Students declared in the Asian Languages and Cultures (ALC) major and named options in East Asian, South Asian, and Southeast Asian Studies in the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures consider study abroad in many countries across Asia. Studying abroad can be an incredibly enriching experience, and provides you a unique opportunity to develop or improve language proficiency, gain deeper understanding of culture in its complexity, and broaden your perspectives of oneself and others. The experience can be literally “life-changing.” Although study abroad is not required of the major, it is highly recommended. You can study abroad during almost any time in your college career, but there are some important facts to consider. The information below will help you plan your study abroad experience.
Prospective Asian Languages & Cultures Students
Current and potential ALC majors should be aware of your major requirements as you are planning a study abroad experience. We recommend meeting with the ALC undergraduate advisor, Rachel Weiss, in advance to discuss your interest in study abroad, and plan courses accordingly. The ALC advisor can meet with students at any stage of the process. Schedule an advising appointment using Starfish. If you are currently studying abroad, email to request a meeting time that is more convenient for your time zone. You can also check out this page for more information on advising resources.
Here are some ways to get started:
- Attend our events, like a Study Abroad 101 information session and the annual Study Abroad Fair
- Work through the Introduction to Study Abroad non-credit Canvas course
- Schedule an Exploration Advising appointment
Once you understand the basics, take a deeper dive into your options and:
- Review study abroad programs through the Program Search
- Review signature internships through the Internships Search
- Talk with past participants through the Returned Student Network
- Schedule a Program Advising or Internship Advising appointment to discuss specific programs or internship opportunities
Many students study abroad multiple times in their academic career at UW-Madison; what courses you choose earlier in your major – or later in your major – will vary greatly. Students who are double majoring in another discipline have discovered that fulfilling their Asian studies electives while abroad is very helpful to completing their additional major.
ALC Course Considerations Abroad
Language Courses
When you study abroad, you will be given a placement test at your respective university. No matter which level you are placed in, you will receive UW credits for the next level language sequence. So, if you have finished Fourth Semester language courses at UW, you will receive credit for Fifth Semester regardless of the level in which you are placed at the university abroad. In order to make the most of your studies, we recommend reviewing in preparation for a placement test. If the placement test will occur at the end of a summer, be sure to practice and use your language as much as possible! It is in your best interest for the course placement to be as accurate as possible.
Area Studies Courses
Most programs will offer you a wide variety of elementary and intermediate Asian studies elective courses. Keep in mind that Advanced level courses and L&S General Ed requirements can be more difficult to find.
Course Credits Abroad
Some of the courses offered abroad may be between 1-2 credits. In such cases, you can work with your IAP Enrollment Manager to “bundle” courses together as 3-4 credits. This will allow you to come back with fewer courses that are higher in credit, which can be more easily applied to major and degree requirements.
Mapping Your Study Abroad Experience
Current and prospective majors should consult the recommended four-year planning guide for the Asian Languages & Cultures major. You should be aware that this is only a suggested plan and there is flexibility in this plan. It is always best to meet with the undergraduate advisor, Rachel Weiss, to develop a plan that is unique to you. We work hard to make study abroad a viable option for all students.
It is critical to know where you stand with your L&S General Education requirements prior to studying abroad. Make sure to review the pre-approved courses (those courses that have been approved by the department for other students in the major) for each institution. If you know you have required courses: either for the major or L&S, please consult the undergraduate advisor. Please keep in mind that It can be challenging to find QRA, QRB, Comm B, Ethnic Studies, and Natural Science courses in foreign institutions; these requirements are generally best completed at UW.
No matter when you study abroad, you should check in with your academic advisors once you arrive on-site and register for courses. We want to ensure that any changes or additions to course schedules keep you on track to graduate.
- Freshman Year
At this point, most students are just beginning to explore their interest areas and find out where their skills and talents are best utilized. IAP hosts a number of open advising events and information sessions every semester, attend some of these events to begin exploring options, gathering information, and finding resources.
