Earth and Planetary Science

Berkeley Study Abroad offers Earth and Planetary Science students an opportunity to study their subjects in one of 34 countries located on six continents. In recent years, UC students have studied erupting volcanoes in Chile and Italy, glaciers in Norway, active faults in New Zealand, and classic geologic sites in Scotland. Some of the universities offer field trips to neighboring countries, such as to the Alps in Switzerland, and the fjords in Norway.

College is an ideal time to take advantage of the opportunity to live abroad for a summer, a semester, or a year. In addition to developing your self-confidence, independence, and perspectives, your international experience will benefit your career goals and/or graduate school opportunities.

While it is possible for Earth and Planetary 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. All EPS classes are offered in spring or fall so you must plan in advance. Summer is an ideal time to study abroad since EPS does not offer any required or elective major courses in the summer (with the exception of EPS 118 for geology seniors).

Transfer students are eligible to participate as soon as they arrive at Berkeley. Please note that application deadlines are quite early. For more information: studyabroad.berkeley.edu/transfer-students

Graduate students may apply to study or pursue research at most BSA-affiliated host institutions, and may participate in the short-term language programs. More information: studyabroad.berkeley.edu/graduate-students

EPS majors will find relevant Earth and Planetary Science courses in many parts of the world. The following list provides an example of some of the universities and programs that feature excellent EPS course options:

Australia: Australian National University, Canberra

Ranked as one of the world’s topinstitutions for research in a broad range of sciences including earth science, the university is known for integrating latest research with teaching.

England: University of East Anglia

This exceptional university for students majoring in the physical sciences is located in Norwich, a city that is rich with local and national history.

Japan: University of Tokyo

Spend six weeks next summer engaged in scientific research in Tokyo. This academic internship is led by world-class faculty at the #1 University in Japan.

Singapore: National University of Singapore (NUS)

NUS has world-renowned, award winning faculty in the sciences. The research program in science gives you the opportunity to work with these faculty members in various areas of research including Earth Science.

For a summary of programs for science majors, go to the UCEAP website here.

Students with the necessary preparation in a modern foreign language (normally two years at the university level) might consider enrolling in a program in another language.

EPS students can take major electives abroad but core required courses such as EPS 102, EPS 150, EPS 118, and EPS 101 must be fulfilled at UC Berkeley.

Here are some examples of previously approved courses taken abroad:

• Marine Biology 101 - University of Queensland, AU (marine science majors)
• Fluid Mechanics - University of Melbourne, AU (atmospheric science majors)
• Antarctica, Victoria - University of Wellington, NZ (environmental earth science majors)

For more information regarding previously approved courses, please contact the EPS Undergraduate Student Affairs Officer. Intended and declared majors are encouraged to contact the major and faculty advisors for approving study abroad courses for the major. Faculty also support students who study abroad while working on research, their senior honors thesis, internships and field work abroad.

No.

Courses are reviewed on a case by case basis through the major faculty advisor. If you would like to know whether your course will be accepted for major requirements, please contact your faculty major advisor.

12 units would be the maximum amount of major credit for UCEAP courses. We strongly advise students not to take any core major courses abroad, but everything is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Please see this document for a list of courses that have been pre-approved for credit. Please talk to your faculty major adviser for all other courses.

We do not have a plan available since each major and academic plan is different for each student, so it’s best to meet with the advisor about study abroad plans as early as possible.

Course descriptions and syllabi must be sent to the faculty advisor for evaluation. They respond within a week, especially if the student is already abroad and planning their schedule.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

N/A

The undergraduate adviser signs the form. To schedule a meeting with the undergraduate advisor, please see here.

Yes. Students email their schedules to the faculty adviser and department adviser for review.

Please check-in with your L&S and department advisor to make sure you are on track to graduate.

No.

We don’t have anything that is pre-approved but we would still review the courses with the faculty advisor.

Course descriptions and syllabi must be sent to the faculty adviser for evaluation.