Study Abroad in
Sociology

Department of Sociology, UCSD
Social Sciences Building, Room 401
http://sociology.ucsd.edu/undergra/undergra.htm

The Department of Sociology strongly encourages its majors and minors to study abroad. Students will find programs worldwide in which to take classes that will complement their study of sociology at UCSD. Through the University of California’s Education Abroad Program (EAP) or UCSD’s Opportunities Abroad Program (OAP), 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.

“One of the most valuable opportunities for undergraduates is to look into the many Education Abroad Programs. I received an ecstatic e-mail from a sociology major who studied in Italy. She writes that she cannot believe that the most educational thing she has ever done at UCSD (study abroad) is also the most exhilarating and meaningful. Nobody has ever said that about my classes!” Ivan Evans, Associate Professor, UCSD Sociology Department

“If you are looking for the most profound way to expand your academic horizons and to get more exposure to different cultures and societies, come to the Programs Abroad Office to research the many great sociology programs in foreign countries all over the world.” Simona Stolpner, UCSD Sociology 2004 Graduate

Why study abroad?

Crop-over, the biggest festival on the Bajan calendar, Barbados.

“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.  Sociology is a valuable major for students who want to enter law, medicine, architecture, business, or politics. It also provides a solid liberal arts education for students who plan careers in education, criminal justice, public health, urban planning, social welfare, counseling, public administration, international relations, or market research, all of which will be greatly enhanced by experiences gained through immersion in a foreign culture.

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 Sociology 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. 

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?

You will find coursework relevant to your major in Sociology 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 Sociology majors and minors have studied:

  • Beijing Normal University, China
  • University of Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Utrecht University, Netherlands
  • University of Grenoble, France
  • University of Concepción, Chile
  • University of the West Indies, Barbados
  • University of Ghana
  • Yonsei University, Korea
  • Lund University, Sweden
  • University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
  • National University of Ireland, Galway
  • University of Melbourne, Australia
  • University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
 

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
  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 Sociology (ssfore@ucsd.edu or 858-534-4628)
  7. Visit your college advising office

Requirements

The Department of Sociology allows a maximum of 4 courses taken abroad to count towards major requirements.  It is strongly recommended that all students going abroad complete SOCA 100 (Classical Sociological Theory) and an upper division "methods" course prior to departure. (Upper division methods courses are SOCA 103M through SOCA 110A.)

What classes should I take?

Sociology's undergraduate advisor will help students 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. The EAP Coursefinder (http://eap.ucop.edu/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, and application of credit to major requirements is also subject to the discretion of the department.

The University of Concepción campus, Chile

What happens when I return?

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