UCI vs. UCSB in International/Global Studies

Transfer Students UC Transfers
1

<p>Hello everyone,</p>

<p>Just to provide a little background, I am a transfer student going to either UCSB or UCI in international/global studies, and possibly a double major in anthropology. I was just wondering which school has a stronger program. I hope to maybe have a focus in East Asian studies, however not entirely sure yet, although it would be fitting as I have lived in Asia in high school as a foreign exchange student, and have traveled to a few nations on the Eastern End of the continent.</p>

<p>So in terms of the quality of education, internship opportunities, alumni connections/networking, general faculty strength, and just the general strength of the program, which one is better. </p>

<p>...And as a side note, which one is more expensive to live in? I may take this into consideration, as Irvine requires, at minimum, a quarter of international experience, which I already generally have, and don't feel the necessity to pay 14,000 just for a semester abroad, when thats already more than half of my living expenses. I don't think that Santa Barbara has made it mandatory to have an "international experience," and in that case if it saves me money, then I will choose UCSB. Also, it is not absolute that I will not study abroad, I just don't want to be stuck last minute not being able to fulfill the requirements.</p>

<p>Also, Finally (Sorry for the long post), I have visited both campuses, and am still slightly indifferent to the atmospheres. I have seen more of UCSB, as I stayed a weekend there, and although I will not really party very much, I still found the place pretty interesting. UCI seemed to have a much calmer atmosphere, although it seemed kind of dead, and I feel like maybe I haven't seen a proper representation of campus life there.</p>

<p>Any advice is appreciated.</p>

2

<p>Well unfortunately I can’t help with the IR department, as an anthro major, I have done a lot of research on Irvine’s program. Apparently UCI’s anthro department is one of the strongest in the country ranking with the likes of Princeton, Stanford, UCLA, UofChicago and others. The departments sole focus is Cultural Anthro which I’m assuming matches your interest based on your interest in IR. There is also a certificate you can add on to your degree in Global Studies which is “Designed for students wishing to develop their expertise in cultural, political, and economic phenomena that cross or transcend national boundaries” (UCI Anthro Department Website). It may be something you consider.</p>

<p>As far as the social scene, you’re right. UCSB was always “alive” and thriving every time I visited whereas UCI is much more quiet. It really depends on what environment is better suited for you. It seems like Irvine is much more of a commuter campus with a little less school spirit as a whole, but if you’re willing to put a little extra work into being social, it shouldn’t be a problem. Plus while both are amazingly close to the shore, their environments are very different. I personally prefer the feeling of Balboa Beach/ Island and Marina Del Rae which are only a five minute or so drive from UCI.</p>

3

<p>I have seen those statistics as well, and it seems as though those rankings are in regard to graduate programs, not undergraduate programs. I also am just worried about job prospects and internship/networking opportunities, regardless of whether I decide on UCSB or UCI, knowing that Anthropology and International Studies are both liberal arts degrees with not-very-lucrative careers. </p>

<p>However, I do have an intense passion for the subjects, and would not mind living in poverty in order to pursue my interests.</p>

<p>Are you planning on going to UCI next fall? Are you from California?</p>

4

<p>

</p>

<p>Your intense passion for the subjects are to be commended. Visit both to get a good feel for each campus. I find Irvine to be a very nice, clean, and a quite city. The campus is nice as well. BUT as someone young and unmarried, I find the environment suffocatingly boring. </p>

<p>Personally I would prefer UCSB, since I think the differences between the two institutions vis-a-vis your major is negligible.</p>

5

<p>Yea I’m from California and hope to attend UCI this fall. Like you, I am definitely concerned about the job prospects after graduation; neither field is very lucrative. I highly recommend a double major in something a little more “practical” to go along with anthro or IR. In both fields networking is key, and that is why attending a university with a strong graduate program is essential. No universities are really outstanding compared to another at the undergrad level, most programs seem to be really similar. Hopefully by going somewhere with a strong grad program you will make the necessary contacts to find a job before graduation.</p>