Study Abroad in
Philosophy

Department of Philosophy, UCSD
Humanities & Social Sciences Building, Room 7002
http://philosophy.ucsd.edu

The Department of Philosophy supports its majors and minors who are interested in studying abroad. Students will find programs worldwide in which to take classes that will complement their study of philosophy 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.

"Studying abroad can be an amazing experience. Studying philosophy in other countries is in some sense unique, because the way that people approach philosophy can vary from country to country. Experiencing philosophy done in different ways can be both interesting and illuminating, but it also comes with its own challenges. In order to help interested students make the most of their experience abroad, we are happy to help students in the planning process -- from selecting destinations to putting together a course of study to passing on impressions and suggestion from returning students." - Professor Dana Nelkin, Philosophy Department, UCSD

Why study abroad?

The banks of the Spree canal, Berlin.

“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.  Philosophy is a valuable major for students who want to enter law, medicine, business, or politics, to name a few careers. It also provides a solid liberal arts education for students who want to work 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

What if I don't speak another language?

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?

While it is possible for Philosophy 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 Philosophy 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 Philosophy majors and minors have studied:

  • Oxford University, United Kingdom
  • University of Utrecht, Netherlands
  • University of Barcelona, Spain
  • University of Sussex, United Kingdom
  • Cambridge University, United Kingdom
  • Computense University of Madrid
 

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 find out more!
  3. Start your research in the Programs Abroad Library
  4. Meet with a Programs Abroad advisor
  5. Schedule a visit with the advisor in Philosophy (nina@ucsd.edu or 858-534-3077)
  6. Visit your college advising office

Requirements

The Department of Philosophy allows a maximum of five courses taken outside of UCSD to count towards major requirements.  It is strongly recommended that you complete PHIL 10 and 120 before studying abroad.

What classes should I take?

The key to success is planning and pre-approval!  Students considering studying abroad should discuss their plans with Nina Cooper, Philosophy's undergraduate advisor, before going abroad. Be sure to take your completed Academic Planning Form with you to your meeting.  Students should note that:

1. All classes abroad should be taken for a letter grade.

2. All documentation of coursework (syllabi, reading lists, exams, papers) should be brought back for review if you are going to petition a course for credit. If documents are in a foreign language, you may need to have them translated into English for review.

3. Classes in Comparative Religions are generally not approved for credit in the major or minor.

4. Philosophy's undergraduate advisor will guide students in selecting courses that would most likely be approved for major and minor requirements; however, credit will not be given until classes are petitioned and approved by the department faculty advisor upon the student's return.

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.

EAP students at the University of Sussex, England

What happens when I return?

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