UCSB’s Political Science Department strongly urges its students to complete
some portion of their undergraduate study abroad through the University’s
Education Abroad program. EAP allows political science majors to experience
first-hand different political systems, cultures and economies. Whether you choose to study the politics of development in Barbados, look firsthand at the
parliamentary system in Western Europe, or debate international relations in
Turkey, living and studying abroad will expand your perspective, improve your
critical thinking, increase your independence and better prepare you for a career
in an increasingly internationally competitive world.
The Department of Political Science emphasizes the integration of theory and practice. What better way to “practice” the discipline than to expose yourself to an entirely new society, culture and government? Imagine explaining the US political system to your new classmates abroad and then reflecting on the US and its role in the world from an outsider’s point of view. Participation in EAP opens up a new world to students, literally and figuratively.
EAP offers a variety of short-term and year-long programs taught in English or in a foreign language. All course units earned abroad through EAP are automatically credited towards your degree requirements. Depending on your course selection, you may fulfill major or GE requirements as well. Participating in EAP provides further advantages when it comes to the challenges of graduate school and the competitive job market.
Although we encourage all political science majors to study abroad, we particu- larly urge those intending to obtain an International Relations emphasis to parti- cipate in EAP.
Don’t just read about the cultures and politics of other countries -- go and immerse yourself in them. What happens in one part of the world often
has a profound impact on another. As the world becomes more interconnected,
UC EAP offers you the opportunity to see the world from a different perspective
Back to Top
With over 150 universities in 35 different countries, you have many options. While courses in political science and international relations can be found at most EAP host universities, particularly strong or unique programs are identified on the EAP website: eap.ucop.edu/eap/discipline/polisci.htm. Our political science majors have gone to programs all over the world -- Europe, the Middle East, South America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia.
Here are just a few possibilities:
• Policy Issues and Community Service Class at Pietermaritzburg, South Africa which combines classroom learning with community service in local organiza- tions and government department
• Global Studies Program, Meij Gakuin University, Yokohama, Japan
• Institue d’Etudes Politiques de Paris, France
• School for Political and Social Inquiry, Monash University, Australia
Back to Top
While it is possible for political science 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 upper-division major requirements should, in most cases, go abroad in their junior or senior years. We recommend that students complete at least two of the lower division Political Science courses and either PS 105 or PS 121 prior to departing for study abroad.
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 and approval of the college. Plan ahead and consult with your department advisor.
The Department of Political Science strongly encourages students to participate in EAP. The Undergraduate Advisor will work individually with each student to ensure the most effective use of courses taken abroad for major requirements. Internships, independent study and field work completed abroad can be used for major requirements upon approval of the department. While most of our students take political science courses focused primarily on international relations and comparative politics, many political science majors have completed courses in political theory, bureaucracyand American institutions while on EAP. In addition, upper-division history courses are readily available and are an excellent supplement to our program.
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. Staff advisors and peer advisors
who have recently returned from studying abroad are eager to answer your questions.
Consult the EAP web pages to see what programs best suit you. In addtion to
Course Finder and Program Wizard, we recommend that you navigate to host
universities’ websites on the available links.
Make an appointment with the Undergraduate Advisor (893-4192) to
discuss EAP opportunities and options.
Back to Top
Department of Political Science
3838 Ellison Hall
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9420
Phone: (805) 893-4192
www.polsci.ucsb.edu
