Major Advising Page: Journalism and Mass Communication
The School of Journalism and Mass Communication (SJMC) encourages you to enrich your educational experience through participation in UW’s International Academic Programs. Journalism and mass communication students have studied in Italy, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Australia, just to name a few.
Studying abroad provides students with unique educational opportunities to see the world from a different perspective and a tremendous opportunity for personal growth. With careful planning, journalism and mass communication majors can make a study abroad opportunity possible.
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 take. While it is unlikely that you will earn credit for SJMC-specific major classes abroad, it is possible to earn credit that will count for electives in the major. Study abroad is a great opportunity to earn Intermediate/Advanced LAS credits.
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 will come back as degree requirements. Knowing which program or programs you are applying to will help your advisor navigate those course lists.
Some universities still prefer a lecture format, sometimes with a small group discussion section called a tutorial group. If possible, talk with the Study Abroad Advisor for the program and other students who have come back from your chosen program to learn more about the academic expectations. To hear from past program participants, select the “Student Voices” tab on your study abroad program page.
Map your experience as a
journalism and mass communication student
If you are considering studying abroad, discuss this with the Undergraduate Academic Advisor at SJMC at your first meeting.
Freshman year
As a freshman, going abroad can enhance your understanding of your major field of study and help you make a more informed decision regarding this choice. You can certainly take elementary-level Journalism classes abroad to further explore and develop your interests! Freshman year is also an excellent time to complete general education requirements.
Sophomore year
During their second year, students typically take JOURN 202 and JOURN 203 (required for the first semester in the journalism major). Study abroad would not be an option until JOURN 202 and JOURN 203 have been completed. Generally, the second semester in the major is the earliest time students will go abroad.
Junior year
The best and most popular time for SJMC students to study abroad is the spring semester of their junior year. The average number of credits that SJMC students earn abroad in a semester program is 15. UW Study Abroad requires that students earn 12 to 18 credits abroad on semester programs, though your specific program may have a different enrollment requirement. We strongly encourage avoiding elementary-level coursework due to the 60-credit Intermediate/Advanced L&S degree requirement. To review the level of coursework for each class, select the Academics tab and navigate to Course Equivalencies at the bottom of the study abroad program page. The L&S senior residence requirement states that all students must earn a minimum of 30 degree credits in residence at the University of Wisconsin–Madison after they have earned 90 credits toward their undergraduate degree. If you are on an IAP program, you will meet the L&S senior residence requirement.
Senior year
Is it possible to study abroad in the senior year? Definitely! This takes more careful planning to ensure you are meeting all graduation requirements, but it’s absolutely an option. Keep in mind that a lot of post-graduation recruitment in strategic communication and journalism takes place in the fall of your senior year. Going abroad in my senior year will mean doing most of this remotely. Be sure to stay in touch with the undergraduate advising team to ensure you are on track to graduate and have support for your job search.
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 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
Czech Republic
CIEE Central European Studies in Prague (semester and summer)
Denmark
DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia (semester and summer)
England
University of Westminster (semester and summer)
France
Italy
- CIEE Rome Open Campus (semester and summer)
- Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA) (semester and summer)
Spain
- IES Barcelona (semester and summer)
- WIP Madrid English Program
Short-term programs
Costa Rica
UW Spanish Language in Costa Rica (winter and summer)
Czech Republic
CIEE Central European Studies in Prague (semester and summer)
Denmark
DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia (semester and summer)
England
University of Westminster (semester and summer)
Italy
- CIEE Rome Open Campus (semester and summer)
- Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA) (semester and summer)
Spain
IES Barcelona (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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