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Study Abroad

Why study abroad?

By studying abroad, students can continue their education while enjoying the excitement and enrichment of life in a radically different environment. Through the study abroad program at Harvey Mudd, students spend a semester studying at a cooperating institution in a different country for the same cost as for a semester spent on campus.

Study abroad affords students a unique experience unparalleled in the classroom, and at essentially no additional expense. In the words of Study Abroad Program Director Rhonda Chiles, "HMC students are encouraged to see the world as their campus and gain a borderless education. Studying abroad makes this possible!"

When should you go?

CS majors typically study abroad in the fall or spring of their Junior year. Note that in the example schedule described later, one could easily swap the Junior Fall and Spring semester schedules.

Where do CS majors go?

  • Australia: Arcadia University, University of South Australia, University of N. S. Wales.
  • ESIEE, Paris, France.
  • International Christian University, Tokyo, Japan.
  • New Zealand.

There is no set of prescribed schools. The HMC Study Abroad Office has resources on programs and is responsible for matching HMC students with appropriate programs.

Department rules for transferring credit

  • Petition in advance for approval for the major courses you want to transfer. Petition forms are available online. (link to petition form)
  • You must earn the equivalent of a B or better to earn transfer credit for CS courses.
  • In order to be ready for clinic in your senior year, CS 121 must be taken either as a sophomore or junior.
  • Courses taken before study abroad must be such that you have the prerequisites you need for the courses you choose to take while abroad.
  • Your plan must allow you to complete the major in 4 years.
  • Discuss any Hum/Soc credit transfer plans that you have with your H/SS advisor.

Who should I talk to for further advice?

An example plan for Study Abroad in Junior year

Important Note: If you wish to travel abroad in the Spring instead of the Fall of your Junior year, those semesters' classes are interchangable.

Freshman Fall Units Spring Units
Chem 21, 25: General Chemistry, Lab 4 Chem 22, 26: General Chemistry, Lab 4
Phys 23: Special Relativity and Intro to Quantum Mechanics 2 Phys 24, 28: Mechanics and Wave Motion, Lab 4
Math 11: Calculus 2 Math 13: Differential Equations I 1.5
Math 12: Linear Algebra I 2 Math 14: Multivariable Calculus I 1.5
CS 5: Intro to Computer Science 3 CS 60: Principles of Computer Science 3
Hum 1 4 Hum/Soc 3
PE 0 PE 0
17 17
Sophomore Fall Units Spring Units
Math 55: Discrete Mathematics 3 CS 81: Computability and Logic 3
Bio 52: Intro to Biology 3 CS 70: Data Structures and Program Dev. 3
Math 61: Multivariable Calculus II 1.5 Math 63: Linear Algebra II 1.5
Math 62: Intro to Probability and Statistics 1.5 Math 64: Differential Equations II 1.5
Phys 51, 53: Electromagnetic Theory and Optics, Lab 4 E 59: Intro to Systems Engineering 3
Hum/Soc #2 3 Hum/Soc #3 3
PE 0
16 15
Junior Fall - STUDY ABROAD! Units Spring Units
CS Elective #1 3 CS 105: Computer Systems 3
CS Elective #2 3 CS 121: Software Development 3
Hum/Soc #4 3 Hum/Soc #7 3
Hum/Soc #5 3 IE course 3
Hum/Soc #6 3 Free Elective 3
Seminar 0 CS 194: CS Colloquium 0
15 15
Senior Fall Units Spring Units
CS 183: Computer Science Clinic 3 CS 184: Computer Science Clinic 3
CS 140: Algorithms 3 CS 131: Programming Languages 3
Hum/Soc #8 3 Hum/Soc #10 3
Hum/Soc #9 3 Hum/Soc #11 3
CS Elective #3 3 Free Elective 3
CS 195: CS Colloquium 0 CS 196: CS Colloquium 0
Free Elective 3
18 15

Note: This plan accommodates the requirements of the CS Major and sums up to 128 units.

Upon your return

We would love to learn more about your study abroad, both in terms of academic insights, as well as cultural and personal ones. We ask that you do a short presentation in CS Colloquium after you return. During this time, you can share your wealth of experiences with us, e.g.

  • How did college life change when you went abroad?
  • What was it like to compute in another culture?
  • Did scientific research take on a different meaning?
  • In what ways did you become a part of the community?
  • What aspects of America were hard to explain to your colleagues abroad?
  • What aspects of their culture were difficult for you to understand?
  • What did you miss/will you miss the most?