Major Advising Page: Environmental Sciences
As an interdisciplinary cross-college (CALS and L&S) program, students majoring in environmental sciences are highly encouraged to complement their coursework with out-of-classroom experiences such as study abroad. Studying abroad exposes students to a wide array of opportunities that strengthen their understanding of environmental issues throughout the world.
Course considerations
There are many opportunities to complete requirements for the environmental sciences major abroad. It is recommended that students complete their math and science (chemistry, biology, physics) requirements at UW–Madison. However, for general education requirements and major core and elective courses, there are opportunities to fulfill requirements abroad.
Students should consult with an environmental sciences advisor to discuss their interests and goals of studying abroad, especially if they are thinking of studying abroad during a fall or spring semester. Students participating in summer, winter, or spring break programs, including field, global health, or research-based experiences, often do not need to be as concerned with fulfilling requirements or course equivalencies.
Map your experience as an
environmental sciences student
To discuss how studying abroad fits within your career or professional goals in relation to the completion of the plant pathology major, please visit the CALS Career Services webpage to schedule an appointment with a CALS Career Advisor.
To gain background information about study abroad and the various programs available, attend the Study Abroad Fair on campus, visit the program search database on the UW Study Abroad website, and/or meet with CALS Study Abroad Advisors.
Freshman year
During freshman year, many environmental sciences majors take general education requirements, including intro math and science courses. Some students may study abroad during winter or spring break, especially if they are a part of a First Year Interest Group (FIG) that has a study abroad component.
Sophomore year
Many environmental sciences majors take biology and organic chemistry during their sophomore year. If a student has completed their foundational coursework early, they might consider studying abroad during the summer or during one of the breaks.
Sophomore year is a good time to research programs and discuss options with your advisor.
Junior year
Junior year is the most popular time for environmental sciences majors to study abroad. If a student would like to study abroad during the fall or spring semester of their junior year, it is advised that they meet with their advisor to discuss course planning.
Senior year
Senior year is also an option for environmental sciences majors to study abroad, but it is not as desirable as junior year. If a student is considering applying to medical school, law school, or graduate school for immediate acceptance after graduation, they should consider this when planning a possible study abroad.
Students will also need to complete their capstone requirement either the summer preceding senior year or during their senior year, which is another reason to consult with their advisor to discuss options if they plan to study abroad.
Ask questions
- What classes must I take to complete my Environmental Sciences major (breadth/depth, major requirements, etc.)?
- Which courses should be taken at UW–Madison?
- When would be the best time to go abroad, given my goals and remaining course requirements?
- Would a study abroad experience enhance my curricular studies?
- 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?
- Is there anything I need to tell my academic advisor if I opt for a study abroad experience?
- 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?
- What are my goals in studying abroad?
- How long do I want to study abroad for–a few weeks, a semester, a year?
- What are my post-graduation plans?
- 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
Bhutan
Chile
Costa Rica
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Ceiba Tropical Conservation Semester: Galapagos, Andes and Amazon (spring semester)
Greece
Iceland
Netherlands
New Zealand
Peru
Trinidad & Tobago
Turks and Caicos
United States
UW Wisconsin in Washington, DC Internship Program
Students can participate in internships with environmentally focused organizations.
Short-term programs
Australia
SFS Rainforest Studies (summer)
Bhutan
SFS Himalayan Studies (summer)
Cambodia
Chile
SFS Climate Studies (summer)
Costa Rica
- SFS Ecological Resilience Studies (summer)
- UW Agroecosystems and Planetary Health in Costa Rica (summer)
- UW Banking Animal Biodiversity in Costa Rica (spring break)
Denmark
DIS-Study Abroad in Scandinavia (summer)
Greece
Perrotis College (summer)
Ireland
- IFSA University of Galway (summer)
- University College Dublin Summer Physics (summer)
Japan
Kenya
SFS Water and Wildlife Studies (summer)
Panama
Turks and Caicos
SFS Marine Resources Studies (summer)
United States
UW Wisconsin in Washington, DC Internship Program (summer)
Students can participate in internships with environmentally focused organizations.
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.
Internships that might be of interest to you include:
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: Robin Grygleski (Netherlands)
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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