Study Abroad

Academics

You will receive UW–Madison in-residence credit for all coursework completed on a UW–Madison approved study abroad program, except programs offered in collaboration with the College of Engineering. In-residence credits are different from “on campus” credits. On campus credits must be completed at UW–Madison and cannot be done on your program.

Your program courses are equated to UW–Madison departmental course numbers and titles. These are recorded on your official UW–Madison transcript after your program is complete and we receive grades for your program and have approved course equivalents. Grades earned are calculated in your UW–Madison cumulative grade point average.

All courses taken on your program are reported on your UW–Madison transcript.

For specific information on academics including residency, enrollment, college/school rules, courses and credits,  grades and transcript processing on approved programs review the Academics section of your handbook. For all academic policies, go to the Study Abroad Policies.

Below are some academic considerations to guide you in your study abroad journey:

Be Curious

  • Consider your goals:
    • What subjects do you want to study?
    • Do you want to take classes in English or in the host country’s language?
    • Do you want to learn a new language?
    • Do you want to do research/internship on your program?
    • Who would you like to take classes with—fellow Badgers or students from the U.S. or host country?
    • Do you want to go in depth on a specific topic or take courses from different subjects?
    • Are there specific degree requirements you need to fulfill abroad?
  • Review your DARS report to see what degree requirements you still need to fulfill. If you have not declared a major, you can run a “what-if” DARS that will show your progress in completing your degree and intended major.
    • Plan for future semesters. Remember, your grades, credits, and courses will not show on your UW–Madison transcript or DARS until after your program.

Explore Possibilities

  • See if there is a Major Advising Page for your major/certificate. Read it to learn about suggested programs and the best time to go abroad for your major/certificate.
  • Review the Academics tab on each program page to learn more about the academic structure, see course catalogs, and course equivalents.
    • Learn about the academic structure of the program. Some programs offer a single course or a set curriculum, while many give you the freedom to pick from a wide range of courses. There may be required courses on some programs.
    • Discover who will be in classes with you.
    • Review credit minimums and maximums, and any prerequisites
    • Consider attendance requirements, assessment styles, and grading.
  • Check out the course equivalents list on the program pages and note what is and is not included. You are not limited to the program courses or equivalents listed. We cannot guarantee that courses and equivalents on the list will be available during your term abroad.
    • You will fill out a Course Equivalent Request (CER) for all courses you take.
    • Consider backup course options. Like at UW–Madison, program courses can fill quickly or have scheduling conflicts. Research alternative classes in advance.
    • Plan carefully if you are considering online courses. There are specific enrollment procedures, financial implications, and scheduling considerations to take into account. Remember that your schedule and time availability abroad may differ from being at UW–Madison.
  • Consider when is best to go abroad in your degree plan. If you want to graduate abroad, review the Study Abroad Handbook for detailed information.

Connect with People

  • Meet with your academic advisor to share your plans, including when and where you plan to go, available courses, course equivalents, and any questions/concerns about degree progress. Ask about registration for future semesters and how that will work.
  • Talk with the Study Abroad Advisor to learn about the program’s academic structure (e.g., who will be in your classes and how grading is done). Share any academic concerns or requests for assistance with academic support resources.
  • Speak with your Enrollment Manager to learn about the application process, course equivalents, and grade processing for programs.
  • Connect with returned students through our Returned Student Network to learn about their academic experience on the program.

Share Your Story

  • Consider ways to share what you learned in classes and abroad with academic advisors, future employers, and on graduate/professional school applications while you are abroad and upon your return.
  • Join the Returned Student Network to be a resource for future students interested in your program.
  • Reach out to study abroad staff to assist with orientations or just unpack your experience.