Because of the built-in flexibility of its curriculum, Environmental Studies allows students to participate in courses, programs, and opportunities that lead to independent thinking and experiential learning that can deepen a student’s understanding of the causes and effects of today’s environmental problems on a global scale.
Since its creation, Environmental Studies at UCSB has encouraged its students to consider completing some portion of their undergraduate study outside UCSB through the University’s Education Abroad Program (EAP), UC's Washington Center or Sacramento Center programs, or another accredited third party study abroad or field studies program. Opportunities such as these allow students to apply academic credit towards their major while studying in a foreign country or interning for an environmentally related agency in our state or national capital.
Students are not limited to just UCSB sponsored programs (listed below) to study abroad. Dozens of great programs are offered through sister UC campuses as well as universities and colleges around the country and the world. Students interested in such programs are encouraged to investigate them thoroughly and work with a UCSB College or ES Academic Advisor to assure units awarded are UC transferable and applicable towards major requirements before enrolling in a specific program. Students may also want to visit the Environmental Studies Field Studies and Third Party Study Abroad webpage for a list of some of the more popular programs.
Before studying abroad, students should read the Guidelines for ES & HYDRO Majors Studying Abroad in UCEAP and/or the Participating in Third-party Study Abroad and Environmental Field Studies Program Guidelines to understand how and where they can apply abroad units towards their major requirements. They offer essential information for ES students planning to study abroad to help one meet major requirements most efficiently..
Questions on how a student can maximize their time studying abroad should be directed to the Environmental Studies Academic Advisor by emailing advsing@es.ucsb.edu.
UC Study Abroad & Intern Programs
UC Education Abroad Program (EAP)
A variety of environmental problems now affect our entire planet. As globalization continues and the earth’s natural processes transform local problems into international ones, no societies are untouched by major environmental problems. Environmental Studies strongly encourages its students to consider completing some portion of their undergraduate study through the UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) or similar “off-campus” studies program. An opportunity to study in a foreign university not only offers an international dimension to an undergraduate education, but can deepen a student’s understanding of the causes and effects of today’s environmental problems on a global scale.
Why & When to study abroad? Each year scores of Environmental Studies (ES) majors study abroad through UCEAP in dozens of countries around the globe. With careful academic planning, ES majors can have an experience of a lifetime studying in a foreign university with no loss of time in completing their degrees. Develop a global understanding of the structure and dynamics of complex environmental systems and enhance your future career through classroom, laboratory and field experiences that are unique to the country and region in which you study. Students wishing to fulfill upper-division major requirements should study abroad during their jjunior, senior or even during a fifth year. Those interested in fulfilling lower-division major preparation or General Education requirements can participate as early as their sophomore year. Transfer students are always encouraged to study abroad.
Where should I study abroad? UCEAP provides students opportunities to study environmental problems and issues in over 40 countries located on six different continents. You can study at host universities that have environmental studies programs or departments or you can take a variety of environmental courses through more “traditional” academic departments such as biology, sociology, geography, and anthropology. And with the option for students to satisfy your “outside concentration” requirement by taking units from any single, non-environmental, department or program, ES majors have a world of choices. See this web page for a list and links to UCEAP programs particularly for environmental studies; but remember this is just a portion of 40 different countries and over 140 schools you have to choose from.
Visit UCSB's Education Abroad Program for more info and to find out when their information sessions are held, applications are due, or to speak to a EAP Advisor. Questions about how to apply courses towards the ES Major requirements can be directed to the ES Advising team.
Students can also learn more by viewing:
Washington Center Program (UCDC)
Every quarter a select group of UCSB undergraduates are selected to travel to our Nation's Capital for a unique academic experience. While studying at UCSB's Washington Center, students combine real work experience via internships with independent research and study, and get to take advantage of the wide array of cultural and political opportunities in the political center of the United States and one of the most dynamic and important cities in the world. This full academic internship program is offered every quarter, including summer and housing is included at a UC owned and run dormitory. The application deadlines for this opportunity are normally three to five months ahead of the quarter one wants to participate, so be sure to visit UCSB's UCDC website for application info and deadlines.
University of California Center in Sacramento (UCCS) Program
Similar to the UCDC program, students in the UCCS program have the opportunity to observe public policy processes firsthand in our state's capital. Designed for undergraduates in their junior or senior year, the program allows students to pursue internships and research projects specific to enhance their academic study. Interested students are encouraged to get more info and apply via the UCCS website.