Mathematics and Applied Mathematics

The Department of Mathematics 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.

Advising Resources

Study Abroad Information on Math Department Website

Math Department Advising Contact Information

Major-Specific Info

The Mathematics Department encourages its students to consider study abroad as part of their UCB academic experience! In a world that is becoming increasingly globalized, exposure to other cultures can help students gain new perspectives and achieve a greater understanding of the world in which we live. This 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.

Why study abroad?

Study abroad provides opportunities to broaden perspectives, knowledge, and skills necessary to be effective professionally in our rapidly changing world. Possibilities are numerous to further your study of mathematics, as well as innumerable other subjects, in many countries around the world.

The benefits of studying and living abroad are tremendous. You can:

Take advantage of unique academic coursework opportunities in mathematics
Participate in a different educational system
Advance your cross-cultural and problem-solving skills
Expand your worldview by experiencing another culture firsthand
Prepare for a career in an internationally competitive world
Enhance your resume for job or graduate school applications

Returning students often describe their experience abroad as a life-changing and uniquely valuable one for future choices of professional and personal goals.

When can I study abroad?

The particular semester, summer, or year that you study abroad depends on what courses you plan to take. It is important to explore study abroad options through Berkeley Study Abroad (BSA) and consult with your advisor to determine the best time and program.

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. More information: http://studyabroad.berkeley.edu/graduate-students

Where can I study abroad?

Math and Applied Math majors will find relevant courses in many parts of the world. The following list provides an example of just a few of the universities that feature excellent mathematics programs and course options:

Australian National University, Canberra
Chinese University of Hong Kong, HK
Lund University, Sweden National University of Singapore
University College Dublin, Ireland
University of Bordeaux, France
University of Cape Town, South Africa
University of Copenhagen, Denmark
University of Granada, Spain
University of St. Andrews, Scotland
University of Sussex, Brighton, England

For a summary of the above programs and others that work well for mathematics, go to the UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) website: http://eap.ucop.edu/OurPrograms/Pages/math-andphysical-sciences.aspx

What classes can I take?

Some examples of math courses offered through UCEAP are: “Algebraic Topology,” at Technical University Berlin, Germany; “Multivariable Calculus,” at University of Hong Kong; “Theory of Games,” at University College Dublin, Ireland; “Algebra (Abstract Algebra),” at University of Bologna, Italy; “Ordinary Differential Equations,” at Yonsei University, Korea; “History of Math,” at New Zealand Universities; “Matrix Theory,” at Bogazici University, Turkey; and “Group, Rings and Fields,” at University of Kent, UK.

Among non-BSA programs, Budapest Semesters in Mathematics has been very popular with our students: http://www.budapestsemesters.com

Berkeley Programs Questionnaire

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

Not at this time.

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

Please contact the department for advising.

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?

Up to four (4) upper-division major requirements (four courses) may be taken during UCEAP.

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 such list is maintained, but students may have UCEAP courses pre-approved by a faculty adviser.

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?

Students should meet with one of the undergraduate major advisers for a plan.

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

For majors, a faculty advisor evaluates courses taken outside UC Berkeley. Usually some kind of syllabus is required for this evaluation.

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

Yes.

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 may sign.

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.)?

Major holds are only placed for students who have not seen a faculty adviser. In that case, the undergraduate advisers can release holds for students on UCEAP by email request.

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

Talk to your undergraduate major adviser and (if needed) your faculty adviser before you leave for UCEAP to make sure you are finishing any remaining requirements. And, of course, have fun!

Independent Programs Questionnaire

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

Students often participate in “Budapest Semesters in Mathematics” and the “Math in Moscow” program. In principle, these kinds of programs are approved on a case-by-case basis.

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

None that are pre-approved.

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

A faculty adviser approves such courses on a case-by-case basis.