Exchange for math and physics undergrad Rice and UC Berkeley advice

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers around a physics and math double major who is considering participating in an exchange program at UCB and Rice University. The student is contemplating a spring 2012 exchange, which would allow for three semesters abroad, but is concerned about potential drawbacks such as missing winter break and the impact on obtaining strong recommendations from their current university. The primary motivation for the exchange is the limited course offerings in their home institution's physics department, which focuses mainly on photonics research. The student is seeking insights from others, particularly those familiar with Rice's math and physics courses, to help clarify their decision. They express a strong inclination toward the exchange, especially after discussions with professors and further research on Rice's offerings.
oyolasigmaz
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Hello everyone,

This is my second year as a physics, math double major, and I am an international student (not in the US). For 2012 fall and 2013 spring (or maybe just fall, I don't exactly know the policies, but I know I can do it multiple times), I plan to go to UCB as an exchange student. Yesterday I learned that there is a free slot for 2012 spring in Rice, so I thought, why not go to exchange for three semesters (as these schools are obviously better than my school in many aspects, though I also think my professors here are great, but both math and physics here are small departments).

In this thread I am asking for "why not's, for 2012 spring exchange (or maybe in general). An immediate one is that if I decide to do it in 2012 spring, I won't have a winter break and I will have my finals for 2011 fall in a hurry. I also think that it might be reducing my chances for a stellar recommendation from my university, as I won't be spending much time here (though I might also get to know some other professor in the places I go).

Also, if there is anyone here attending Rice or who knows about math and physics courses at Rice, that would be great if I could ask some questions, because I am somewhat confused about the courses.

By the way, I will be mostly done with my math and physics curricula (undergrad and mandatory ones) by the time I go for exchange (almost completely if I don't do it in 2012 spring).

Thanks for reading this long post, I am in need of help.
oyolasigmaz

Edit: Forgot to say that my main reason for wanting to go to exchange is the fact that I cannot find here every course I want, especially in physics (physics departmnt here is mostly doing photonics research). So it's mainly academical.
 
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After speaking to professors here, and researching more about Rice, I will very probably go, but if there is anyone here attending Rice, that would be great for me to ask questions about courses.

By the way I still wonder what people think about 3 semesters of exchange but as no one replies, my priority is this.
 
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