Studying, interning, and researching abroad can give Agricultural Business Management (ABM) students a valuable opportunity to study the global and regional issues that impact agricultural markets here in Wisconsin, the United States of America, and abroad. Whether studying health and food systems in Ghana, taking international economics courses in Denmark, or interning with a tea farm in Japan, Agricultural Business Management students can tailor their study abroad experience to their personal academic interests and long-term career goals, while gaining valuable regional experience, foreign language skills, and intercultural knowledge along the way.
Prospective Agricultural Business Management Students
It is recommended that students declare the ABM major earlier rather than later in order to begin working on a number of specific course requirements, but with appropriate planning ABM majors should be able to fit in a study abroad experience.
To gain background information about study abroad and the various programs available, attend the Study Abroad Fair on campus, visit the Program Search database on the UW Study Abroad website, and/or meet with CALS Study Abroad Advisors.
To discuss how studying abroad fits within your career or professional goals in relation to the completion of the Food Science major, please visit the CALS Career Services webpage to schedule an appointment with a CALS Career Advisor.
Agricultural Business Management Course Considerations Abroad
ABM majors may be able to take courses abroad which fulfill General Education requirements (e.g. Humanities, Social Sciences) or count towards the business electives requirement for the ABM major. Most ABM students take a mix of required courses and non-major electives that count towards graduation.
Mapping Your Study Abroad Experience as an Agricultural Business Management Major
Freshman Year
During freshman year, most ABM 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 first year.
Sophomore Year
During sophomore year, ABM students will continue their core economic sequence and might also take their statistics requirement. ABM majors will also begin to take the core ABM course sequence. 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
In their junior year, ABM majors may be completing their economics requirements and will be taking more of the core ABM classes and business electives. While junior year is a popular time for ABM majors to study abroad, students need to plan in advance to make sure they will be able to complete all their requirements. Either the Fall or Spring semester can be a good time for an ABM student to study abroad with proper planning. Winter Intersession, Spring Break, or the Summer after junior year are also good times to consider studying abroad.
Senior Year
ABM majors can consider a study abroad program in the Fall semester of their senior year with proper planning and if they have completed most of their core requirements. The Spring semester of their senior year, ABM students are required to complete their capstone requirement and should plan to be at UW-Madison.
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, such as completing an internship, 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 Business Management major. The programs below have various durations and courses that may count for electives or requirements for the ABM 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
L’Institut Agro Montpellier Exchange
Germany
University of Hohenheim Exchange
Greece
Ireland
University College Dublin Agricultural and Life Sciences
Italy
Bocconi University Business Exchange
Japan
Mexico
Netherlands
Wageningen University Exchange
New Zealand
Lincoln University Exchange
Massey University Exchange
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
ISARA Lyon Exchange – Agroecology Summer School
L’Institut Agro Montpellier Exchange
Ghana
UW Ghanaian Health & Food Systems: Human, Agricultural, & Environmental Health
Greece
Indonesia
SFS Australia Rainforest Studies – Summer Session II: Farming for the Future – Australia & Bali
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 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 UW Study Abroad Programs
Research all programs using the UW Study Abroad Program Search page. There are many programs that may not be agriculture-related but may complement your studies by practicing a language, learning about another culture or region, or earning credit towards an additional major or certificate. 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.