Major Advising Page: English
Years ago, most English majors tended to study abroad in England, with a few choosing Ireland or Scotland instead. Today, English majors still study in cities such as London or Leeds, England, but some also study in Cape Town, South Africa, or Rome, Italy. Some of our double majors in languages study in Madrid, Spain, and some of our science double majors study in Scandinavian countries.
With timely research and planning, English majors can experience the richness and growth that come with a semester or even a year abroad.
Course considerations
Meeting with your advisor a semester or two before you study abroad is very practical. Together, you can discuss which courses you are likely to find in a foreign university and which you are not. The seminar class, English 245, for example, is most often not a class you may take abroad.
The IAP program pages have an “Academics” tab that will lead you to the courses that have already been evaluated. Established programs usually have a list of courses that are guaranteed to transfer as specific English major requirements. Knowing which program or programs to which you are applying to will help your advisor navigate those course lists.
Courses in newer study abroad partnerships or new courses within established programs may need to be evaluated by the English academic advisor. The student asks for a UW–Madison course number, say a course in London that he or she feels is equivalent to a course in Victorian literature at UW–Madison. The advisor then assesses the syllabus and makes a decision. The advisor might suggest a different course number if there is a clear reason for doing so. It is rare that the advisor will not accept a study abroad course for the English major, but it is strongly recommended that you meet with the advisor before you enroll in courses.
Creative writing and honors considerations
The Creative Writing program faculty ask that you only take one creative writing workshop per semester. Leaving a workshop and your directed study, English 695, until your last semester at UW–Madison may not be an option. Similarly, expecting that you can do your directed study while abroad may be misguided. Talk with both your academic advisor and the Creative Writing coordinator, Ron Kuka, about these issues as soon as you can.
Completing either an Honors or a non-Honors thesis while abroad will most likely not be an option either. You may contact a potential thesis advisor while you are abroad and, perhaps, even start some research on your topic, however. The Honors option in literature now includes both a one-and a two-semester thesis. Talk with your academic advisor about these possibilities.
Modes of instruction
Some universities still prefer a lecture format, sometimes with a small group discussion section called a tutorial group. If possible, talk with other students who have come back from your chosen university to learn more about academic expectations.
Map your experience as an
English student
It is best to declare your English major before you plan your study abroad courses. If you are considering studying abroad, discuss this with the English advisor at your first meeting.
Because a great deal of reading, analysis, and writing is at the heart of an English major, we don’t recommend that you take more than three English courses per semester, either at UW–Madison or abroad.
Although junior year is the most popular time to study abroad, students also go during their sophomore or senior years, or during summer or winter break. If you decide to go during your senior year, make sure that your program will fulfill all of your academic requirements.
Remember: studying abroad in your final senior semester may cause you to miss your UW–Madison graduation ceremony because semester-end dates vary from country to country.
Declaring your English major
If you think you want to study abroad but have not declared your English major, talk with the academic advisor sooner rather than later. There are three options in the English major: literature, creative writing, and language and linguistics. There is some flexibility with courses in all three areas, but the literature option contains the most electives: three.
Electives are intermediate or advanced courses in English that may be in literature, creative writing, or language and linguistics. Creative writing has one elective, and language and linguistics has none. If you are studying in Australia, you may want to take a course in contemporary Aboriginal literature written in English. Although our department does not offer exactly this course, we do offer courses that deal with Indigenous and post-colonial literature. Therefore, this course could count as one of your electives.
The creative writing option does allow you to take one intermediate creative writing workshop abroad, even if it is not taught in English. All other courses for the major must be taught in English and focus on writers who write in English.
Ask questions
- What skills do careers related to my major require, and how might participating in a particular program help me gain those skills?
- When would be the best time to participate in a program based on my career goals?
- How will participating in a study abroad, study away, or international internship make me stand out?
- Why do I want to study abroad?
- How long do I want to study abroad for — a few weeks, a semester, a year?
- How does studying abroad fit into my academic, personal, and/or professional goals?
- What career skills or proficiencies will I strive to acquire or enhance on my program?
Discover programs that are right for you
The following are programs that may be of interest to you! Durations and courses vary and may count toward electives or degree requirements. If you do not have specific requirements, there’s more flexibility in program type and location.
These opportunities are not an exhaustive list of all programs.
In this section
Semester and academic year programs
Australia
England
- University of Leeds
- UW in London
- University of Westminster (semester and summer)
Ireland
- IFSA University of Galway (semester and summer)
- Trinity College Dublin
New Zealand
South Africa
Wales
Short-term programs
England
University of Westminster (semester and summer)
Ireland
IFSA University of Galway (semester and summer)
International Internships
International internships allow you to apply your academic skills to the real world and gain valuable professional experience abroad while earning UW–Madison course credit.
As you consider your academic and professional goals for studying abroad, explore the different internship options, including UW Signature internships, internship-focused programs, part-time internships, or applying for credit for an external internship.
Check with your academic advisor to see if earning credit for your internship abroad can fulfill a major or certificate requirement.
Hear from students in your major
Explore student blogs and reflections to see how your peers have connected international experiences to their studies. Discover real stories about the skills, challenges, and professional insights gained through our programs.
Photo credit: Xylina Graf (England)
Want more information?
Dive deeper into how courses and credits work on our programs, or connect with an advisor to find the best fit for your goals.
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