Certificate Advising Page: Engineering for Energy Sustainability
Studying abroad can be incredibly beneficial for students pursuing the Engineering for Energy Sustainability certificate. It offers a unique opportunity to gain a global perspective on energy challenges and solutions, which is crucial in a field that impacts the entire planet.
By experiencing different cultures and energy systems firsthand, you can learn about diverse approaches to sustainability, innovative technologies, and policies that may not be prevalent here. Additionally, studying abroad fosters personal growth, adaptability, and a broader worldview, all of which are essential qualities for future leaders in energy sustainability.
Course considerations
Many study abroad programs have courses with equivalents in the certificate curriculum. Keep in mind that you must complete at least one foundational course in both the engineering and the liberal studies and science categories, so it may be beneficial to find a study abroad program that has at least one foundational course option if you haven’t completed that requirement yet.
Some energy-related courses abroad may not have a direct UW equivalent, or they may be project-based and transfer to a more generic equivalent. In either case, you may request a course substitution so that the abroad course counts toward one of the certificate categories, including the optional capstone. If you would like to discuss how a study abroad experience might fulfill some of the certificate requirements, including any course substitutes, please schedule a meeting with the certificate coordinator.
Map your experience as an engineering for
energy sustainability student
Freshman year
Not recommended to study abroad unless it is in the summer after your first year! For students in the College of Engineering, you must complete your first year at UW in order to apply for progression, and meeting progression requirements is required to declare the certificate. Going abroad can delay your progress and jeopardize your progression status.
Sophomore year
Not recommended to study abroad unless it is during winter intersession or the summer. Many of the engineering courses in the certificate have prerequisites that are often completed in your first or second year.
Junior year
Studying abroad during your junior year works best in either semester. Winter intersession and summer programs are also options.
Senior year
You should check with your advisor on the timing of any capstone or residency requirement for your degree program.
Most engineering programs have a senior design requirement in the last year. It is not likely that this design requirement can be met abroad, and you should check with your advisor when considering studying abroad in your second-to-last semester. Please note that engineering students cannot study abroad in their last semester.
Due to the College of Engineering’s residency requirement, engineering students must complete their last two semesters in Madison. It is possible to request a waiver to study abroad in your second-to-last semester (contact your program’s study abroad advisor for more information), or in your first senior year if you will have more than one.
Ask questions
- What classes must I complete for my certificate (foundational, elective, etc.)?
- Are there courses that I should plan on taking here in Madison, and when are these typically offered?
- Which electives for my major could count for my certificate?
- My study abroad program has a project-based course as an option. Is there a way for that course to count for the certificate?
- I have found a course abroad with no direct equivalent in the certificate curriculum, but I think the topic is relevant to energy sustainability. What is the likelihood that it could be approved as a course substitute?
- What classes can I take on my program?
- 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 for my program?
- What skills do careers related to my major require, and how might participating in a particular program help me gain those skills?
- When would be the best time to participate in a program based on my career goals?
- How will participating in a study abroad, study away, or international internship make me stand out?
- Why do I want to participate on this program?
- How long of a program do I want to participate on— a few weeks, a semester, a year?
- How does studying abroad fit into my academic, personal, and/or professional goals?
- What career skills or proficiencies will I strive to acquire or enhance on my program?
Discover programs that are right for you
The following are programs that may be of interest to you! Durations and courses vary and may count toward electives or degree requirements. If you do not have specific requirements, there’s more flexibility in program type and location.
These opportunities are not an exhaustive list of all programs.
In this section
Semester and academic year programs
Australia
Czech Republic
England
Germany
Short-term programs
Denmark
DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia (summer)
Iceland
International Internships
International internships allow you to apply your academic skills to the real world and gain valuable professional experience abroad while earning UW–Madison course credit.
As you consider your academic and professional goals for studying abroad, explore the different internship options, including UW Signature internships, internship-focused programs, part-time internships, or applying for credit for an external internship.
Check with your academic advisor to see if earning credit for your internship abroad can fulfill a major or certificate requirement.
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.
Photo credit: Kendall Riddle (Iceland)
Want more information?
Dive deeper into how courses and credits work on our programs, or connect with an advisor to find the best fit for your goals.
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