The Mathematics Department encourages its students to study abroad through the Education Abroad Program. In a world which is becoming increasingly globalized, exposure to other cultures can help students gain new perspectives and achieve a greater understanding of the world in which we live. College is an ideal time to take advantage of the opportunity to live abroad for a summer, a semester, or a year. In addition to developing your self-confidence, indepedence and perspectives, your international experience will benefit your career goals and/or graduate school opportunities.
EAP offers unparalleled opportunities to obtain the broader perspectives,
knowledge, and skills necessary to be effective professionally in our rapidly
changing global world. Possibilities are numerous to further your study of mathematics, as well as innumerable other subjects, in many countries around the world.
The benefits of studying and living abroad are tremendous. You can:
•Take advantage of unique academic coursework opportunities in mathematics
•Participate in a different educational system
•Improve critical thinking skills
•Advance your cross-cultural and problem-solving skills
•Expand your world view by experiencing another culture firsthand
•Develop self-confidence and independence
•Prepare for a career in an internationally competitive world
•Enhance your resume for job or graduate school applications
Returning EAP students often describe their experience abroad as a life- changing and uniquely valuable one for future choices of professional and
personal goals.
Back to Top
EAP participants have the choice of over 35 countries in which to spend a year, a semester, or a summer. Students also have the option of studying in English or in a foreign language.
While mathematics courses in English are offered at a number of EAP host
universities, particularly strong English language programs can be found
in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Sweden and Singapore.
Additionally, UCSB math majors have also attended the Budapest Semester
in Mathematics and received credit towards their major for the math
courses taken there (go to http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/math/budapest).
Note that this program is not offered through EAP.
Students with a good understanding of German should consider studying at
Georg-August University of Göttingen, Germany in the fall and doing a 3
month academic internship with a private company or agency in one of many locations throughout Germany.
Students should also consider one of the intensive Language and Culture
programs offered by EAP, such as: a summer in Sweden, a semester in
Russia or a full-year in Japan, among many others.
Back to Top
While it is possible for math 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 what courses you plan to take. Students
interested in Language and Culture programs, or in fulfilling major preparation
and General Education requirements, can participate as early as their soph- omore year.
Students wanting to fulfill upperdivision major requirements should be aware that students at foreign universities begin their specialization in mathematics earlier than US students. Consequently, mathematics courses abroad are often taught at a more demanding level, especially in the upper-division. Please consult the
with the department’s undergraduate advisor.
Back to Top
All EAP students automatically earn UC credit for the work they complete abroad. However, the application of credit to major requirements is subject to the discretion of the department. Plan ahead and consult with your department advisor.
Keep in mind that at least 20 units of upper-division major coursework (or
12 upper-division minor units) must be completed in residence at UCSB
along with other residence requirements. Consult an advisor in the College of Letters & Science for more information.
Back to Top
Come by the EAP office at 2431 South Hall. Peer advisors who have recently
returned from studying abroad as well as staff advisors are eager to answer
your questions.
Consult the EAP web pages to see what programs best suit you. In addition to Coursefinder and Programwizard, we recommend that you navigate to host universities’ websites on the available links.
Go see your Undergraduate Advisor in the math department office, 6607
South Hall. Then make an appointment with an advisor in the College of Letters and Science to discuss general education, residence and other requirements.
Here is a list of EAP host countries that offer unique opportunities in math:
UK -- Australia -- Hungary -- Hong Kong -- Germany -- Sweden -- Singapore
Back to Top
Department of Mathematics
South Hall, Room 6607
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA 93106
Phone: (805) 893-2171
www.math.ucsb.edu
