Choosing a Study Abroad Program
There are many things to consider when choosing a program. Talking to family and friends for their ideas and friends for their experiences is a good place to start. You should also consider the following:
Where am I interested in going?
One criteria to consider in choosing a study abroad site is identifying a specific country or region that is of interest to you or if there is a location that would naturally fit as part of your major. This could help narrow down your choices by combining a personal and academic interest.
What fits with my academic program?
There are three basic types of study abroad programs that offer something for every major:
Semester or academic year
This option requires planning your academics in advance to be able to take a semester or year’s worth of credits at a foreign university. This may mean working with your advisor ahead of time to identify your study abroad site, to choose the semester that is most flexible for your program, and to identify the courses abroad and their equivalents at UW-Madison. You may also choose to go abroad just for the experience, taking classes that interest you but that may not transfer back into those needed for your major. Click here to see the list of year and semester programs.
Click here for a link to semester or year program offerings.
Field study programs
This type of study abroad combines course work taken during the fall or spring semester with a 2-3 week group study abroad over winter, spring or summer break. The course work focuses on a particular country and explores a topic or issue relevant to both the country and the area of study. The field study portion is group travel to the country to see and learn first hand how this issue is presented in the political, social and cultural context of that country. Click here to see a list of field study programs.
Click here for a link to winter break program offerings.
Click here for a link to summer break program offerings.
Internships
Internships can last a summer, semester or year, depending on the area of study and the student’s interest. Internships are professional, hands-on training that relates to your academic program and future career interests. They can be taken for credit or not, at another university, non-profit or in the private sector. Internships are a one-to-one match to the specific goals of the student.
Click here for a link to internship offerings.
How much can I afford to spend?
Program costs vary based on the length of time, study abroad site and number of credits. Specific costs for each program are included in the semester, field study and internships listings.
Scholarships and financial aid may also apply. If your study abroad is for credit, you may use UW-Madison financial aid to help pay for those credits and for your travel expenses. Scholarships can help pay for airfare and other travel related costs.
What kind of person am I and what am I comfortable doing?
This question is really at the heart of choosing which study abroad program is right for you. Some students will prefer to study in a place where there are not other UW-Madison students, where they will have to navigate on their own and make new friends. Others prefer traveling as part of a group, where they can experience the culture and concentrate on one topic in-depth, but without having to make all their own arrangements. Some students are fluent in a foreign language, others are not. It also depends on what your other responsibilities are and how long you are comfortable being away from home.
Understanding what is right, or not, for you can help you narrow down your choices and decide on the best program for you.