Study Abroad in
Environmental Systems

The Environmental Systems Program, UCSD
Galbraith Hall, Room #188
http://esys.ucsd.edu/

There can be little doubt that in the twenty-first century the global human community is facing a substantial growth in the environmental consequences of providing food, energy, materials, and basic services to a population of more than six billion inhabitants. The Environmental Systems Program recognizes the growing demand for environmental specialists and is designed to prepare undergraduates to enter a broad spectrum of environmental careers and graduate programs in, for example, the natural sciences, the social sciences, public policy, law, and business. Study abroad can greatly enhance the knowledge of an Environmental Systems major by allowing access and opportunities for students to experience these issues the global community is facing firsthand. Environmental Systems students will find many programs to integrate themselves into one of the many different cultures and countries through the University of California’s Education Abroad Program (EAP) or UCSD’s Opportunities Abroad Program (OAP).

"Words struggle to describe what studying in a foreign country can provide--an essentially irreplaceable experience that widens the narrow mind and opens you up to new cultures, new languages, new events, new individuals, and new knowledge. Changing my perspective on both the foreign world and my own life here at home, living and studying in Ghana and India has opened my eyes to interesting and altogether essential facets of life." Craig Edelman, Environmental Systems major, '06

"In addition to cultural, social and language enhancement, Environmental Systems majors who study abroad benefit from the opportunity to experience and learn in new natural environments. For example, our majors have explored biodiversity on the Great Barrier Reef, conducted tropical biology projects in the rain-forests of Costa Rica, and analyzed ecotourism projects in Ghana. In doing so, our students have greatly enriched their curriculum and gained important insight, skills and perspective in their major." Jane Teranes, Associate Director and Professor of Environmental Systems, UCSD

Why study abroad?

A research hike in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica

“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 a science education.  An international educational experience will provide you with the necessary skills to work effectively in industry, academia, and the public sector.

Consider your value to an employer or a graduate program if you’ve:

  • Completed field work and work experience in unique environments
  • 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

What if I don't speak another language?

You will find that English is the language of instruction in the sciences at many top universities around the world. Additionally, you will find many programs available to you in English-speaking countries. The advisors in the Programs Abroad Office at UCSD can assist you in your search. Also, EAP has an Options in English page to help you in your research.

When should I study abroad?

ESYS majors have a wide variety of options and a lot of flexibility in planning their study abroad. Several of the elective courses in each track, and potentially some of the required courses, could be fulfilled while abroad. Students should plan to study abroad before beginning their senior internship/project. The senior internship/project requires sequential enrollment during fall, winter and spring quarters of senior year. As always, careful planning with your department advisor is recommended and will insure you are aware of all of the opportunities available to you in fulfilling department requirements.

Where should I study abroad?

You will find coursework relevant to your major in Environmental Systems 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 ESYS students have gone on or to:

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. Schedule a visit with the Environmental Systems advisor cduncanson@ucsd.edu or 858-534-8157
  5. Meet with a Programs Abroad advisor
  6. Complete your Academic Planning Form
  7. Visit your college advising office

Requirements

Environmental Systems majors should plan to go abroad before they begin their senior internship/project. Please see the advisor in Environmental Systems for specific requirements regarding study abroad and your major.

What classes should I take?

As with many things in life, careful planning is the key to success! The EAP Coursefinder (http://eap.ucop.edu/coursefinder) lets you search courses taken by UC students over the last 5 years. The department's undergraduate advisor will help you select courses that can meet major and minor requirements.

EAP students automatically earn UC credit for the work they complete abroad. However, 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.

EAP students with the President of Ghana, John Kufuor

What happens when I return?

Students must bring all coursework material from their abroad program to the Environmental Systems 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.

You are strongly encouraged to be in touch with your advisor in the ESYS while you are abroad. You may email course descriptions and syllabi while at your host institution which can be reviewed here at UCSD so that you know what courses you'll receive credit for upon your return. This, too, will speed up your petitioning process when you get back to UCSD.

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

programsabroad.ucsd.edu