Anthropology is the core discipline that studies human culture -- worldwide, past and present, and in all its infinite diversity. Anthropologists work in every corner of the world, and on problems that range from primate behavior to globalization and the nation state. Students considering a career in anthropology, other international or cultural studies, or business and public service owe it to themselves to see worldwide Anthropology firsthand.
Regardless of your future career choice, study abroad in Anthropology will help you develop skills that are critical to a liberal arts education and a new view of the world. If your reason for choosing anthropology as your major is to understand the diversity of social institutions and cultural traditions, what better way to broaden your education than immersing yourself in a foreign culture?
Consider your value to an employer or a graduate program if you’ve:
It is possible for Anthropology 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. See Planning Recommendations section below for more information.
Your UCSD Anthropology professors are doing field research and leading study abroad programs in other countries right now. More information can be found on Departmental Study Abroad Programs.
Through the University of California’s Education Abroad Program (EAP), and Opportunities Abroad Program (OAP), you will find hundreds of programs of varying lengths and levels of cultural and language immersion, one of which is sure to suit your individual needs. In addition to EAP and OAP, UC San Diego offers Global Seminars (GS) in various countries throughout the world. Each Global Seminar consists of two courses taught by a UCSD professor.
To learn about the various programs offered through Programs Abroad Office, attend a First Steps meeting at the International Center. Visit http://www.pao.ucsd.edu to find out more.
Student will eventually need to complete an Academic Planning Form. Visit the [Undergraduate Advising] page for walk-in hours to have an advisor sign your paperwork.
Anthropology majors are advised to take one to three upper division courses at UCSD before they leave and to chart their major course requirements well in advance with an advisor. This is particularly important for students who must graduate in little more than four years, as well as those who anticipate writing a senior honors thesis.
Students who plan to write a senior honors thesis, but will be abroad during the spring quarter of their junior year, should plan ahead before leaving. This means completing four upper division courses at UCSD before going abroad, discussing possible thesis topics with faculty, and considering the possibility of using course work abroad as background for the thesis. Please refer to this information on the Senior Thesis Program for more information.
When you return, please follow the instructions carefully to petition abroad courses toward a Anthropology Major or Minor. Undergraduate Student Petitions forms are available from the Undergraduate Coordinator, SSB 213, or you can print the online version. Please see the Undergraduate Coordinator for assistance in filling out petition(s).
NOTE: The Department ordinarily transfers no more than four upper-division courses toward the major, and two upper-division courses for the minor. Petitions for exceptions will be reviewed on a case by case basis.