Introduction
Can Biology students study abroad? Yes, a variety of study abroad programs can fit in with the Biology major without delaying graduation. In fact, the Biology major consistently ranks in the top ten majors sending students abroad! Many students use this international opportunity to take unique bioscience courses at other institutions that count for their major, while others use this opportunity to focus on non-science coursework and explore other topics that interest them. Similar to each individual student’s 4-year plan, there are many ways to study abroad in the Biology major. Schedule an appointment with a Study Abroad advisor and your Biology Major advisor to get the process started by exploring programs that best fit with your academic plans and personal goals.
Prospective Biology Students
To study abroad, ensure you are familiar with the Biology major requirements and work with your advisor on developing your 4-year plan. Your 4-year plan will provide a sense of how and when study abroad will best complement your major and degree. A common initial question is whether you want or need to take courses abroad that will count for the major. Answering this question by accessing and establishing your goals and priorities can give you a sense of what programs to explore in depth.
You can study abroad at any point during your time at UW-Madison, but most students choose to study abroad during their junior or senior year. We recommend completing core coursework such as introductory mathematics, chemistry, and Biology requirements for the major at UW-Madison. This said, you could always study abroad earlier and complete core coursework after returning. If you are applying to professional health programs (such as medical school or dental school), you are advised to complete the majority of their pre-requisite coursework at UW-Madison.
To gain background information about study abroad and the various programs available, attend the Study Abroad Fair on campus, visit the Program Search, read Returned Student Profiles for Biology students, and/or meet with Study Abroad Advisors.
Biology Course Considerations Abroad
Many study abroad programs offer a plethora of excellent upper level bioscience courses. Students often complete courses abroad that count for intermediate/advanced Biology breadth requirement (categories A-E). Some programs have classes already equated to UW-Madison courses that fulfill this requirement. These equivalencies can be found on each program’s academic page. Programs may not have all courses pre-equated simply because no student has taken them in the past. How do you know if a course will likely count as a course for the major? A good guideline is to look for upper-level bioscience courses that have science pre-requisites. Once you have identified courses of interest, work with your Study Abroad Advisor to gather syllabi if possible. Then, meet with your Biology Advisor to determine if and how the course will count towards your major or degree requirements. You will work with study abroad to complete the approval process.
Mapping Your Study Abroad Experience in the Biology Major
Freshman Year
At UW-Madison, focus on a balanced schedule of courses that begin the curricular building blocks for your major. Investigate winter intersession and summer term programs that interest you. Explore potential semester and summer programs for the future.
Sophomore Year
At UW-Madison, continue a balanced schedule of classes that build the foundation for your Biology major. You may consider going abroad this year on either a semester or a summer program. Meet with your Biology advisor to ensure you are on track with core chemistry and Biology courses. This can also be a year to narrow down programs for future terms.
Junior Year
This is the most popular year to study abroad, as will you have likely completed the majority of your introductory coursework. This will allow you to take advantage of a range of programs that offer unique and interesting upper-level coursework in the biosciences that will count for the Biology major.
Senior Year
It is not too late! You can study abroad senior year without delay in graduation with careful planning with your advisor. All returned students should meet with career services to explore how to best convey the international experience to future employers, to graduate schools, and on personal statements.
Questions to Ask
Your Biology Advisor
- What Biology major courses do I have left to complete? Are there specific courses should I plan on taking at UW? When are these typically taught?
- What general education requirements do I need to complete?
- What factors should I consider if I am on a pre-health track and need to plan for exams like the MCAT?
Your Study Abroad Advisor
- What programs offer courses I would like to take?
- What programs offer the study abroad experience that best fits my needs?
- When and how do I select courses for my program, and when will I hear about course equivalencies?
- What are the classes like abroad, and how do they differ from UW-Madison courses?
- What is the application and notification timeline for programs and scholarships?
Yourself
- Why do I want to study abroad?
- How will studying abroad enhance my academic and global perspectives?
- What are my academic and personal goals?
- How long do I want to study abroad?
- How much can I afford to spend?
Identifying Programs to Explore
There are many different study abroad programs available to you. Programs vary in their course offerings, language of instruction, duration, and cost. It is important to consider your goals and priorities in selecting a program. The list below is not exhaustive but is demonstrative of programs that offer bioscience courses. There may be other programs that better align with your goals and interests. To explore all study abroad program visit the Program Search page.
Africa
Kenya, Mt Kilamanjaro Foothills / SFS Water and Wildlife Studies (Semester or Summer)
South Africa, Cape Town / CFHI Global Health Internships in South Africa (Spring Semester or Summer)
South Africa, Cape Town / University of Cape Town Exchange (Semester)
Tanzania, Karatu / SFS Wildlife Management & Wildlife Research (Semester or Summer)
Asia
Bhutan, Paro / SFS Himalayan Studies (Semester or Summer)
Cambodia, Siem Reap / SFS Conservation and Development Studies (Semester or Summer)
China, Hong Kong / Hong Kong University of Science & Technology Exchange (Semester)
Singapore / National University of Singapore Exchange (Semester or Summer)
South Korea, Seoul / Yonsei University Exchange (Semester)
Fall could be a good fit for many biology majors. Spring students should read the course pre-requisites carefully. Formal approval of CERs is by the department granting the CER; biology can review/approve for the major requirements when a student has a complete syllabus.
Europe
Croatia, Veli Losinj / SFS Conservation of Marine Megafauna (Semester)
Czech Republic, Prague / Czech University of Life Sciences Exchange (Semester)
Denmark, Copenhagen / DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia (Semester or Summer)
England, Leeds / University of Leeds Exchange (Semester)
England, Bristol / University of Bristol Exchange (Semester)
England, Multiple / UW SCORE Summer Research in England (Summer)
Germany, Heidelberg / UW SUPER-G Summer Research in Germany (Summer)
Greece, Thessaloniki / Perrotis College (Semester or Summer)
Ireland, Dublin / University College Dublin – Agricultural and Life Sciences (Semester)
Netherlands, Wageningen / Wageningen University Exchange (Semester)
Latin America and Caribbean
Argentina, Cordoba / CFHI Global Health Internships in Argentina (Spring Semester or Summer)
Costa Rica, Atenas / SFS Ecological Resilience Studies (Semester or Summer)
Costa Rica, Multiple / UW Banking Animal Biodiversity in Costa Rica (Spring Break)
Ecuador, Quito / Ceiba Tropical Conservation Semester: Galapagos, Andes and Amazon (Spring Semester)
Panama, Bocas del Toro / SFS Tropical Island Biodiversity & Conservation Studies (Semester or Summer)
Turks & Caicos, South Caicos Island / SFS Marine Resource Studies (Semester or Summer)
North America
USA, Layton / UW Marine Biology in the Florida Keys (Winter Intersession)
Oceania
Australia, Brisbane / University of Queensland Exchange (Semester)
Australia, Cairns & Townsville / James Cook University (Semester)
Australia, Yungaburra / SFS Rainforest Studies (Semester or Summer)
New Zealand, Multiple / Massey University Exchange (Manawatu/Palmerston North campus only) (Semester)
Other Opportunities to consider
- Internships or research in university or private settings abroad (check out the Intern Abroad webpage)
- 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.