Study Abroad
Experience college, business, and the world through an international lens with one of our study abroad programs.
Your Life-Changing Global Experience Awaits
Experience college, business, and the world through an international lens.
Develop a global perspective that changes your worldview.
Experience international business and prepare for a world economy.
Challenge yourself and develop confidence in your abilities.
Expand your network across the world.
Learn who you are. Discover your identity and values.
Differentiate yourself with global experience on your résumé.
MyStudyAbroad Portal
Once you have applied to and are selected for a study abroad program, you can access the MyStudyAbroad online portal. There you confirm your participation, review the study abroad and program handbooks, view program dates, and submit course equivalency requests.
Learn More About Studying Abroad
Watch these videos about WSB study abroad programs, what it is like studying abroad, coursework, and more.
Get Started on Your Journey
Business Badgers Study Abroad (BBSA) information sessions
Attending a one-hour session is required for program advising and is crucial to your success abroad. These are held nearly every week in person or online and include an overview of study abroad opportunities through WSB and application information.
Drop-in advising
Meet with a peer advisor for 10–15 minutes to familiarize yourself with study abroad resources, ask follow-up questions, and get a student’s perspective.
Fall 2024 drop-in hours:
- Noon–4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays
- 11–12:30 p.m. and 2:30–4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays
Exploration advising
Learn more about study abroad programs, narrow down your options, and get help with your application. These 20-minute appointments are offered by a graduate assistant.
Program advising
These 30-minute appointments are only for students accepted into a study abroad program or students who have attended a BBSA information session. You must schedule with the Global Programs manager associated with your program.
Things to consider when selecting a program
No two study abroad programs are the same. Think about these important program features while researching your options.
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.
Some programs offer internship assignments for credit and some offer a homestay. These are ways to increase interaction with locals and immerse yourself in the culture.
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.
How far out of your comfort zone do you want to go? Where are you less likely to go later in your life? We encourage you to consider programs around the world. You may find the program that is the best fit for you is in a different region than you thought. 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.
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. Learn more about program types.
Applying to Study Abroad
Meet with an academic advisor
Inform your academic advisor when you begin to think about studying abroad. Your academic advisor can help you choose courses strategically in the semesters leading up to your time abroad and help you choose the best time to study abroad.
Select a time to study 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. Many programs require just 24 credits before you leave. 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.
Applying to a program
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. Select your top-choice program and correct term. 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.
Required application materials
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.
Curricular assessment
You will complete a self-assessment of the courses available in your top choice and how those courses match your degree requirements. This is designed to help you determine if the program is a good academic fit and will keep you on track for your graduation timeline.
Eligibility criteria
Know the minimum eligibility criteria by reviewing any program-specific requirements.
- Sophomore (24 credits) or junior (54 credits) standing* depending on the program
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for exchange programs; provider programs may have a lower minimum GPA
- For limited-capacity programs, preference is given to admitted business students then students earning WSB certificates.
- Good academic and disciplinary standing (no probation)
- Language requirement: Only CIEE Seville Business and Society requires four semesters of Spanish
*Class standing is measured by college credit earned by the time you go abroad. AP or other high school credits may not satisfy the college credit requirement.
If you do not meet the minimum eligibility requirements, you must explain the academic rationale for applying to a business study abroad program within your application. Consider speaking with a study abroad manager about how to strengthen your application before you apply and which programs would be good options for you.
Deadlines
Your application 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.
| Term abroad | Application opens | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Summer 2025 | September 2024 | January 31, 2025 |
| Fall 2025 | January 2025 | March 3, 2025 |
| Spring 2026 | January 2025 | March 3, 2025 |
After applying
You will be notified of the program you are admitted to within approximately six weeks of the application deadline. You must complete tasks to confirm your acceptance in the program. As a confirmed participant, you will apply later to the host institution or program provider for final admission.
If you have been selected for a program and you want to apply to a different program in the same academic year, you can only do so if there is space remaining in the newly desired program. You must make 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.
The Student Experience
Ask a fellow badger
Wondering about on-campus or off-campus housing? Whether to stay with a host family? What’s the daily commute like? What should I pack?
Ask fellow Badgers your questions about life abroad using the Returned Participant Network.
Business Badgers study abroad
Get Your Questions Answered
We realize that the process of preparing to study abroad can feel unfamiliar and overwhelming. Where do I start? How do I select a program? What courses can I take? The good news: Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is available to provide the guidance you need to navigate the application and preparation processes so that your study abroad goals may be realized.