that you share this with your guests ahead of the ceremony so that they can learn more about the academic programs offered by the International Institute, get a preview of our Commencement Speaker, and so on.

The Commencement Program will include the names of
• degree recipients from this past Fall or Winter
• degree candidates for this Spring or Summer

Note that students who have a privacy restriction will not be included in this year’s program. Inclusion in the Commencement Program does not in any way affect the actual conferring of the degree.

To change your privacy restriction for inclusion (or exclusion) in the Commencement Program, please update your settings through the UCLA Registrar's Office prior to May 22, 2026.


INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE ALUMNI

We at the International Institute are very proud of our alumni and we want you to continue to feel connected to us and to each other even long after graduation! Through the following websites, we hope to promote a strong sense of community among all International Institute students, both present and past, which extends beyond the boundaries of our campus, and beyond the period spent attaining their degree at UCLA.

LinkedIn: All of our alumni are welcome to join the UCLA International Institute Alumni Network, our professional network on LinkedIn. It’s also a great way to keep in touch with your former classmates!

UCLA ONE: Another way to continue to connect is to join the International Institute Academic Programs Group on UCLA ONE. The group’s purpose is to promote a strong sense of community among current International Institute students and alumni by
• providing opportunities to network
• encouraging participation in mentor relationships


QUESTIONS?

If you have additional questions about the International Institute Commencement Ceremony after reviewing the above information, please contact the Academic Counselor of your  academic program (see below).  You are also encouraged to review the College of Letters & Sciences Graduation Checklist.

Global Studies Major
International Development Studies Major

Sandy Valdivieso, 10274 Bunche Hall
Elizabeth Alvarez, 10270 Bunche Hall
idps@international.ucla.edu

*****************

African & Middle Eastern Studies Major
Asian Studies Major
European Studies Major
Latin American Studies Major

Yumi Kinoshita, 10256 Bunche Hall
Karina Barrera, 10254 Bunche Hall
undergrads@international.ucla.edu

*****************

African Studies M.A.
East Asian Studies M.A.
Latin American Studies M.A.

Yumi Kinoshita, 10256 Bunche Hall
idpgrads@international.ucla.edu


UCLA International Institute Academic Programs


 

 ACADEMIC COUNSELING

We strive to provide holistic and comprehensive support to our students through one-on-one advising, workshops, and events that focus on academic and professional planning, exploration of research, internship opportunities, and experiences abroad. 

Advisor Yumi Kinoshita

Yumi Kinoshita

   Master's Program Advisor

Advisor Karina Barrera

Karina Barrera

   Undergraduate Advisor

Contact Us

Please include your name and UID in all emails. 

✉ Undergraduate Advising: undergrads@international.ucla.edu

 Graduate Advising: idpgrads@international.ucla.edu 

  Current UCLA undergraduate students can make an advising appointment with Karina at Academic Counseling - Barrera, KarinaPlease select "International & Area Studies and Global Health Advising" Option. The appointment will be cancelled if you're not present (online or in person) within 5 minutes of the scheduled time.

If you're not a UCLA student, please e-mail us at the corresponding email as noted above.  

   Bunche Hall 10256 & 10254 (10th floor)

Mailing Address:

Academic Advisor
UCLA International Institute Academic Programs
Office of Academic Advising
10256 Bunche Hall, Mail Code 148703
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1487

**To be featured in our weekly bulletin, please use our online request form.

We encourage you to read our FAQs and program websites. If you still have questions or concerns, you may contact us at undergrads@international.ucla.edu (please include your name & UID).


We can assist you with:

  • Major and minor questions and petitions to declare (I A STD & Global Health)
  • Educational planning and course sequencing
  • Course petitions and substitutions
  • DARS updates for major/minor
  • Enrollment questions for I A STD and Global Health courses
  • Contract courses (I A STD / Global Health195CE & 198A/B/C, GH 199)
  • Exploration of research, Departmental Honors, internship/career opportunities, and study abroad
  • Graduation checks for major/minor questions

For other questions or concerns, please review the following information:

Refer to your main Counseling Unit for questions about GE/IGETC Requirements, Course Add/Drop Petitions, Degree Plan Contracts, College-specific requirements, Holds, Grad Checks, Academic Probation status, Readmission, etc.

Questions about registration, fees, classes, etc.

Economic & Technological Resources

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