Students who plan to spend some or all of their junior year away from Wellesley should begin investigating their choices well ahead, especially if they also plan to go to graduate school.
Some Wellesley courses required for the major are more likely to allow substitution by equivalent courses elsewhere than others, and an early conversation with the department chair can help the student plan as wisely as possible. Also, in some countries the differences in the educational systems can make it difficult for a student from the U.S. to take mathematics courses, since students in those systems study only mathematics.
In recent years, Wellesley students have successfully taken mathematics courses at 12-College Exchange schools, at their home-state universities, at various schools in the United Kingdom, in Budapest, and elsewhere. We draw your attention to one opportunity for study abroad that is particularly valuable for students who are interested in mathematics.
Budapest Semesters in Mathematics
Hungary has a long tradition of excellence in mathematics education. Budapest Semesters in Mathematics provides a unique opportunity for U.S. and other North American undergraduates to spend one or two semesters in Budapest studying under eminent Hungarian scholar-teachers. All courses are taught in English, and the classes are small. Fees and living costs are modest, and the school is near the center of historic Budapest. Several Wellesley students have studied in Budapest since the program began about 10 years ago. They reported it a valuable experience, both for their mathematical education and otherwise. Extensive information about the program can be found in the Mathematics Department Office and in the Study Abroad Office.
Other Programs
The University of Bologna has been the home of many important mathematicians, including Maria Agnesi, the first woman ever to have been appointed as a professor at a European university. Among its famous students was Nicolaus Copernicus, who created a model for the known universe that forever changed human understanding about space. Students interested in the sciences can take advantage of courses in pure mathematics, applied mathematics and statistics. Please download the brochure for language eligibility requirements.
The Independent University of Moscow, established after the breakup of the Soviet Union, also offers a semester-long program (in English) for undergraduates, called Math in Moscow. The American Mathematical Society currently has a 3-year grant to support a small number of students (10 per year) in this program.
New York University has a new program to study mathematics abroad in London. The program is geared toward a liberal arts curriculum, with a focus on mathematics. See Fall Math program in London for further information.