Studying, interning, and researching abroad can provide a unique opportunity for Agricultural and Applied Economics students to gain a global perspective on food systems, international trade, climate change, environmental protection, and poverty, while building regional knowledge, honing foreign language abilities, and developing intercultural communication skills that will open new doors in their future academic and career paths in international development. Whether studying food systems and sake production in northern Japan, environmental economics in the Netherlands, or development economics and urbanization in Thailand, Agricultural and Applied Economics students can enhance their studies through short-term and long-term program options across the globe.
Prospective Agricultural and Applied Economics Students
Prospective Agricultural and Applied Economics majors are encouraged to build a study abroad into their academic plan, but should plan to be on campus during the semester that they take the capstone course, AAE 500, which is only offered in the spring semester.
To gain background information about study abroad and the various programs available, attend the Study Abroad Fair on campus, visit the Program Search page, read Returned Student Profiles for Agricultural & Applied Economics majors, and/or meet with CALS Study Abroad Advisors.
To discuss how studying abroad fits within your career or professional goals in relation, please visit the CALS Career Services webpage to schedule an appointment with a CALS Career Advisor.
Agricultural and Applied Economics Course Considerations Abroad
Most AAE students take courses abroad that fulfill General Education requirements (e.g. humanities, social studies) or count as elective credits towards graduation. Some AAE students may be able to take courses abroad that fulfill the AAE concentration requirement of 15 credits of AAE courses 200-level or above, excluding AAE 215, 299, and 500.
Mapping Your Study Abroad Experience as an Agricultural and Applied Economics Major
Freshman Year
During freshman year, most AAE students will complete their math and introductory economics classes, along with their Communication-A and Ethnic Studies requirements. Students who wish to study abroad during their freshman year could consider a program offered during Winter Intersession, Spring Break, or the Summer after their freshman year.
Sophomore Year
During sophomore year, AAE students will continue their core economics sequence and might also take their statistics requirement. Students who have planned ahead may find the Spring semester a good time to study abroad. Winter Intersession, Spring Break, or the Summer after sophomore year are also good times to consider studying abroad.
Junior Year
Junior year is the most popular time for AAE majors to study abroad. With proper, advance planning, either the Fall or Spring semester can be a great time for an AAE student to study abroad. Winter Intersession, Spring Break, or the Summer after junior year are also good times to consider studying abroad.
Senior Year
AAE majors can consider a study abroad program in the Fall semester of their senior year. Plan to stay on campus for the Spring semester, during which you are required to complete the capstone requirement, AAE 500. AAE 500 is only offered in the Spring semester. Winter Intersession or Spring Break are also an option for studying abroad.
Questions to Ask
Yourself
- What are my motivations for wanting to study abroad? What experiences am I hoping to gain?
- How does studying abroad fit in to my future academic or career goals?
Your Academic Advisor
- What classes must I complete for my degree (breadth/depth, major requirements, etc.)?
- Which courses are likely to be found abroad for my major/degree? Which will I likely have to take here at UW-Madison?
- How do my other goals (summer internships or jobs) fit in with my coursework and timeline for studying abroad? When would be the best time(s) to go abroad?
Your Study Abroad Advisor
- 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?
Identifying Programs That are Right for You
The following are study abroad programs that may be of interest to students pursuing the Agricultural and Applied Economics major. The programs below have various durations and courses that may count for electives or requirements for the Agricultural and Applied Economics major. If you do not have specific requirements you need to fulfill, you will have much more flexibility as to program type and location.
Semester and/or Academic Year
Australia
University of Queensland Exchange
Czech Republic
Czech University of Life Sciences Exchange
Denmark
DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia
University of Copenhagen Exchange
France
ESA Angers Exchange (*also offers summer option – see below under “Summer”)
L’Institut Agro Montpellier Exchange
Germany
University of Hohenheim Exchange
Greece
Ireland
University College Dublin Agricultural and Life Sciences
Japan
Netherlands
Wageningen University Exchange
Mexico
New Zealand
Sweden
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Exchange
Trinidad and Tobago
University of the West Indies Exchange
United Kingdom
Summer
Australia
SFS Australia Rainforest Studies – Summer Session II: Farming for the Future – Australia & Bali
Denmark
DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia
France
ESA Angers Exchange – International Food, Culture & Agriculture Summer Program
L’Institut Agro Montpellier Exchange
Ghana
UW Health & Food Systems: Human, Agricultural, & Environmental Health in Ghana
Greece
Indonesia
SFS Australia Rainforest Studies – Summer Session II: Farming for the Future – Australia & Bali
Japan
UW Food Systems and the Environment in Northern Japan
Mexico
UW International Field Study in Animal Agriculture and Sustainable Development
United Kingdom
Winter Intersession
Uganda
UW Agriculture, Health & Nutrition in Uganda
Other Opportunities to consider
- Internships or research in university or private settings abroad (check out the UW International Internship Program)
- Studying something completely different and focusing on your major coursework while at UW-Madison (use the Program Search to identify programs by region, country, language of instruction, duration, or subjects taught) – there are many programs that may not be directly related to your major but may complement your studies by practicing a language, learning about another culture or region, or earning credit towards an additional major or certificate.
Search all Programs
Research all programs using the Program Search page. The above is not an exhaustive list of all programs that might be appropriate. There may be other programs that are a better fit for your individual needs or interests.