Study Abroad

Inform your academic advisor when you begin to think about studying abroad. Your academic advisor can help you choose the best time to study abroad and plan out your coursework before, during, and after your time abroad. Learn more about academic considerations for studying abroad.

Students choose from short-term, summer, and semester programs. It is not necessary — or even advisable in some cases — to wait until your junior year to study abroad. Going earlier in your academic career gives you more flexibility in course selection and allows you to bring your broadened perspective back for the rest of your college career. Discuss with your academic advisor the best time to study abroad.

Studying International Business

WSB offers the International Business Certificate, which requires studying abroad in a semester-long program. Consult Guide for all degree and certificate requirements.

Funding

Consider how you will fund your time abroad. Often, existing UW–Madison financial aid and scholarships can be used. There are also scholarships specifically for studying abroad..

Identity

Explore identity resources to learn how your identities can impact your experiences abroad, and how to plan ahead for these situations.

Health & safety

Every program is vetted by the university, and your safety is a top priority. Learn how we approach your health and safety.

Things to consider

No two study abroad programs are the same. Think about these important factors while researching your options:

• Language: You can take courses in English in all of our programs. Depending on the program, you can also study the local language, or may be required to.
• Features: Some programs offer ways to increase interaction with locals and immerse yourself in the culture, such as cultural activities, internships, or homestays.
• Dates: Not all programs have the same academic calendar as UW–Madison. This may affect your availability for internships. Some summer programs offer multiple sessions, running between four and 12 weeks, so you can build a schedule that works for you.
• Location: Consider programs outside your comfort zone, perhaps in places you are less likely to go to later in life. A less common destination may make you stand out more to employers, and exposure to an emerging economy may be helpful in your business career.
• Finances: Program costs vary. The local cost of living, program duration, and currency exchange rates are factors. The biggest factor is the difference among the three semester-long program types: exchange, direct enroll, and provider.

Resources

• UW Study Abroad Program Search: Filter by location, study abroad office, term, and more
• Advising: Advisors can help you find a program that fits your interests and goals. We offer events, peer advising, exploration advising, and program-specific advising

Essay questions

You will write responses to two essay questions. These will be used to evaluate how your goals and preparedness for study abroad align with your top choice.

Official transcripts

You must submit your transcript. Do not submit a transcript for high school courses.

• Request a free, official UW–Madison transcript from the Office of the Registrar no later than three business days before the application deadline.
• If you attended another college or university and transferred to UW–Madison, you must also submit official transcripts from that institution.

Academic Acknowledgement

You will complete an acknowledgement of UW and study abroad academic policies and resources. Gaining meaningful credit towards your degree while abroad requires planning and flexibility.

Passport

You may be asked for a scan of your passport as part of your application. If you do not have a current passport, you can indicate when you plan to apply for this document.

You apply directly to your top-choice program for the academic term you would like to study abroad. Open your online application by clicking Apply Now on any program page.

You are encouraged to rank up to three additional programs in order of preference in case you are not selected for your top choice. Do not rank a program you would not accept.

You are offered one space in one program only. If you list only limited-capacity programs, you risk not being placed.

Eligibility

Eligibility requirements vary by program, and are usually based on GPA, class standing, academic and disciplinary standing. Some programs have additional requirements — check individual program pages for specifics. If you have questions or concerns about eligibility for a particular program, contact the assigned Global Programs Manager.

Deadlines

Business study abroad programs have a different application cycle than the rest of campus. Semester (fall and spring) applications are typically due early in the spring term before departure. This may mean you will apply for a program almost a year before it starts. Check the individual program pages for deadlines.

Applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. on the stated deadline. You will be notified of your application status within six weeks of the deadline.

You will be notified of the program you are admitted to within approximately six weeks of the application deadline. You must complete tasks in your MyStudyAbroad portal to confirm your acceptance.

Switching programs after selection

Program switches are possible after acceptance, as long as there is space remaining in the new  program. Send a written request to Global Programs at global@wsb.wisc.edu, and instructions will be shared with you within two weeks. Not all requests are granted.

MyStudyAbroad portal

In the months before you depart, you will be assigned various tasks to complete in your MyStudyAbroad portal. This may include setting up an account with the study abroad partner running your program, applying for a visa/residence permit, booking flights, reviewing orientation materials, etc.

Orientation

Most programs will have some type of pre-departure orientation session before the program begins to help you prepare for your study abroad experience. Many programs also have on-site orientations after arrival. Your Global Programs Manager will share more information specific to your program’s orientation process.