Study abroad is a great way for Community and Environmental Sociology majors to enhance what they’re learning in classes on campus. Some programs may help students further understand the international issues they discuss in classes and compare national issues to those in other countries. Study abroad helps students see communities and the environment from broader, more multicultural perspectives, enhancing their ability to contribute to better communities and a better environment. Students may receive a scholarship through Community and Environmental Sociology to support their study abroad.
Prospective Community and Environmental Sociology Students
As a Community and Environmental Sociology student, you can study abroad during almost any term in your college career, including winter or summer. If you begin your planning early and intentionally, it is possible to study abroad, even for a full semester or year, and graduate in four years with a Community and Environmental Sociology major. The information below will help in your planning and conversations with your Community and Environmental Sociology advisor. For more information on the Community and Environmental Sociology major, visit our website and the Guide page.
To gain 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. We recommend meeting with your Community and Environmental Sociology advisor to discuss possible programs and course considerations.
To discuss how studying abroad fits within your career or professional goals in relation to the completion of the Community and Environmental Sociology major, please visit the CALS Career Services webpage to schedule an appointment with a CALS Career Advisor.
Community and Environmental Sociology Course Considerations Abroad
Several requirements for the Community and Environmental Sociology major can be completed abroad. The core classes and capstone class should be completed at UW-Madison. Elective credits can often be completed abroad. Students should meet with their Community and Environmental Sociology advisor to discuss the possibilities of fulfilling requirements while studying abroad. There are also summer, winter, spring break, and virtual programs that are options for students.
Mapping Your Study Abroad Experience as a Community and Environmental Sociology Major
Freshman Year
During freshmen year, many Community and Environmental Sociology majors take the major’s introductory class and classes for general education requirements. Winter, summer, and spring break could be great times to study abroad during the first year.
Sophomore Year
Many students complete the major’s research methods and statistics classes during their sophomore year. These requirements could be completed in later semesters if students already have several general education and CALS requirements fulfilled. Semester study abroad is an option if there is space in future semesters to complete those core requirements. Students should meet with their advisor to discuss planning future semesters. Winter, summer, and spring break could be great times to study abroad during sophomore year.
Junior Year
Junior year is a popular time to complete a semester study abroad program. Junior year is often spent completing electives for the major. This could also be a good time to study abroad for a full year, if desired.
Senior Year
Senior year is also a popular time to study abroad. However, it would be best to only participate in a study abroad for one semester during your final year. The department’s capstone needs to be completed during senior year. This class can be taken either the fall or spring semester. The winter or spring break of your final year may be another option to study abroad before you graduate.
Students should consult with their advisor if they’d like to study abroad in their senior year.
Questions to Ask
Your Academic Advisor:
- What classes must I complete for my Community and Environmental Sociology major (breadth/depth, major requirements, etc.)?
- Which courses should be taken at UW-Madison?
- How will studying abroad enrich my interests and goals?
- When would be the best time to go abroad?
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?
Yourself:
- What are my interests in studying abroad?
- What do I hope to gain from the study abroad experience?
Identifying Programs That are Right for You
Community and Environmental Sociology students can study all around the world and have successfully completed study abroad programs in such countries as Australia, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Israel, Italy, Japan, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Tanzania, United Kingdom, United States, and Uruguay. The following are study abroad programs that may be of interest to students pursuing the Community and Environmental Sociology major. The programs below have various durations and courses that may count for electives or requirements for the Community and Environmental Sociology major. Under the Academics tab on the bottom of each program page, you can find a list of pre-approved course equivalencies. If you do not have specific requirements you need to fulfill, you will have much more flexibility as to program type and location.
Programs that may fulfill Community and Environmental Sociology Major Requirements:
Argentina:
SIT Public Health in Urban Environments (Semester)
Australia:
SFS Australia Rainforest Studies (Semester or Summer)
University of Queensland Exchange (Semester)
Costa Rica:
SFS Ecological Resilience Studies (Semester or Summer)
Denmark:
DIS- Study Abroad in Scandinavia (Semester or Summer)
France:
ESA Angers Exchange – International Food, Culture & Agriculture Summer Program (Summer)
Greece:
Perrotis College
Italy:
UW Sustainable Food Systems in Italy and the World (Summer)
Japan:
UW Food Systems and the Environment in Northern Japan (Summer)
Netherlands:
Wageningen University Exchange (Semester)
New Zealand:
Lincoln University Exchange (Semester)
Massey University Exchange (Semester)
South Africa:
University of Cape Town Exchange (Semester)
Sweden:
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Exchange (Semester)
Programs that may be of interest to Community and Environmental Sociology students:
Programs with Public/Global Health-Related Experiences
These opportunities may not necessarily fulfill major or degree requirements, but they may be of interest to those interested in public health, medicine, or other health fields, and often occur during summer, winter, or spring breaks. These programs often involve out-of-classroom experiences such as service learning, site visits, connecting with members and groups in the community, and research. To find public/global health-related programs, select Academic Credit: “Certificate in Global Health” on the Program Search.
Internships or research in university, public, or private settings abroad (check out the International Internship Program)
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.
Programs on Environmental Science
These programs may be interesting if you have career goals relating to environmental science or climate change. Many of these programs include field work. To find environmental science related programs, explore the Environmental Sciences MAP.
Other Programs
Other programs may complement your studies by practicing a language, learning about another culture or region, or earning credit towards an additional major or certificate. Use the Program Search to identify programs by region, country, language of instruction, duration, or subjects taught.