Q1. Will you offer any scholarships?
A1. The Beahrs ELP has resources to offer a limited number of partial scholarships of various amounts each year. The scholarships can only be used toward the program fees, which includes lodging and accommodations, and cannot be used for travel or visa application fees. When you apply, there will be a portion of the application where you can indicate if you would like to be considered for scholarship. To have the best chances of receiving a scholarship, we recommend that you apply before the first round of scholarship review. The deadlines for each round of scholarship review are:
- First Round of Scholarship Review: December 15, 2023
- Final Round of Scholarship Review: February 2, 2024
If you apply after February 2, your application will still be reviewed, but you may not be considered for any scholarship. For more information on the criteria used to assess scholarships, visit our Beahrs ELP Costs page.
Q2. Will the 2024 program be online or in-person?
A2. The 2024 Beahrs ELP will be primarily in-person with a few online sessions prior to the in-person program. The online portion of the program will take place in early July 2024, and the in-person portion will take place from July 25 to August 9, 2024, on UC Berkeley’s campus. Both portions of the program are required to complete the course.
The 2023 Beahrs ELP was hybrid as well, and was very successful. We had great feedback from 2023 alumni encouraging us to continue with this hybrid model for the program.
We will continue to stay informed of the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic, including federal, state, local, and UC Berkeley guidelines, in addition to the impacts on international travel. There is a chance that the in-person portion of the program may not be possible; we will keep all applicants informed of any potential changes to the program throughout the coming months.
Q3. What will the cost of the program be?
A3. The total program fee will be USD$8,000. You will be provided with housing and most meals for the duration of the in-person portion, and will need to bring approximately USD$500 for incidentals, as well as arrange your own travel (both international and domestic) to and from Berkeley.
Q4. Will I be able to access the UC Berkeley libraries?
A4. Please refer to the campus library access page here: https://www.lib.berkeley.edu/help/visitors
Q5. What if I cannot travel to Berkeley for the in-person portion?
A5. We understand that this may be an issue some applicants face, and which is out of their control. This is unfortunate, but if this is the case we would recommend you wait to attend until the 2025 Beahrs ELP, as hopefully restrictions relating to travel, visa, and COVID will be less of a concern by then. For more information, please read our cancellation policy and deadlines.
Q6. What is included in the online portion of the program? How much time will it take?
A6. The online sessions of the program will be both synchronous (live over Zoom) and asynchronous (pre-recorded). Asynchronous (pre-recorded) material will continue to be available and can be viewed at your convenience.
There will be 3-4 live sessions, in July 2024, between 7 am and 9 am Pacific Time. To see what time this is for you, go to this time zone converter and enter your city/time zone. Please note that during the program, California will be in Pacific Daylight Tme, not Pacific Standard time.
Q7. What is included in the in-person portion?
A7. We are planning to start the in-person portion on July 25, and end on August 9. This will include standard Beahrs ELP sessions, as well as field visits, a welcome reception, a certificate ceremony, and a special reception with the friends and supporters of the program and UC Berkeley leadership. As stated above in question 3, you will be provided with housing and most meals for the duration of the in-person portion of the program.
Q8. What are the vaccination and/or COVID testing requirements?
A8. We will have to comply with federal, state, local, and UC Berkeley restrictions, which may change between now and the program. We will keep this page updated as new information arises, and will also communicate important changes to applicants.
You can find UC Berkeley’s health guidelines here. As of November 2023, the relevant information for Beahrs ELP participants is as follows:*
- Travelers are no longer required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
- There are currently no mask requirements, however it is recommended in the following circumstances:
- If you have symptoms of a respiratory disease.
- In crowded indoor settings.
- In public areas around people with increased risk for COVID-19.
- For 10 days after having exposure to someone who tested positive.
- If you tested positive (Guidelines if you tested positive).
The State of California has issued the following recommendations:
- All travelers arriving in or returning to California from other states or countries should follow CDC Travel Guidance.
- All travelers who test positive or develop symptoms of COVID-19 should isolate and follow public health recommendations.
- Fully vaccinated travelers:
- Are less likely to get and spread COVID-19, and can travel safely within the United States and California.
- Should follow CDC travel guidance, and are not required to test or quarantine before or after travel unless they have symptoms concerning for COVID-19 disease.
When in Berkeley you will not be able to get COVID tests on campus, as those are reserved for staff and students. However, there are many testing sites in the area, and we will attempt to recommend ones that should be available for your use. (Testing Off Campus | University Health Services (berkeley.edu))
*Please note that the relevant campus COVID policies may change as new information comes to light. Check back here for updates.
For more information regarding how UC Berkeley is handling COVID-19, please visit coronavirus.berkeley.edu. If you have questions regarding the Beahrs ELP that cannot be answered above, please direct them to beahrselp@berkeley.edu.