Study Abroad in
Cognitive Science

Department of Cognitive Science, UCSD
Cognitive Science Building, Room #140
http://www.cogsci.ucsd.edu/

The Department of Cognitive Science strongly encourages its students to study abroad.  While polishing your foreign language skills in a native environment, take advantage of the opportunity to gain exposure to how the academic field of cognitive science is taught in other countries and cultures.  Complement your studies in Cognitive Science at UCSD by studying about German politics in Germany or Latin American history at one of the many available sites in Latin America.  Summer language programs, semester, and year-long programs are available.

"No one has ever come back from studying abroad saying, 'I wish I had stayed at UCSD instead.'" --Gary Jacobson, UCSD Professor of Political Science

"I had a wonderful experience studying abroad. It was quite a bit of work to get the classes approved but it was well worth it when I was finally off to Sydney. I would recommend the semester that starts in the summer because only one quarter would be missed at UCSD ... but I am going to graduate on time in the spring. It is an amazing experience that I would highly recommend." --Ethan Mosbaugh, Computer Engineering Major, '06

Why study abroad?

Les Halles, Paris

“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

Regardless of your future career choice, study abroad will help you develop skills that are critical to the working world.

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?

While it is possible for Cognitive Science majors to go 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.  See Requirements section below for more information.

Where should I study abroad?

You will find coursework relevant to your major in Cognitive Science at many EAP study centers. Program Wizard (http://eap.ucop.edu/programwizard) can help you find programs that meet your needs.

If you can’t find a program, university or country that suits your needs through EAP, try OAP! Two sites that will help you in your search are http://www.goabroad.com/ and http://www.studyabroad.com/.

Here are just a few of the programs and universities where Cognitive Science majors may study:

  • University of Queensland, Australia
  • Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  • Peking University, Beijing
  • University of London, Queen Mary, England
  • University of Lyon, France
  • Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
  • University College Dublin, Ireland
  • University of Padova, Italy
  • National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City
  • University of Maastricht, the Netherlands
  • University of Otago, New Zealand
  • University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
  • University of Granada, Spain
  • Lund University, Sweden
 

What will it cost?

Study on EAP/OAP can be comparable to the cost of study at UC. In some cases, it is less. EAP participants pay UC fees and continue to receive UC financial aid while abroad. Furthermore, EAP 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.

Check here for specific information about scholarships and financial aid: http://programsabroad.ucsd.edu/pao/funding.htm

HINT: If you took courses in another language while abroad, have your proficiency tested immediately upon return.

 

What are my first steps?

  1. Attend a First Steps meeting at the International Center
  2. Visit http://programsabroad.ucsd.edu to see what's in store!
  3. Start your research in the Programs Abroad Library
  4. Meet with a Programs Abroad advisor
  5. Complete your Academic Planning Form
  6. Schedule a visit with the advisor in Cognitive Science (tmaxwell@ucsd.edu or 858-534-6771)
  7. Visit your college advising office

Requirements

The Cognitive Science Department allows a maximum of 3 courses to be taken outside the department for a B.S. degree and a maximum of 1 course to be taken outside the department for a B.A. degree.

What classes should I take?

The key to success is planning and pre-approval! The Cognitive Science Department's undergraduate advisor will help students select courses that can meet major and minor requirements. Be sure to take your completed Academic Planning Form with you to your meeting.

The EAP Coursefinder (http://eap.ucop.edu/coursefinder) lets you search courses taken by UC students over the last 5 years. Additionally, you can find courses that have been previously approved for Linguistics majors here.

EAP students automatically earn UC credit for the work they complete abroad. Application of credit to major requirements is subject to the discretion of the department. OAP students earn transfer credit for the work they complete abroad, and application of credit to major requirements is also subject to the discretion of the department.

Hieroglyphics at a pyramid in Luxor, Egypt

What happens when I return?

Students must bring all coursework material from their abroad program to the Cognitive Science advisor with a general petition for each course. The Faculty advisor of the program will review the petitions and make final approval on coursework – if courses are approved the information will be transferred to the appropriate colleges.

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 our “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
 (858) 534-1123 
FAX  (858) 822-5726
abroad@ucsd.edu

programsabroad.ucsd.edu