This is a good time to get a foundation in beginning level language courses, elementary courses on Asian studies, and general education and breadth requirements. - Sophomore Year
By this point, many students are more comfortable identifying which majors or certificates fit their goals best. They are also developing a better sense of what it means to be fully engaged in a particular area of study. You will want to consider specific locations, length of programs, language of instruction, size of the college or university, academic rigor and course offerings, internship opportunities, and housing options. All of these factors contribute to determining the best fit for your educational expectations. You will also need to spend time with your academic advisors making certain the programs your are most interested in offer courses that keep you on track for completing your degree in four years.Second year students who study abroad should continue with intermediate level language courses, intermediate courses on Asian studies. Finding courses to meet humanities, literature, and social science courses abroad can also be helpful in completing L&S and major requirements. - Junior Year
The third year of college is the most popular time to go abroad; however, we want to encourage you to keep your options open. It is especially important that the timeframe and program selected fit the academic goals and plans for you, so you have the best experience possible.Third year students who study abroad will continue with courses, intermediate-advanced language courses, and intermediate courses on Asian studies. Finding courses to meet humanities, literature, and social science courses abroad can also be helpful in completing L&S and major requirements. - Senior Year
The final year of a student’s college career can be an exciting time to go abroad. Most students have a very well-developed sense of themselves, their interest areas, strengths, and future career goals. Electing to go abroad at this point can solidify plans as well as allow for special experiences such as internships that play a part in career exploration. As an intern nearing graduation, students can be appealing candidates to hire. These experiences also lead to opportunities for networking and informational interviews. If as an Asian Languages & Cultures major, you are considering study abroad during your senior year, you must plan to take the Advanced capstone course your junior year, or discuss the option of a directed study with an ALC faculty member and the undergraduate advisor while abroad. If you will be entering graduate school or starting a position that requires proof of your degree, keep in mind that when you receive your final grades can be greatly impacted by the dates of your spring term abroad. Some programs in Asia will not issue spring transcripts until September. Your degree will show that you graduated in May, but it will not be posted by UW-Madison until after IAP can record your study abroad courses and grades on your UW-Madison transcript.You can request letters from the department or a Conferred Degree Report from the Registrar’s office to give evidence of progress towards your major and degree at UW-Madison.
Questions to Ask
Your Academic Advisor
- What courses 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 [for LAS credits, IA credits, Degree credits]?
- How will the capstone course fit into my plans?
- Honors in the Major – how will I plan my senior honors thesis or other requirements?
Your Study Abroad Advisor
- What courses 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 course structure like abroad?
- What happens if the language course I place into feels too easy/too hard, what are my steps to change levels?
- What is the housing situation like: dorm, home-stay, apartment?
- Can I talk to a student who went on this program?
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.
Identifying Programs That are Right for You
We encourage you to explore all programs offered by IAP and consider which program is the best fit for you. You might consider where the programs are located (city or rural), who would you live with (independently, dormitory, or local hosts), how much you want to be on a program with other UW-students—or—a mix of international students from universities world-wide. Of course, cost and timing are other major considerations for choosing the program that is right for you.
ALC students are encouraged to explore opportunities anywhere that meet their academic and personal goals and interests. Some of these programs are unique offerings, like short-term programs with faculty leaders, exchange opportunities, or intensive language experiences – take a look to see all of your options. We are proud to offer an extensive range of programs in Asia!
East Asia
- China
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- CET Japan Summer Study Abroad
- Keio University Exchange
- Kyoto University Exchange
- Nanzan University Exchange
- Sophia University Exchange
- UW Food Systems and the Environment in Northern Japan
- UW Introduction to Biological Sciences Research in Japan
- UW Summer Launch in Japan: Supernatural and Surreal
- UW Wellbeing and the Art of Forest Bathing in Japan
- Waseda University Exchange
- South Korea
- Taiwan
South Asia
- Bhutan
- India
- Nepal
- Sri Lanka
Southeast Asia
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Vietnam
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.
Search All Programs
Research all programs using the Program Search page. The above is not an exhaustive list of all programs that offer Asian Languages and Cultures courses. There may be other programs that are a better fit for your individual needs or interests.