Why Physics Majors Should Study Abroad
By Steven Daniels, Ph.D.
Chair, Physics
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"The principles of physics are the same everywhere on earth, indeed, we believe, everywhere in the universe. So study abroad for physics majors is important, not for experiencing a new physics, but for the awareness it brings of how physics is taught and practiced in the context of other societies and cultures. So why not enrich your life’s experience, (and make yourself more marketable) by studying in countries that produced some of the famous physicists in history. For example: Sir Isaac Newton (England), Albert Einstein (Germany), Lord Kelvin (Scotland), or Niels Bohr (Denmark)." |
Recommended Study Abroad Programs for Physics Majors
Australia
Central Queensland University
Rockhampton
Semester or Year
CQUniveristy's main campus is located in Rockhampton, a city of about 60,000. "Rocky", as it is most commonly called, has a small town feel. It is known as the city "where the Outback meets the Reef". CQUniversity has many course options that will help you connect with Australian culture, such as Asian Pacific tourism, scuba diving lessons at the Great Barrier Reef, and indigenous Australian culture courses. PHY 3080 is an example of a course offered at CQU for Physics majors.
Fiji
The University of the South Pacific (Globalinks program)
Suva
Semester or Year
As a study abroad student in Fiji, you will go well beyond the tourist attractions and truly immerse yourself in a developing island nation. Fiji is well known for its friendly culture, beautiful islands, and endless adventure, yet it is also a country built on multiculturalism, the love of sport, traditional chiefdom, and education. The main campus of USP is located in the multicultural city of Suva on Fiji's main island of Viti Levu. Photovoltaic Power Generation is a course offered at the University of the South Pacific, which is a program available through Globalinks.
Ireland
Dublin City University
Dublin, Ireland
Semester or Year
Established in 1980, DCU has already grown to a student population of over 9,500. Dublin's population has reached over one million people, but the city still retains its charm and village feel. There are many museums, sights, shops, restaurants, theatres, and pubs scattered throughout the city. Additionally, the small coastal towns that many associate with Ireland are easily reached by traveling just outside the city. While at Dublin City University, Physics majors can take core and elective courses.
New Zealand
Massey University
Auckland, Palmerston North, or Wellington
Semester or Year
About 41,000 students study at one of Massey University's three campuses, making it the largest institution in the country. The University is committed to providing a warm and welcoming environment and an intellectual climate in which students are encouraged to excel. Programs are designed to be relevant, reflect current research and meet the needs of the International Student community. Advanced Experimental Physics is a course offered at Massey University.
North Cyprus
Eastern Mediterranean University
Famagusta
Summer, Semester or Year
Eastern Mediterranean University is located on an island in the Mediterranean Sea in the midst of three continents, which makes it easy and economical to travel to Greece, Turkey, the Middle East, and Egypt. EMU is a comprehensive university with strong programs in many subject areas, including business. All EIU students receive a free room at EMU.
South Korea
Sogang University
Seoul
Summer, Semester or Year
Around 1,350 foreign students are currently studying at Sogang University in various academic programs. International Students participating in the exchange program may register for courses offered in Korean or English to take a maximum of 21 credits per semester. You can enroll in business courses offered in English and experience living in urban Seoul. Electromagnetism, among others, is an English taught course at Sogang University.
Sweden
Linnaeus University
Vaxjo
Semester or Year
With 14,000 students, Linnaeus University is similar in size to EIU. The town of Växjö is surrounded by beautiful countryside. Forests, lakes and rivers make it an attractive area for those who love outdoor activities. Växjö is a highly modern town of 76,000 inhabitants. There are excellent sports facilities plus a rich cultural life - with a concert hall, a theater, museums and cinemas. Physics majors can take upper-division core courses at Linnaeus University.
United Kingdom
Harlaxton College
Grantham, England
Semester or Year
Harlaxton Manor is a 100-room Victorian manor house located in the English midlands. Students live and study at the manor along with their faculty members and other Harlaxton staff members. Harlaxton offers lower-division courses for Physics majors.
Harlaxton is a unique experience because you live, dine and study with your professors. This gives it a great community feeling because you interact with your faculty outside of the classroom. --Kayla Blue, Fall 2009
University of Winchester
Winchester, England
Semester or Year
Winchester prides itself on being a very student-centered campus, and its small student body will help you feel at-home. Winchester was once the site the mythical Round Table of King Arthur. Today, you will find plenty of activities in and around Winchester to keep you busy; Stonehenge is just a stones-throw away while the seaside resort towns of Bornemouth and Poole are just an hour away. London is also an hour by train.
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