Study Abroad

Major Advising Page – Agroecology

Agroecology students are encouraged to participate in study abroad experiences. Students can pursue many avenues such as learning about sustainable and local food systems in France; participating in field visits and classroom learning in Uganda; or field trips to local farms and food processing facilities in Japan. International short-term and semester-long programs are available. Students may incorporate a study abroad program within their 4-year plan and are encouraged to meet with their Agroecology Advisor and a Study Abroad Advisor to get started exploring programs that best fit their academic and personal goals.

Prospective Agroecology Students

If you are interested in majoring in Agroecology and studying abroad, we would encourage you to gain some background information about study abroad and the various programs available, attend the Study Abroad Fair on campus, visit the Program Search, and/or meet with CALS Study Abroad Advisors.

After gathering information, we would strongly encourage you to meet with the Agroecology advisor, even if you are not ready to declare yet, to discuss programs of interest and how studying abroad can fit into your 4-year plan.

To discuss how studying abroad fits within your career or professional goals in relation to the completion of the Agroecology major, please visit the CALS Career Services webpage to schedule an appointment with a CALS Career Advisor.

Agroecology Course Considerations Abroad

Several requirements for the Agroecology major can be completed abroad.  Elective credits can often be completed abroad.

Introductory math and science courses, core classes, and the capstone should be completed at UW-Madison.  Students should meet with their Agroecology advisor to discuss the possibilities of fulfilling requirements while studying abroad.

Mapping Your Study Abroad Experience as an Agroecology Major

  • Freshman Year
    During freshman year, Agroecology students typically take Agroecol 103 – Agroecology: An Introduction to the Ecology of Food and Agriculture in the fall and many general education requirements including intro math, chemistry, and biology courses. At this stage, students may explore short term programs for winter intersession or summer terms, and research fall and spring semester programs that interest them.
  • Sophomore Year
    Sophomore year is a great time to research programs and talk about options with your advisor. If you have completed your intro math and science coursework early, this might be a good year to study abroad during a fall or spring semester.  Otherwise, a short-term study abroad experience over winter or spring break or studying abroad over summer are great options. For students considering summer, it is important to be aware that summer is a popular time for internships and fieldwork. If you study abroad over summer during sophomore year, we recommend focusing on internships/fieldwork the following year.
  • Junior Year
    Junior year is a popular time to study abroad. By junior year, you will have completed enough coursework to allow you to take upper level and/or specific course work abroad that will enhance your learning abroad. If you would like to study abroad during the fall or spring semester, we recommend you meet with your advisor to discuss course planning.
  • Senior Year
    Senior year is when students need to complete their capstone requirement and finish taking required courses. Studying abroad may be an option with careful planning with your Agroecology advisor.

Questions to Ask

Your Academic Advisor

  • When would be the best time to go abroad given my goals and remaining course requirements?
  • What are some good programs that align with my interests?
  • What classes must I complete for my Agroecology major (breadth/depth, major requirements, etc.)?
  • What requirements do I have left, and are there some that are a good fit for taking abroad?
  • Are there courses that I should plan on taking here at UW-Madison, and when are these typically offered?

Your Study Abroad Advisor

  • What programs offer coursework that fits well with my major and my personal interests?
  • What are my financial aid and scholarship options for funding study?
  • What is the application and notification timeline for programs and scholarships?
  • How do I select courses for my program?
  • How does the course equivalency process work?
  • What is the class structure like abroad?

Yourself

  • Why do you want to study abroad?
  • How long do you want to study abroad for – a few weeks, a semester, a year?
  • How does studying abroad fit into my academic and personal goals?

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.

Student Stories

Identifying Programs That are Right for You

The following are study abroad programs that may be of interest to students pursuing the Agroecology major. The programs below have various durations and have courses that may count for electives or requirements for the Agroecology major. However, courses offered as part of these programs may not be guaranteed to be the best fit for you depending on where you are in the major. If you do not have specific requirements you need to fulfill, you will have much more flexibility as to program type and location.

Short Term Programs

Semester and/or Academic Year Programs

International Internships

International internships are another way to gain valuable professional experience abroad while earning course credit. While you can often participate in a part-time internship as part of your study abroad program, it is also possible to participate on an Internship-focused program or a UW Signature Internship.

Internships that might be of interest to you include:

Discover Internships

Search All Programs

Research all programs using the Program Search page. The above is not an exhaustive list of all programs. There may be other programs that are a better fit for your individual needs or interests.

Program Search