Study Abroad in
Ethnic Studies

Department of Ethnic Studies, UCSD
Social Sciences Building, Room 201
http://www.ethnicstudies.ucsd.edu/

The Ethnic Studies major intensively examines the histories, languages, and cultures of America’s racial and ethnic minority groups that combined created the U.S. a nation of nations.  Studying abroad offers a rich perspective that allows one to look back at our country’s groups in relationship to each other and particularly, in structural contexts of power. It helps to explore how other ethnic identities have been constructed in other countries and gives the student a different tool for drawing larger theoretical lessons from these comparisons.  The Ethnic Studies department wholeheartedly encourages the student to study abroad.

"Studying abroad is a life-changing experience. Students who return from study abroad say that it was by living outside the U.S. that they saw first-hand how other cultures constructed notions of race and ethnicity, and in turn, that allowed them to see things differently once they returned to UCSD." --Natalia Molina, Associate Professor, Department of Ethnic Studies, UCSD

"It was such a wonderful experience to go back to the town that I grew up in--Vitarte, Peru. I was able to walk and explore the streets in Peru on my own. I was able to hop on buses as I learned the communities. This was an experience that was so different from when my parents and I visited as a child." --Katherine Arias, Ethnic Studies Major, '07

Why study abroad?

“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 liberal arts education.  Former UCSD Ethnic Studies students are currently enrolled in graduate studies in such areas as public administration, political science and forced migration studies.  They are in student affairs positions in higher education or working for nonprofit organizations around the world.

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

  • Increased your understanding of the world and our society
  • Improved your critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Learned about your identity in a different historical and cultural context
  • Increased your proficiency in another language
  • 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 Ethnic Studies majors 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.

Considering the Honors program in Ethnic Studies? You may be able to do some great research while abroad that could apply to your Honors project when you return. Careful planning with your department advisor 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 Ethnic Studies 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 universities where Ethnic Studies majors have studied:

  • University of the West Indies, Barbados
  • National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM)
  • University of Guanajuato, Mexico
  • University of Costa Rica
  • University of Córdoba, Spain
  • University of Barcelona, Spain
  • Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand
  • Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
  • University of Ghana
  • Chinese University of Hong Kong

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 Ethnic Studies advisor (yescamilla@ucsd.edu or 858-534-3277)
  5. Meet with a Programs Abroad advisor
  6. Complete your Academic Planning Form
  7. Visit your college advising office

Requirements

It is possible for you to transfer up to four upper-division courses for your Ethnic Studies major from abroad. Students are encouraged to take language courses, or to look to the Language, Ethnicity, and Institutional Discourse category for areas in which coursework from abroad may apply. Remember to gain a strong understanding of the type of material covered in your Ethnic Studies courses at UCSD so that you will know what is expected from the content of your courses abroad. It is crucial that any courses you are considering transferring from abroad, other than language courses, engage in some critical examination of American cultures or race.

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.

What happens when I return?

Students must bring all coursework material from their abroad program to the Ethnic Studies 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 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