The Department of Anthropology strongly encourages its majors and minors to study abroad. Students will find programs worldwide that will complement their studies of biological anthropology, anthropological archaeology, and sociocultural anthropology at UCSD. Through the UCSD Anthropology Department’s own faculty-led programs, University of California’s Education Abroad Program (EAP), UCSD’s Opportunities Abroad Program (OAP), or other specialized programs in Anthropology, students will find hundreds of programs of varying lengths and levels of cultural and language immersion , one of which is sure to suit their individual needs.
"I decided to study anthropology, after majoring in philosophy, because it seemed to be a way to pursue many of the same questions that interest philosophers, but with data (that is, without the armchair). The intellectual, emotional, and personal strengths that anthropology offers depend, for me, entirely on the experience of fieldwork, which in the sort of anthropology I do means immersion in a language, a place, a community, and an understanding of the social and natural worlds unfamiliar to me" -- Professor John B. Haviland
Why study abroad?
Anthropology is the core discipline that studies human culture -- worldwide, past and present, and in all its infinite diversity. Anthropologists work in every corner of the world, and on problems that range from primate behavior to globalization and the nation state. Students considering a career in anthropology, other international or cultural studies, or business and public service owe it to themselves to see worldwide Anthropology firsthand.
Regardless of your future career choice, study abroad in Anthropology will help you develop skills that are critical to a liberal arts education and a new view of the world. If your reason for choosing anthropology as your major is to understand the diversity of social institutions and cultural traditions, what better way to broaden your education than immersing yourself in a foreign culture?
“Today’s workplace requires you to be quick on your feet and highly adaptable. You will work for, and with, professionals from diverse backgrounds whose personal styles may be quite different from your own. Study Abroad is an outstanding way to build your skills, to see the world through another’s eyes, and to demonstrate to employers that you are tested and ready to pursue the global workplace.” --Andrew T. Ceperley, Director, Career Services Center, UCSD
Consider your value to an employer or a graduate program if you’ve:
Participated in a different educational system and gained a new cultural perspective
Increased your proficiency in another language
Improved your critical thinking skills
Expanded your worldview by experiencing another culture firsthand
Developed self-confidence and independence
Prepared for a career in an internationally competitive world
Enhanced résumés and/or applications for graduate school
When should I study abroad?
It is possible for Anthropology students to go abroad at almost any point in their academic careers. The particular quarter, semester, summer or year that you study abroad depends on your individual progress in your major and what courses you plan to take while abroad.
Most students are advised to take one to three upper division courses at UCSD before they leave. See Requirements section below for more information.
Where should I study abroad?
Your UCSD Anthropology professors are doing research in other countries right now! Have a look at their programs in which you can get involved:
The Anthropology Department also traditionally advises students on a wide variety of both UC and non-UC “field schools”. Field schools, which may be taken for credit, are how students can experience anthropological field research techniques in a hands-on environment. Consult with the Anthropology coordinator, your professors, or the Director of Undergraduate Studies for some ideas and options. Many archaeology field schools are listed at http://www.archaeological.org/webinfo.php?page=10016
You will find coursework relevant to your major in Anthopology at many EAP study centers. Program Wizard (http://eap.ucop.edu/programwizard) can help you find programs that meet your needs.
Bogazici University, Istanbul (programs taught in English)
Bilgi University, Istanbul (programs taught in English)
Koc University, Istanbul (programs taught in English)
Sabanci University, Istanbul (programs taught in English)
What will it cost?
Foreign study can be comparable to the cost of study at UC. The major cost categories include program fees that cover the operating costs of the program, credit fees or tuition, and your international airfare. The UCSD faculty-led Anthropology study abroad programs work hard to be cost-competitive with comparable programs worldwide.
Students on UCSD faculty-led programs or EAP programs pay regular UC fees and continue to receive UC financial aid while abroad. Furthermore, UCSD or EAP program students are eligible for special grants and scholarships from UC, the host country, and other sources.
OAP students may retain all or some of their funding while abroad, including special study abroad scholarships, but because of the variety of the programs found through OAP, costs for individual programs can vary greatly.
Start your research in the Programs Abroad Library
Meet with a Programs Abroad advisor
Complete your Academic Planning Form
Schedule a visit with the coordinator in Anthropology (dmarlowe@ucsd.edu or 858-534-0110)
Visit your college advising office
Requirements
Anthropology majors are advised to take one to three upper division courses at UCSD before they leave and to chart their major course requirements well in advance with an advisor. This is particularly important for students who must graduate in little more than four years, as well as those who anticipate writing a senior honors thesis.
Students who plan to write a senior honors thesis, but will be abroad during the spring quarter of their junior year, should plan ahead before leaving. This means completing four upper division courses at UCSD before going abroad, discussing possible thesis topics with faculty, and considering the possibility of using course work abroad as background for the thesis. Please refer to this information on the Senior Thesis Program for more information.
What classes should I take?
The key to success is planning and pre-approval! Students considering studying abroad should discuss their plans with Professor Paul Goldstein, Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Department of Anthropology, before going abroad. Professor Goldstein will sign all abroad forms. Be sure to take your completed Academic Planning Form with you to your meeting.
Students on UCSD faculty-led programs and EAPs automatically earn UC credit for the work they complete abroad. Application of credit to major requirements is subject to the discretion of the department. The EAP Coursefinder lets you search courses taken by UC students over the last 5 years. OAP students earn transfer credit for the work they complete abroad through petition; subject to the discretion of the department.
What happens when I return?
Please follow the instructions carefully to petition abroad courses toward a Anthropology Major or Minor.
Undergraduate Student Petitions forms are available from the Undergraduate Coordinator, SSB 213, or you can print the online version http://registrar.ucsd.edu/forms/UNstudentpetition.pdf. Please see the Undergraduate Coordinator for assistance in filling out petition(s).
1. Fill out an Undergraduate Student Petition form for each course.
2. Include department course number and course title.
3. If abroad transcript has been forwarded to UCSD, attach a copy from TritonLink to the petition. (Students may petition abroad courses pending receipt of official transcript verifying appropriate transfer credits and grade.)
4. Students will need to see the Faculty Adviser, who will review course documents (syllabus, papers, and/or exams).
5. After receiving approval from the Faculty Adviser, turn in Undergraduate Student Petition(s) to the Undergraduate Coordinator.
6. The Director of Undergraduate Studies will have final approval of all abroad courses to be applied for the Major or Minor.
NOTE: The Department ordinarily transfers no more than four upper-division courses toward the major, and two upper-division courses for the minor. Petitions for exceptions will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
For more information contact David Marlowe, Undergraduate Coordinator at (858) 534-0110.
Yeah, but ...
Still not sure if study abroad is for you? Want to discuss it with your parents, or need to convince them? Check out UCEAP’s “Top Ten Reasons to Study Abroad” (http://eap.ucop.edu/eap/whystudyabroad.shtm)
University of California, San Diego OAP Opportunities Abroad Program If you don't find your perfect fit with EAP check out the infinite options for other academic programs available through UCSD's Opportunities Abroad Program (OAP). Follow the link below to find more information on OAP. http://pao.ucsd.edu/pao/started.html
UCSD
Programs Abroad Office International Center
Second Floor
