Study abroad offers students countless opportunities, ranging from intimately experiencing a new place and culture to learning a foreign language. In a globalized world, international experience gained from studying abroad is highly attractive to potential graduate programs and employers. Fortunately, the global outlook of Cartography/GIS, and Geography more generally, as well as the flexibility of the Cartography/GIS major, make study abroad a natural and feasible option for Cartography/GIS students. The information included below is intended to help Cartography/GIS students make study abroad a reality as they meet with advisors and plan their experience.
Prospective Cartography/GIS Students
To gain background information about study abroad and the various programs available, attend the Study Abroad Fair, visit the Program Search on the International Academic Programs (IAP) website to learn what programs are available to you. Schedule a meeting with advisors at IAP to learn about your study abroad program options.
Mapping Your Study Abroad Experience as a Geography Major
When should I go? There really isn’t a universally perfect time to study abroad, though students tend to go during junior year. This decision ultimately hinges upon each student’s unique preferences and circumstances. You should meet with your academic advisor for help determining the ideal time to go.
Are there courses that cannot be taken abroad? GEOG 565, the senior capstone, must be taken on campus. (Honors-in-the-major students do not have to take 565, though.) The course is only offered in the spring semester, so students typically take it spring of senior year. If going abroad during this time makes the most sense, though, arrangements should be made to take 565 prior to senior year, if possible. Courses that meet the major’s depth requirement – two advanced-level Cartography/GIS electives – must be taken on campus, too.
Are there courses that should ideally be taken on campus? The Department of Geography is a global leader in Cartography/GIS – we offer a major dedicated to these technologies, which is unique, and we believe the level of depth and overall quality of the Cartography/GIS courses are unparalleled. As a result, receiving equivalent credit for the four core major requirements – GEOG 370, GEOG 377, GEOG 378, GEOG 379 – is unlikely, though not impossible, and so it is strongly advised to take most, if not all, of these courses on campus.
Which kinds of courses should I take? When selecting courses, aim for those you find appealing, of course, but that also meet degree – general education and Letters and Science (L&S) breadth requirements – and/or Cartography/GIS major requirements. Please see the bottom of this page to learn about which courses are offered through specific study abroad programs and how they transfer. Geography and IAP advisors can also help identify programs that offer the equivalent of Cartography/GIS and general education and L&S breadth courses, as well as address questions about course equivalencies.
Most Cartography/GIS students will take a combination of classes that fulfill the Cartography/GIS major breadth, general education, and L&S breadth requirements.
Can I do research abroad? The department encourages research while abroad, as conducting research in different places is a hallmark of geographic inquiry. Research credit can be earned under GEOG 175 or GEOG 475, depending on the level of rigor of the research. The department does not, however, offer GEOG 699 credit for research done abroad.
Can honors work be done abroad? Students doing honors in the major must write a thesis, which is typically done during the fall and spring semesters of senior year. Honors students who plan to study abroad part or all of senior year should consult with their faculty thesis advisor about the feasibility of doing thesis work while abroad. Study abroad experiences could potentially offer students fruitful research opportunities that might serve as the basis of an honors project.
Questions to Ask
Your Academic and Faculty Advisors
- Which courses must I take to complete the general education, L&S breadth, and Cartography/GIS major requirements? Which of these courses can be taken abroad?
- Which courses should be taken at UW-Madison?
- Do I need to physically be on UW-Madison’s campus for any courses or credits?
- When would be the best time(s) to go abroad given my goals and remaining course requirements?
Your Study Abroad Advisor
- Which programs fit my personal interests and academic requirements?
- How and when do I select courses for my program?
- How can I find out how courses taken abroad transfer?
- How and when will I know course equivalents for my program?
- What will the classroom experience be like abroad?
- Can financial aid be applied to study abroad programs?
- Where can I find information about scholarships for study abroad?
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
Studying abroad, regardless of the program, offers myriad benefits. When considering programs, strive to identify those that will expose you to subjects, places, cultures, and languages you find appealing, but will also help you complete your degree. You will likely find that many programs all over the world fit your goals and interests. Below is a non-exhaustive list of programs that have strong offerings in Cartography/GIS and Geography.
Africa
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South Africa
Asia
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China
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Singapore
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Thailand
Europe
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Denmark
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England
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Iceland
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Ireland
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Netherlands
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Spain
Oceania
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Australia
South America
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. There may be other programs that are a better fit for your individual needs or interests.