The Department of Entomology welcomes students to participate in a broad array of experiences outside the classroom. Entomology majors enjoy a great deal of flexibility with their major requirements, allowing them to take part in a variety of off- and on-campus experiences. Studying, interning, and researching abroad can give Entomology students a valuable opportunity to engage with the global and regional issues that insects impact here in Wisconsin, the United States of America, and around the world. Whether studying environmental toxicology in the Netherlands or parasitology and public health in Ghana, Entomology students can tailor their study abroad experience to their personal academic interests and long-term career goals, while gaining valuable regional experience, foreign language skills, and intercultural knowledge along the way.
Prospective Entomology Students
Study abroad programs are offered throughout the year in Fall and Spring semesters, over the Summer, and during Winter and Spring Breaks. With advance planning, Entomology students should be able to study abroad in any semester, but may choose to abroad earlier or later depending on their individual academic plan. Many students with additional majors, certificates, or pre-health requirements may find that a summer or winter program fits well into their academic plan. NOTE: Entomology students who plan to fulfill their capstone requirement with Entomology 468 Studies in Field Entomology, which is only offered during the summer, should plan to be on campus that summer for in-person fieldwork. Some students may be able to study abroad multiple times. Students are encouraged to create a four-year plan within Degree Planner that incorporates a study abroad experience and share their plan with their academic advisor.
To gain background information about study abroad and the various programs available, attend the Study Abroad Fair on campus, visit the Program Search, read Returned Student Profiles for Entomology majors, and/or meet with CALS Study Abroad Advisors.
To discuss how studying abroad fits within your career or professional goals in relation to the completion of the Entomology major, please visit the CALS Career Services webpage to schedule an appointment with a CALS Career Advisor.
Entomology Course Considerations Abroad
Entomology students can take a mix of major requirements and non-major elective courses that count towards graduation during a study abroad program. Students who study abroad may be able to find equivalent classes that fulfill their:
- Breadth courses (social sciences, humanities)
- Entomology major requirements
- Independent research
- CALS International Studies requirement
Mapping Your Study Abroad Experience as an Entomology Major
Freshman Year
Many freshmen are part of a FIG (First Year Interest Group), which is a year-long experience and a great way to meet and connect with other new students. Specifically, FIGS about biodiversity, climate, zoology, genetics, or evolution are often a good fit for Entomology majors. Freshman year is also a good time to focus on your core foundation courses – namely math and chemistry. Students may consider participating in a study abroad program during the Summer after their first year, or possibly during Winter Intersession or Spring Break.
Sophomore Year
Once core chemistry and math requirements are complete, sophomore year is a good time to complete major requirements in biology as well as statistics. Many students also take ENTOM 302, a core course in the major. Entomology students can study abroad during a full semester (Fall or Spring) of their sophomore year. Winter Break, Spring Break, and the Summer after sophomore year are also great times to consider studying abroad.
Junior Year
Junior year is when students start taking advanced classes in Entomology, as well as more advanced science classes as required for double majors, certificates, or pre-health requirements. Some study abroad programs offer courses that meet the Entomology major requirements. Suggested courses to take junior year include:
Entomology 302 – Introduction to Entomology (if not completed earlier)
Entomology 321 – Physiology of Insects
Entomology 331 – Taxonomy of Adult insects
Entomology 432 – Taxonomy and Bionomics of Immature Insects
Entomology 624 – Molecular Ecology
Entomology 350 – Parasitology
Entomology 351 – Principles of Economic Entomology
Entomology 371 – Medical Entomology
Entomology 450 – Basic and Applied Insect Ecology
Senior Year
Senior year is when students finish taking required courses for the Entomology major and are often involved in independent research projects with faculty to complete their capstone requirement. Students may be able to study abroad for a Fall or Spring semester during their senior year and complete their final semester requirements abroad. Winter Break and Spring Break are also great times to consider studying abroad during senior year. Some study abroad programs offer field research opportunities which, with program approval, may count towards the Entomology capstone requirement.
Questions to Ask
Yourself
- What are my motivations for wanting to study abroad?
- What knowledge or experiences am I hoping to gain?
- How does studying abroad fit in to my future academic or career goals?
Your Academic Advisor
- What classes must I complete for my degree (breadth/depth, major requirements, etc.)?
- Which courses are likely to be found abroad for my major/degree? Which will I likely have to take here at UW-Madison?
- How do my other goals, such as completing an internship, fit in with my coursework and timeline for studying abroad? When would be the best time(s) 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?
Identifying Programs That are Right for You
The following are study abroad programs that offer coursework that may offer Entomology-related coursework as well as complementary topics. If you do not have specific requirements you need to fulfill, you will have much more flexibility in selecting a program type and location and could consider other options beyond this list using our Program Search.
Semester and/or Academic Year
Australia:
University of Queensland Exchange
Czech Republic:
Czech University of Life Sciences Exchange
France:
L’Institut Agro Montpellier Exchange
Germany:
University of Hohenheim Exchange
Ghana:
Greece:
Ireland:
University College Dublin – Agricultural and Life Sciences
Netherlands:
Wageningen University Exchange
New Zealand:
Lincoln University Exchange
Massey University Exchange
Sweden:
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Exchange
Trinidad and Tobago:
University of the West Indies Exchange
Summer
France:
L’Institut Agro Montpellier Exchange
Spring Break
Costa Rica:
UW Banking Biodiversity in Costa Rica
Other Opportunities to consider:
- Internships or research in university 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.
Search all Programs
Research all programs using the Program Search page. There are many programs that may not be Entomology related but may complement your studies by practicing a language, learning about another culture or region, or earning credit towards an additional major or certificate. The above is not an exhaustive list of all programs that might be appropriate. There may be other programs that are a better fit for your individual needs or interests.