Film & Media

The Department of Film & Media has provided information for students who plan to study abroad. Review your department’s responses to the Major Advising Questionnaires below, then contact the department directly with any additional questions.

"I absolutely loved my time abroad. It was so interesting to see another country’s perspective on the film industry, and Hollywood in particular. I also took a really interesting seminar which had us analyze films still in theaters–which added an element of relevance and immediacy I didn’t always feel in other courses I’ve taken." -Madelyn Brehm, Film major

Advising Resources

Study Abroad for Film & Media Majors (PDF)

Study Abroad Information on the Film & Media Website

Film & Media Advising Contact Information

Major-Specific Info

The Film and Media department encourages its majors to take the opportunity to study abroad. Because film and media play such an important role in shaping global culture, we routinely examine international cinema and media in our courses. Why not take some of these courses abroad where you can immerse yourselves not only in classes but in local cultures, languages, and societies. Study abroad can be an experience of a lifetime! 

Why study abroad?

Study abroad provides students with an opportunity to step out of their comfort zones and be challenged to understand the world from a new perspective. Film and Media students have traveled and studied in countries around the world. By going abroad, you can:  

  • Take advantage of unique academic and experiential opportunities in Film and Media Studies
  • Participate in a different educational system and get a comparative perspective on your field of study
  • Increase language proficiency
  • Improve critical thinking skills
  • Expand world view by experiencing another culture firsthand
  • Develop self-confidence and independence
  • Enhance résumés and/or applications for graduate school
  • Prepare for a career in an internationally competitive world 
When can I study abroad?

While it is possible for Film and Media Studies students to go abroad at almost any point in their academic careers, the particular semester, summer, or year that you study abroad depends on what courses you plan to take. Meet with your departmental advisor to determine when would be the best time to fit study abroad into your academic schedule.  

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

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

Where can I study abroad?

There are a wide variety of topics that can be studied abroad, including National Cinemas, Social Issues, and Media and Cultural Theory.  Why not study the Evolution of Asian Cult Films in Hong Kong, the History of Spanish Film in Madrid, or Bollywood Cinema in India?

Find unique courses in film studies in the following countries:

  • Argentina
  • Australia
  • Barbados
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • China
  • France
  • Germany
  • Hong Kong
  • India
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Korea
  • Mexico
  • South Africa
  • Singapore
  • Spain
  • Sweden
What classes can I take?

Meet with your advisor to determine whether your study abroad courses will satisfy major requirements or electives. Even if your courses will not fulfill requirements, this experience may be well worth your time!  

Through Berkeley Study Abroad, you’ll find many relevant course options at top colleges and universities all over the world.  Some examples are: “Florence in Cinema,” at UC Center Florence, Italy; “Far Eastern Film,” at Yonsei Univ., Korea; “New Media and Culture,“ Univ. of Copenhagen, Denmark; “Asia on Global Screens,” Univ. of Hong Kong; “Media in Transition,” Science Po, Paris; “Memory and Media,” University of Auckland, NZ: “Topics in World Cinema,” Kings College, London; or “Story and Narrative in Film,” Univ. of West Indies, Barbados.

Berkeley Programs Questionnaire

Does your department currently sponsor a Berkeley Summer Abroad or Berkeley Global Internships program?

No.

Do any courses offered on a Berkeley Summer Abroad or Berkeley Global Internships program currently satisfy requirements within your major?

No. However, students can petition to have courses count toward the major.

UCEAP Programs Questionnaire

What is the maximum amount of major credit given for courses taken during UCEAP? Is this maximum calculated by number of courses or by units of credit?

A maximum of 2 courses equaling to 8 units.

Does your department maintain a list of courses previously awarded credit on UCEAP and/or a list of pre-approved courses for UCEAP programs? How do students access this information?

No, but please contact the department for information and advising.

 

Does your department have a 4-year or 2-year plan available to students that incorporates semester or year-length study abroad? How do students access this information?

Please see our Film & Media Major Map, which includes a 4-year plan that gives consideration to going abroad. Please contact the department for more information and advising.

What is the process in your department to have courses evaluated? What materials must be submitted? What is the timeframe for response?

We have a petition process. Complete the petition and attach a copy of the syllabus for each of the abroad courses you intend to count towards the major. The petition is reviewed by the department’s Undergraduate Faculty Advisor. It is possible for a determination to be made prior to departure.

Are students in your department able to undertake a senior honors thesis the semester following UCEAP participation?

The Honors Thesis is undertaken in the final semester of senior year. Therefore students would have to study abroad before their final semester at Cal or the summer following their Senior year.

Does your department calculate UCEAP grades into departmental GPA?

Yes.

Are UCEAP grades counted towards departmental honors?

Yes.

If you represent a department which teaches foreign language, does your department award major credit for the courses taken during the Intensive Language Program (ILP) portion of the UCEAP program?

N/A

Does the undergraduate adviser sign the UCEAP academic planning form, or must a faculty adviser sign?

The undergraduate adviser.

Does your department place Academic holds on declared majors prior to each registration period? If yes, what is your departmental policy on releasing advising holds for students currently abroad on UCEAP (e.g. is advising possible via email, skype, etc.)?

We don’t currently place holds on declared majors.

Do you have any department specific advice for students participating in a UCEAP program in their last term at Berkeley?

Please discuss your study abroad plans with your major adviser.

Independent Programs Questionnaire

Have any Independent programs been approved by your department and the Study Abroad Advisory board for credit in the major?

No.

Are there any pre-approved courses for your major from other UC summer abroad programs (UCLA, UCD, etc.)?

No.

What is the process to have a course from an Independent study abroad program evaluated for your major?

Contact the department for more information.