Slavic Languages and Literatures

The Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures 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 the Slavic Languages and Literatures Website

Slavic Languages and Literatures Advising Contact Information

Major-Specific Info

The Slavic Department encourages its students to study abroad by participating in Berkeley Study Abroad (BSA) program or other programs (government-funded programs, internships, specialized programs, etc.). Many of our students say that their summer, semester, or year abroad was one of the most important and enriching experiences of their undergraduate education.

Why study abroad?

Increase language proficiency
Hear and speak the language in its natural setting
Take advantage of unique academic and experiential opportunities in other countries that are very different from the US
Participate in a different educational system
Improve critical thinking skills
Expand world view by experiencing another culture firsthand
Get a different perspective on language and the world
Learn to deal with different mindsets and worldviews
Develop self-confidence and independence
Enhance résumés and/or applications for graduate school
Prepare for a career in an internationally competitive world
Make new friends

What classes can I take?

Slavic students have typically received credit for the following types of courses:

Language courses (e.g., Russian, Bosnian-Serbian-Croatian, Czech, Polish, Armenian, Hungarian, etc.)
Literature courses (taught in English or target language)
Courses in culture, political science, and history

The following major requirements must be fulfilled at home:

Slavic 45, 46, 50
Slavic 100
Slavic 180 series

If you plan to conduct research for your senior thesis while studying abroad, talk with a faculty member in your field before you leave, and take detailed notes on your research while you’re away.

Where can I study abroad?

Slavic students planning to complete a portion of their major abroad have a wide variety of options. Many of our students have had a wonderful experience on our UCEAP program in St. Petersburg.

iseees.berkeley.edu/studyabroad: other possible programs in Russia, Latvia, Kazakhstan, etc. for the study of Slavic languages (e.g., Russian, BCS, Polish, Czech), as well as many non-Slavic languages of the region.
iseees.berkeley.edu/sumlangprog: summer language programs in the US
Funding opportunities: iseees.berkeley.edu/FLAS and iseees.berkeley.edu/fellowships

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?

Yes, Slavic 174 through the Bosnia/Croatia/Serbia Berkeley Summer Abroad program satisfies a major requirement. Majors or minors planning to study abroad in any other program must consult in advance with the Student Services Advisor in the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures for a preliminary review of all potential coursework before they apply.

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?

Three courses (12 units) for each of the major tracks and one course (4 units) for each of the minor tracks.

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.

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?

Yes -- see the Slavic Languages & Literatures major map. Students set up an appointment with the Student Services Advisor to create a study list plan, and consult with Berkeley Study Abroad advisors for questions about programs and applications.

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

Advance consultation by appointment with the Student Services Advisor to 1) create a study list plan, 2) email UCEAP course links, syllabi (when available) as scanned or other docs prior to application. All potential courses must be reviewed and receive preliminary approval by the 14th week of classes. Written work completed during the program might also require review.

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

It may be possible with advance consultation with the Student Services Advisor during the early half of their junior year. The student would need to be in residence during their final semester to qualify.

Does your department calculate UCEAP grades into departmental GPA?

Yes.

Are UCEAP grades counted towards departmental honors?

No.

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?

No. Declared or prospective majors must take language courses offered by the Slavic Languages and Literatures department or receive preliminary approval for potential language courses to be taken abroad to ascertain equivalent language credit towards major requirements. For department minor tracks with language requirements, preliminary approval is also required for potential language course credit. Students must consult in advance by appointment with the Student Services Advisor prior to application.

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

The staff Student Services Advisor reviews and signs off on the form. The faculty advisor can review course syllabi, for eligibility towards major/minor requirements, but the student should consult with the staff advisor for their signature on planning forms.

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.)?

Currently our department is not utilizing Academic holds for our majors. We contact students studying abroad prior to Phase I registration and require them to contact the Student Services Advisor with confirmation of 1) the courses they are enrolled in while studying abroad to include course links and syllabi and 2) a proposed study list for the following semester, either for the second semester abroad or UC Berkeley registration for the returning semester. Review and approval is conducted via email exchange.

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

All major requirements must be completed prior to their final semester with the exception of electives.

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?

Majors or minors planning on going abroad must consult by appointment in advance with the Student Services Advisor for preliminary review of all potential coursework before they apply to a semester or year program.