For Students

Frequently Asked Questions

Chiang Mai Temple, Thailand

1. Will I get credit for all the courses that I take when studying abroad?
2. Must I know another language?
3. Do I have to take my last 30 credits on the UW-Madison campus?
4. Can I use my financial aid or scholarship money for study abroad?
5. When can I go?
6. Where will I live?
7. What are the requirements to do a study abroad?
8. Will a study abroad experience count as my international experience for the B.S. International Degree?
9. I want to study abroad but none of the UW programs are what I am looking for? How do I go about looking for a program that is right for me?
10. What should I do before I leave if my study abroad program is not a UW one?
11. Are there scholarships specifically for studying abroad? How do I apply?
12. How do I know if my language skills are strong enough to participate?
13. How difficult is the course equivalency process?
14. What is the difference between a passport and a visa? How do I get them?

Will I get credit for all the courses that I take when studying abroad?

In order to receive UW-Madison credit for courses taken abroad, the university requires that each course you take at your program site be assigned an 'equivalent' UW-Madison department, course title and number. This equivalent course will be recorded on your UW-Madison transcript. The course equivalency process must be completed by all students who study abroad. Detailed information on this process can be found in the CALS Study Abroad Survival Guide.

Must I know another language?

Many of the CALS study abroad programs do not require proficiency in another language.

Do I have to take my last 30 credits on the UW-Madison campus?

No, you can study abroad your final semester. You will receive in-residence credit for all academic course work completed on a UW Madison Study Abroad program. For CALS students, work done abroad through UW-Madison Study Abroad programs is considered "in residence" and counts toward the "last 30 credits in residence."

Can I use my financial aid or scholarship money for study abroad?

Yes, financial aid is applicable to all UW-Madison Study Abroad programs provided you are enrolled in a degree program. Most scholarships can also be used toward study abroad costs.

When can I go?

CALS offers programs that begin in the fall, spring and summer. You can study abroad for a semester or academic year or for four to eight weeks in the summer. In addition, CALS also offers short-term (2/3 week programs) during winter break.

Where will I live?

Some programs provide housing in campus dorms. Other programs provide housing off campus. The hosting university will assist incoming students in finding appropriate housing.

What are the requirements to do a study abroad?

1. You must be in good academic standing (not on probation). 2. You must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at the UW-Madison 3. You must have attained adequate academic preparation and maturity to ensure a successful study abroad experience as judged by a selection committee.

Will a study abroad experience count as my international experience for the B.S. International Degree?

If you study abroad for a semester or academic year, on a CALS study abroad program the experience will fulfill the international experience for the B.S. International Degree. You will be required to submit a paper (approximately five pages in length) upon completion of the study abroad program. Please contact CALS Professor Larry Meiller for specific information. For study abroad programs of shorter duration or for non-CALS programs, make an appointment to see Dr. Meiller.

I want to study abroad but none of the UW programs seem to be what I am looking for. How do I go about looking for a program that is right for me?

Come in and talk to a staff member in the CALS Study Abroad office. Some CALS programs can be adapted to fit student's individual interests/needs. The study abroad staff can provide some suggestions on searching for other programs.

What should I do before I leave if my study abroad program is not a UW one?

You will need to contact the CALS Study Abroad office at 608-265-3705 or email us at studyabroad@cals.wisc.edu.

Are there scholarships specifically for studying abroad? How do I apply?

CALS does have a few scholarships specifically designated for study abroad. In addition many of the other CALS scholarships can be used to cover study abroad expenses. You should make sure that you complete the CALS Scholarship form (usually due in early February for the next academic year). The form is available on line at: http://www.cals.wisc.edu/students/2002TR_APP.pdf

How do I know if my language skills are strong enough to participate?

If the program you are applying to is not an English-speaking program, CALS will arrange for your language proficiency to be evaluated by a UW faculty person who is fluent in the language of instruction.

How difficult is the course equivalency process?

The process is not difficult but it can be time consuming. It is important that you follow the guidelines in the Survival Handbook and bring home the needed materials to enable instructors to evaluate the courses you took abroad.

What is the difference between a U.S. passport and a visa? How do I get them?

A passport is the official document that enables you to leave and return to the U.S. A visa is the official document from another country that enables you to legally enter that country. However, not all countries require U.S. citizens to have a visa to enter. You can apply for a U.S. passport through the mail. Detailed instructions are available from the CALS Study Abroad office. You apply for a visa from the appropriate foreign county embassy or consulate. The CALS Study Abroad office can provide assistance and advice.