Study Abroad for Linguistics Majors

The Department of Linguistics strongly encourages students to broaden
their educational experience through participation in the Education Abroad
Program. EAP allows linguistics majors to earn course credit while experiencing
another language and culture. Whether your interest is in general linguistics, sociocultural linguistics, or the linguistics of a specific language or language family, living and studying abroad will help you develop mastery of another language (including many that are not offered at UCSB), acquire a deep understanding of another culture, and gain a new perspective on your own linguistic and cultural background. Your EAP experience will also prepare
you for the challenges of graduate school or a linguistic-related career in a
wide variety of fields.

Why study abroad?
The Department of Linguistics at UCSB wants its students to develop an appreciation for the diversity and complexity of the world’s languages and the resources that they represent for all of humanity. The Department is committed to understanding linguistic diversity by learning how languages are used by speakers in everyday social interaction. There is no better way to truly grasp the intricacies of another language than to immerse yourself in it for a summer, a quarter, or an entire academic year.

Studying abroad is often the most rewarding and memorable experience of your undergraduate career.

EAP offers a variety of short-term and year-long programs taught in many different languages (including English).

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• Where should I study abroad?
  With over 100 universities in over 30 different countries, you have many options. Linguistics courses can be found at many EAP host universities, in both English and the host language. EAP’s online Course Catalog lists over 300 linguistics courses taken by UC students students over the past five years. UCSB linguistics majors have gone to programs all over the world—Europe, the Middle East, South America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia.
  
  UCSB Linguistics majors have studied at the following host universities, among many others:
  
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • France
  • Germany
  • Hong Kong
  • India
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • UK
  

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When should I study abroad?
While it is possible for students to go abroad at almost any point in their academic careers, the particular quarter, semester, summer or year 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 sophomore year. Students wanting to fulfill upper-division major requirements should study abroad during their junior or senior year.

It is best to plan early for study abroad. Applications are typically due six months to a year prior to the start of the program.

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What classes should I take?
Depending on your course selection, you may fulfill major and/or GE require- ments. The Linguistics Undergraduate Advisor and the advisors in the College of Letters and Science are available to help you select the courses that are right for your education and interests.

All EAP students automatically earn UC credit for the work they complete abroad. However, application of credit to major requirements will be subject to the discretion of the Department and approval of the College.

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.

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How do I get started?
Begin by identifying your goals for study abroad and then consult the EAP web pages (http://eap.ucop.edu/) to identify appropriate EAP programs. To find programs which offer particular disciplines or to search courses taken by EAP students over the last 5 years by subject, keyword and/or location, explore the resources found under Program and Course Search. Navigate to host universities’ web sites on the available links to learn more about the schools and their departments.

Stop by the EAP office at 2431 South Hall. Peer advisors who have recently returned from studying abroad as well as staff advisors are eager to answer your questions.

Go see your department Undergraduate Advisor and a College of Letters & Science advisor to discuss major, general education, residence and other requirements.

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What happens when I return?
If you take courses abroad for which you wish to get credit towards your major, you should keep your syllabi, course materials, and essays and exams to present to your department advisor on your return. You will automatically earn UC credit for all classes successfully completed on EAP, just not necessarily credit within the department.

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Department of Linguistics
3607 South Hall
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-3100
Phone: (805) 893-3776
www.linguistics.ucsb.edu