The Communication Arts Department encourages you to enrich your educational experience through participation in UW’s International Academic Programs. Communication Arts students have studied in Italy, Spain, New Zealand, France, Denmark, Ireland, Cape Town and Australia, just to name a few. Studying abroad provides students with unique educational opportunities to see the world from a different perspective and a tremendous opportunity for personal growth. With careful planning, Communication Arts majors can make a study abroad opportunity possible.
Prospective Communication Arts Students
If you think you want to study abroad but have not declared your Communication Arts major, talk with your Academic Advisor sooner rather than later. There are two concentrations in the Communication Arts major: Communication Science and Rhetorical Studies and Radio-Television-Film. There is some flexibility with courses in both areas, but each concentration needs to be fulfilled in different ways (for example, fundamentals, core courses, electives, etc.)
Communication Arts Course Considerations Abroad
Meeting with your advisor a semester or two before you study abroad is very practical. Together you can discuss which courses you are likely to take. The production course, Communication Arts 355, for example, is most often not a class you may take abroad.
The IAP program pages have an “Academics” tab that will lead you to the courses that have already been evaluated. Established programs usually have a list of courses that will come back as specific Communication Arts major requirements. Knowing which program or programs to which you are applying will help your advisor navigate those course lists.
Some universities still prefer a lecture format, sometimes with a small group discussion section called a tutorial group. If possible, talk with other students who have come back from your chose program to learn more about the academic expectations.
Mapping Your Study Abroad Experience as a Communication Arts Major
It is best to declare your Communication Arts major before you plan your study abroad courses. If you are considering study abroad, discuss this with the Communication Arts advisor at your first meeting.
Because of the range of expertise UW-Madison faculty has tailored their course offerings to students in the Communication Arts major, we recommend that you take no more than two Communication Arts courses abroad per semester.
Although junior year is the most popular time to study abroad, students also go during their sophomore or senior years, or during summer or winter break. If you decide to go during your senior year, make sure that your program will fulfill all of your academic requirements. Remember, studying abroad in your final senior semester may cause you to miss your UW-Madison graduation ceremony because semester end dates vary from country to country. The L&S senior residence requirement states that all students must earn a minimum of 30 degree credits in residence at the University of Wisconsin-Madison after they have earned 90 credits toward their undergraduate degree. If you are on an IAP program, you will meet the L&S senior residence requirement.
**Senior Year
Communication Arts majors can still study abroad during their senior year, although you will need to choose your location carefully to ensure that you can take specific classes you need for graduation. You’ll need to watch your Senior Residency Requirement closely with your Communication Arts Advisor.
Questions to Ask
Your Academic Advisor
- What classes 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?
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
Studying abroad, regardless of the program, offers numerous benefits. When considering programs, strive to identify those that will expose you to subjects, places, cultures, and languages that you find appealing, while also helping you complete your degree. You will likely find that many programs all over the world fit your goals and interests. Here are some possibilities. Search for programs with open applications on the study abroad website.
Australia, Sydney: IES Direct Enrollment – University of New South Wales
Czech Republic, Prague: CIEE Central European Studies in Prague
Denmark, Aarhus: Aarhus University Exchange
England, London: UW in London
England, London: University of Westminster
France, Paris: UW in Paris
Germany, Berlin: CIEE Berlin Open Campus
Italy, Florence: UW in Florence
Italy, Rome: CIEE Open Rome Campus
New Zealand, Multiple: Massey University Exchange
South Africa, Cape Town: University of Cape Town Exchange
South Korea, Seoul: Korea University Exchange
Spain, Barcelona: IES Liberal Arts & Business Program
International internships are another way to gain valuable professional experience abroad while earning course credit. Check out UW-Signature Internships, generally offered in spring and summer terms, developed exclusively for Badgers.
Search all IAP programs
Research all programs using the IAP Program Search page. The above is not an exhaustive list of all programs that offer Communication Arts courses. There may be other programs that are a better fit for your individual needs or interests.