Majors in the School of Human Ecology seek to improve the lives of children, families, consumers, and communities. We value study abroad as a high impact experience that helps students understand the interconnectedness of people and systems that impact us on a global scale.
Prospective Design, Innovation, & Society Students
As a Design, Innovation, and Society student, you may study abroad anytime after your first semester at UW-Madison. However, we strongly recommend working with an academic advisor in Human Ecology to plan your course sequencing and prerequisites effectively. DS 120 (offered only in the fall) and DS 220 (offered only in the spring) are prerequisites for many major requirements. Since these courses are only available in specific semesters, it’s important to complete them before studying abroad or have a plan to take them upon your return.
Design, Innovation, & Society Course Considerations Abroad
Studying abroad is a great time to complete general education requirements and elective credits. Elective credits are credits you pick based on interest rather than something required for your major. Direct equivalents to the Design, Innovation, and Society core requirements can be difficult to find abroad.
Design, Innovation, and Society students who complete an internship abroad for credit through the International Academic Programs office should submit for IS 523 via the Course Equivalency Request process. Once your credits transfer, notify your academic advisor and they will substitute IS 523 for your required major internship course. Please submit your Course Equivalency Request in a timely manner to facilitate accurate course planning for future semesters.
Mapping Your Study Abroad Experience as a Design, Innovation, & Society major.
There is no best time to study abroad as a Design, Innovation, and Society student. We encourage you to consider studying abroad in your sophomore or junior year, in particular. Winter intersession or summer programs are also options for you. If you are also majoring in another discipline, you will ultimately want to determine what works best for both of your programs by consulting with your academic advisors as early as possible in your time at UW-Madison.
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
The following list of programs is meant to be a starting point and should not limit you as you consider your program options. Past SoHE students have participated in these programs, and some have relevant major or elective coursework. However, courses offered as part of these programs may not be guaranteed to be the best fit for you depending on where you are in the major.
Australia
Denmark
France
Italy
New Zealand
South Africa
Spain
The above is not an exhaustive list of all programs that offer Design, Innovation, and Society courses. There may be other programs that are a better fit for your individual needs or interests. Research all approved programs using the Program Search page.