Study Abroad for History of Art and Architecture Majors
The Department of History of Art & Architecture encourages its students to complete some portion of their undergraduate study through the UC Education Abroad Program. Art history majors can deepen their understanding of the art and culture of particular nations and regions by studying at a foreign university while adding an international dimension to their undergraduate education. Honors majors have the extraordinary opportunity to use their period abroad for first-hand research on their honors thesis projects. Why study abroad?Study abroad can be a profoundly enriching experience in many ways, but has a particularly important role to play in the study of art history. Many programs offer the opportunity to study the art of a particular culture while gaining intensive, first-hand exposure to the culture itself: in France, for instance, one can take a class on Gothic architecture in the morning, then visit a great Gothic cathedral in the afternoon. Acquiring fluency in a language and some familiarity with its literature, as well as an understanding of a country’s history, social customs, and everyday life, uniquely enhances one’s understanding of art. Where should I study abroad?Traditionally, art history majors have preferred programs in Western Europe -- especially in England, Italy and France -- but students may study art history in Asia, South America, Africa, the Middle East and the South Pacific. New UCEAP programs are developing all the time, so interested students should investigate their options thoroughly. Keep in mind that it is not always possible to predict exactly which courses will be offered at a foreign university in any particular term, so a degree of flexibility must be figured into planning. What classes should I take?By searching Gaucho Credit Abroad and the UCEAP Course Catalog, you will get an idea of the types of art history as well as architecture courses UC students have taken around the world. All UCEAP 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 and approval of the college. Save all syllabi, papers and other relevant course information to help you petition courses for specific requirements Plan ahead and consult with your advisors before leaving and while abroad. 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 a Letters & Science College advisor for more information. When should I study abroad?Students can study abroad as early as their sophomore year or as late as their last semester, even in a fifth year. Students wishing to fulfill upper-division major requirements should study abroad during their junior or senior year. Students interested in fulfilling major preparation or General Education requirements can participate as early as their sophomore year. How do I get started?
Department of the History of Art & Architecture |

History of Art and Architecture
“Getting to stand in front of the monuments you’ve seen only on a screen in class, getting to walk through the spaces you’ve studied, getting to examine a statue from all angles. Nothing can take the place of this experience!”
Claudia Moser
UCSB Professor of Art History
France, University of Bordeaux, Art History