International Undergraduate Preparation Program

The Standard for Academic Success

International high-school graduates who wish to improve their academic and/or language skills to prepare for study at UC Irvine or other U.S. colleges or universities may enroll in an exciting new academic preparation program at UC Irvine. UCI Extension’s comprehensive, 9-month International Undergraduate Preparation Program (IUPP), providing maximum support under ideal conditions, gives qualified international high-school graduates essential skills to help them be admitted as an international freshman and succeed academically, culturally, and linguistically as they pursue their bachelor’s degree in the United States.

Students in IUPP enroll in one quarter of 10-Week Intensive English as a Second Language and two quarters of undergraduate academic courses, in addition to other program components listed in the features above. This winning combination of interactive English teaching and academic and skills-based training is ideal for students looking to ready themselves for the demands of studying in an international setting.

In short, IUPP prepares international students not just for freshman admission, but for success in their undergraduate studies.

Program Features

• An accredited academic program, tailored to the needs of individual student, at the 12th best public university in the U.S.
• After linguistic and cultural preparation, enrollment in undergraduate courses that carry transferrable credits towards an undergraduate degree at UCI, if admitted.
• One-on-one academic counseling from a qualified, dedicated academic advisor; tutoring in English or university study skills; support for SAT preparation; and assistance with undergraduate application.
  
• A 20-hour University Skills course entitled American & Academic Culture Course, which lays the foundation for developing critical thinking skills and provides strategies for academic success and cultural awareness.
  
• High success rate of receiving a student visa: Credit-bearing courses at UCI are beneficial for obtaining a student visa.
  
• Making participants comfortable with the UCI campus, its abundant resources, and its academic rigor.
  
• The safest learning environment: High-quality “California” style living conditions in Irvine, one of the safest cities in the U.S.
  
• Special events and scheduled activities with American and international students; assignment of a paid and trained undergraduate UCI student as a Conversation Partner for each international student.