Major Advising Page: Scandinavian Studies
The Scandinavian Studies major, within the Department of German, Nordic, and Slavic+ (GNS+), strongly supports the opportunities afforded to students for studying abroad in all the Scandinavian and Nordic countries. The department covers a wide array of teaching and research pertaining to Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, and it warmly embraces the interchange between what is taught at UW–Madison and what can be experienced “live” in the relevant countries.
The Scandinavian countries are at the forefront of many international topics, for example, political science, the environment, health care, and architecture/design; this fact is clearly reflected in the classes offered to both Scandinavian Studies majors and students in general. Participating in a UW–Madison study abroad program supplements and enhances these classes, giving the students the added benefit of authenticating their theory with practice.
Course considerations
Keep in mind that if you are planning to continue studying Danish, Icelandic, Norwegian, or Swedish abroad, you must still adhere to the sequence of classes determined by UW–Madison, completing 5 semesters for your major. However, it may be possible for a semester’s language study abroad to be equated to two semesters of language study in Madison, as you may be able to make giant strides with the language while you are in the country. If it is not possible to maintain the sequence of language courses while studying abroad, you should discuss it with the advisor to find a solution.
Most courses in Scandinavian Studies taken abroad will equate to similar courses at UW–Madison, and the Scandinavian Studies major advisor can help you with questions you may have about course equivalencies. There is a considerable flexibility in the equation of classes abroad with classes at UW–Madison, as the department actively seeks to foster both breadth and depth in the students’ experience while studying abroad.
Studying abroad offers you, as a student, a unique perspective on the educational system of another country. Therefore, the Scandinavian Studies program encourages you to take classes that cover cultural, national, and local topics to gain an invaluable comparison of different approaches to functioning as a country. It will also add to the cultural immersion when you experience how another country teaches its students, how the classes are structured, what kind of exams are given, etc.
Map your experience as a
Scandinavian Studies student
As a Scandinavian Studies major, you can choose to study abroad during any term of your college career, and the departmental undergraduate advisor will be happy to help you decide on the optimal time for your study abroad experience. You can find the Scandinavian Studies major advisor’s contact information on the GNS+ advising page.
We encourage you to plan the sequence of your classes with the Scandinavian Studies major advisor, including your study abroad semester or year. You are also encouraged to talk to your advisor even before you formally declare the major or certificate if you plan to study abroad in Scandinavia.
Planning ahead will help you solidly integrate your international experience with your Madison classes, providing you with concrete benefits and giving you an edge in your subsequent entry into the labor market.
Freshman year
If you’re considering declaring a Scandinavian Studies major, this may be a good time to earn some breadth credits or electives outside of the major to confirm your resolve to declare. You may study abroad as early as the second semester, but it is generally recommended to wait until your junior year, as your language skills will then make it easier and more beneficial to immerse yourself in the country’s culture.
Sophomore year
The second semester of your sophomore year can also be a good time to study abroad, as you will have taken 3 semesters of the language and possess a working knowledge of the language and culture of your chosen country.
Junior year
This is the most popular year to study abroad as a Scandinavian major or certificate student. You have potentially taken 4 semesters of the language and several other classes, preparing you to make the most of your time abroad.
Senior year
It is still possible to study abroad in your senior year, and your classes taken through IAP at UW–Madison will also count towards your residency requirement. However, you will need to ensure that any classes you still need to graduate are offered at the international university, so that your credits can be equated.
Ask questions
- What classes must I complete for my degree (breadth/depth, major requirements, etc.)?
- Do I need to be on UW–Madison’s campus for any courses in my major?
- How many electives do I have outside of my major?
- What classes can I take abroad?
- How and when do I select courses for my program?
- When will I know course equivalents for my program?
- What is the class structure like abroad?
- What kind of cultural change should I be prepared for?
- 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
Denmark
- Aarhus University
- University of Copenhagen
- DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia
Students who intend to take major coursework on this program should be sure to consult with their academic advisor. The level of Scandinavian Studies language and area studies coursework in this program can vary from courses taken at UW–Madison.
Iceland
Short-term programs
Denmark
- DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia (summer)
Students who intend to take major coursework on this program should be sure to consult with their academic advisor. The level of Scandinavian Studies language and area studies coursework in this program can vary from courses taken at UW–Madison. - UW Transnational Experiences of African Americans in Denmark (summer)
Norway
Sweden
DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia (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: Evelyn Case (Denmark)
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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