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.
Prospective Engineering for Energy Sustainability Certificate Students
The Engineering for Energy Sustainability certificate is a 16-credit program open to all undergraduate students. Students interested in the certificate should consult the Guide page to learn more about the program and how to declare the certificate. Prior to declaring, you must complete an online orientation or meet with the certificate coordinator as well as develop a tentative study plan for completing the certificate requirements. Students in the College of Engineering need to have met progression in order to declare; otherwise, you may declare the certificate at any time and can take certificate-eligible courses prior to declaring.
If you are interested in studying abroad, we would encourage you to first explore programs by attending the Study Abroad Fair, visiting the Program Search, and/or scheduling a meeting with an Exploration Advisor.
If you would like to discuss how a study abroad experience might fulfill some of the certificate requirements, please schedule a meeting with the certificate coordinator.
Engineering for Energy Sustainability Course Considerations Abroad
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 suggested study abroad programs are listed near the bottom of this page.
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 to have the abroad course count toward one of the certificate categories, including the optional Capstone. Before going abroad, please check with the certificate coordinator about the likelihood of a course being approved as a substitute.
Mapping Your Study Abroad Experience in the Engineering for Energy Sustainability Certificate
- First 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 is required to declare the certificate. Going abroad can delay your progress and jeopardize your progression status.
- Second Year
- Not recommended to study abroad unless it is over winter intersession or during the summer. Many of the Engineering courses in the certificate have pre-requisites that are often completed in your first or second year.
- Third Year
- Studying abroad during your junior year works best in either semester. Winter intersession and summer programs are also options.
- Fourth 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 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 on this possibility), or in your first senior year if you will have more than one!
Questions to Ask
Your Academic Advisor:
- 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?
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 programs have at least one course eligible for the Engineering for Energy Sustainability certificate. 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 your major.
Australia
- IES Direct Enrollment – University of New South Wales
- Macquarie University Exchange
- University of Queensland Exchange
Czech Republic
Denmark
England
Germany
Hungary
Iceland
Norway
Singapore
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 Engineering for Energy Sustainability courses. There may be other programs that are a better fit for your individual needs or interests.