Why Study Abroad
The UC Davis Education Abroad Center provides Environmental Science & Policy Students with the unique opportunity to study environmental problems and issues in one of 35 countries located on six different continents. With close to 150 universities to choose from, the EAC enables students to spend a period of their academic career -- a year, a semester, a quarter or summer term – studying abroad. The opportunities available to students will help them develop a global understanding of the structure and dynamics of complex environmental systems. The program may also enhance the future careers of EBM and EPAP students through classroom, laboratory and field experiences that are unique to the country and region in which they study.
Consider your value to a graduate program or employer if you:
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Participate in a different educational system and gain a new cultural perspective
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Increase your proficiency in another language
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Improve your critical thinking skills
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Expand your worldview by experiencing another culture firsthand
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Develop self-confidence and independence
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Prepare for a career in an internationally competitive world
When to Study Abroad
Study abroad programs are available at all class levels (some as early as 3rd quarter first year all the way through to the last quarter of the senior year). The particular quarter, semester, summer or year that you study abroad depends on your individual progress in the major, what coursework you plan to complete abroad, and your immediate plans after graduation. Consult with your major advisor to determine the best time period for your study abroad experience.
Because of the considerable preparatory course work required at the lower-division level, most ESP majors choose to complete as many of these courses as possible before leaving to study abroad during their junior or senior year. Most students find it preferable not to have to complete lower-division requirements when they return to UC Davis.
Where to go
Some UC or UC Davis programs offer only intensive language and culture programs, others “set” courses which may or may not fit your major. The majority, however, allow you to choose from regular host university courses (offered in English or the host country language). The best way to choose is to look over the options and consult with your ESP major and Education Abroad Center advisors.
The ESP Department has identified the following programs as excellent matches for your major. While these are programs our students have recently participated in, the department encourages you to look at other programs as well.
NEW! Special Focus EAP Pilot Program
Wageningen University & Research Centre This special focus pilot program is available only to UC |
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Australia, University of Adelaide (Spring Semester or Year)
Program in Geographical and Environmental Studies -
Australia, University of Queensland (Fall Semester)
Program in Marine Biology and Terrestrial Ecology -
Australia, University of Tasmania (Fall or Spring Semester)
Program in Environmental Science & Biology -
Costa Rica, Monteverde (Fall or Spring Semester)
Program in Tropical Biology and Conservation Program -
Sweden, Lund University (Fall Quarter or Year)
Program in Environmental Studies
A complete listing of UC EAP system-wide recommendations for Environmental Sciences programs can be found at http://eap.ucop.edu/eap/discipline/environ.htm
UC EAP also offers two special features to help you choose:
The Coursefinder database includes descriptions of all courses taken by UC students while on EAP programs. Please note that it does not include all courses offered by the host university, only those that have been taken and submitted for approval by UC students. You may search courses by subject, location, or language of instruction
The Program Wizard uses the Coursefinder database to help you find possible programs of interest. You enter such variables as your major, length of study abroad program you desire, applicable language, etc. and the Program Wizard will identify several programs that fit your “profile.” Again, please note that the Program Wizard is limited by the fact that the Coursefinder database only includes courses previously taken by UC students while on EAP.
Coursework taken on the UC Davis Quarter Abroad and the UC Davis Summer Abroad programs are regular UC Davis courses and fulfill major, college and university requirements just as if taken while in residence on campus. Be sure to consult the UC Davis General Catalog for specifics.
All classes taken on the UC Education Abroad Program (EAP) are listed individually with their accompanying grades on your UC Davis transcript. The courses are UC approved courses and count toward your 180 unit requirement for graduation; however, your major has the final authority to determine how the coursework is used to fulfill specific major requirements.
The ESP department has determined that UC EAP courses may be used to fulfill the following EBM and EPAP major requirements:
| Preparatory Subject Matter: | Not Recommended |
| Depth Subject Matter: | For EBM majors, some EAP courses may be appropriate. ESP 110 and 172 must be taken at UC Davis.
For EPAP majors all courses in this area must be taken at UC Davis. |
| Restricted Electives: | Easily taken abroad for both EBM and EPAP majors. |
| Methodology/Capstone Seminar: | Easily taken abroad, provided similar subject matter is available. |
General Education courses may also be completed on EAP. Click on the link to see which courses have already been approved and/or the procedures necessary to have an EAP course reviewed for GE credit.
The ESP dept. can discuss with you which courses articulate in the various programs for your EBM or EPAP major requirements only. We do not have the authority to review EAP courses for purposes of fulfilling college/university or other major/minor requirements. For final approval, students must submit course descriptions prior to departure for preliminary approval and must submit course syllabi, descriptions, and possibly student work upon return to UC Davis.