Major Advising Page – Computer Sciences – Study Abroad

Introduction

Computer Sciences majors are creative, analytical problem-solvers. They study a wide range of disciplines: robotics, bioinformatics, networks, security, and more. Applications of Computer Sciences are found in all fields, from business to healthcare and Computer Sciences majors work in education, government, finance, healthcare, nationally known companies, and small start-ups.

Computer Sciences is a global field; throughout your career you’ll get to work with individuals and companies from all over the world, with a diverse range of backgrounds, beliefs, and ideas. A study abroad experience can open your mind to a new culture and language that will shape you into a global citizen.

Information for Prospective Major Students

Computer Sciences majors are encouraged to work closely with their advisor to plan their study abroad experience. Most UW students choose to go abroad junior or senior year. We recommend taking foundational coursework (listed as Basic Computer Sciences and Basic Calculus on your DARS report and in the Guide) at UW-Madison. There are great study abroad programs that offer popular advanced level CS coursework.

Certificate students: There is generally more flexibility with the certificate, depending on when you start your coursework. It is recommended you take CS 300 at UW-Madison.

Major Course Considerations Abroad

Letters & Science students need to keep in mind that at least 15 credits of work in the major/department need to be completed on campus. Beyond that, there are no requirements for particular coursework you need to take here on campus versus abroad and therefore it is possible to graduate abroad.

Classes that Computer Sciences majors typically take abroad include:

Breadth courses (Social Sciences, Humanities, Literature, Natural Sciences)
Language courses
Computer Sciences courses, particularly in Software/Hardware, Applications, and Electives

If graduating in four years is very important, creating a four-year plan with your academic advisor can help.

Mapping your Study Abroad Experience as a Computer Sciences Major

Freshman Year

Freshman year is typically spent taking introductory programming courses and calculus. Start exploring potential programs you would be interested and attend the annual Study Abroad Fair.

Sophomore Year

During their second year, students are typically continuing their introductory programming sequence and taking classes like Math 240, Computer Sciences 252, and Computer Sciences 354. This is also a great time to meet with your advisor and map out a plan to fit study abroad into your 4-year plan.

Junior Year

This is the most popular year to study abroad, as most of your pre-requisite Computer Sciences coursework is complete. There are numerous programs that will allow you to take various advanced level CS courses. Make sure to keep in touch with your CS advisors while abroad to make plans for you next semester when you return.

Senior Year

Is it possible to study abroad senior year? Definitely! This takes more careful planning to ensure you are meeting all graduation requirements, but it’s absolutely an option. Keep in mind that a lot of post-graduation recruitment in tech happens in the fall of your senior year. Going abroad senior year will mean doing most of this remotely.

Certificate students: Because there are fewer courses required for the certificate, there is more flexibility in when you go abroad. We recommend you take CS 300 at UW-Madison. Beyond that, a study abroad program can fit into any semester.

Questions to Ask

To Ask your Academic Advisor in the Department of Computer Sciences

What classes should I take here at UW-Madison, both for the major and my degree?
How do my other goals align with a study abroad experience (i.e. Honors in the Major, attending graduate school, etc.)?
How much room do I have outside of my major and breath requirement to take unique electives only offered abroad?

To Ask 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?

Programs

The Department of Computer Sciences has identified programs that offer Computer Sciences coursework, typically at the advanced level. These programs vary in length, course offerings, language of instruction, and cost. If you do not have specific major requirements you need to fulfill abroad, you have more flexibility in program choice.

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.

Internships that might be of interest to you include:
FIEN Foundation Internships (Tanzania) (Web Development Internship option)
GobLab Public Sector Algorithms & Data Science Research Assistant Internship (Chile)
HELHa Electronics Research Internship (Belgium)
UCR Computational Medical Physics Laboratory Research Internship (Costa Rica)