Major Advising Page – Food Science

The Food Science Department strongly supports students getting an international experience during their undergraduate years. The benefits of such an experience are numerous, including gaining a broader cultural perspective, gaining insights into the food culture of a different country, and gaining self-confidence by learning to make your own way in an unfamiliar environment. One student said, after returning from a semester abroad, that his experience gave him the confidence in his abilities to tackle almost any challenge.

Prospective Food Science Students

As a food science major, you can study abroad during most summer, winter, and spring breaks, and it is possible to study abroad for a semester; however, there are some important factors to consider. If you begin your planning early and intentionally, it is possible to study abroad, even for a full semester, and graduate in four years with a food science major.  The information below will help in your planning and conversations with your food science advisor.  For more information on the food science major, visit the Food Science website. To connect with an advisor, visit the Department of Food Science’s Advising Information Page. Even if you’re not ready to declare the food science major yet, you are encouraged to meet with the academic advisor to discuss and plan for possible study abroad opportunities in the future.

To gain background information about study abroad and the various programs available, attend the Study Abroad Fair on campus, visit the Program Search, 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 Food Science major, please visit the CALS Career Services webpage to schedule an appointment with a CALS Career Advisor.

Food Science Course Considerations Abroad

Although the department recognizes the benefits of a semester abroad, our undergraduate curriculum is tightly structured and controlled, leaving few options to take food science courses abroad. Students are best served simply gaining the international experience and not trying to take food science course equivalents. Further, because of the structure of the last 4 semesters, it is nearly impossible to take a study abroad during junior and senior years without extending the undergraduate program by a year (even if it is only one semester abroad).

The four-year plan shown below provides an option of a study abroad semester during sophomore year. However, to meet all of the background science pre-requisites for the junior year, it is most likely that you must take classes at least one summer. Thus, you are encouraged to speak with your advisor as early in the program as possible to ensure all pre-requisites are met prior to starting the third (junior) year.

Mapping Your Study Abroad Experience as a Food Science Major

Freshman Year

During the first year of the Food Science major, you primarily gain basic disciplinary knowledge that will be applied to upper level classes. The only FS curriculum course is a career orientation class. If you wish to study abroad during the first year of the major, you could explore winter, spring, and summer break.

Sophomore Year

During the second year of the Food Science major, you gain further disciplinary knowledge, but also are introduced to the broad field of Food Science in the introductory course (FS 301). If you are interested in studying abroad for a semester, the spring semester of the sophomore would be a great time to do so. You could also explore winter, summer, and spring break programs.

Junior Year

In Year 3, the primary aim of the Food Science required courses is the development of foundational principles, particularly in food chemistry, microbiology, and processing. It is challenging to participate in a semester program during the junior year because of course sequencing, but winter, summer, and spring break programs that address topics of food science are possible.

Senior Year

Integrated and project-based courses in the senior year raise the technical level but also require you to apply your knowledge to solve problems, better preparing you for industry jobs as well as graduate schools. Studying abroad for a semester during senior is extremely challenging given the course sequencing of Food Science requirements, but winter and spring break programs would be a great way to enhance your senior year experience.

Example Four Year Plan for Food Science Major Studying Abroad for a Semester

Questions to Ask

Yourself

• What are my priorities for my undergraduate education – is it graduating in 4 years, studying abroad for a semester, completing multiple majors/certificates? Which of these are most important if it becomes difficult to fit everything in?

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 programs listed below have various durations and may be of interest to students pursuing the Food Science major. If you do not have specific requirements you need to fulfill, you will have much more flexibility as to program type and location.

Australia

University of Queensland Exchange (Semester or Year)

Czech Republic

Czech University of Life Sciences Exchange (Semester)

Denmark

University of Copenhagen Exchange (Semester or Year)

France

ESA Angers Exchange – International Food, Culture & Agriculture Summer Program (Summer)

ISA Lille Exchange (Semester)

ISARA Lyon Exchange – Agroecology Summer School (Summer)

Ghana

UW Health & Food Systems: Human, Agricultural & Environmental Health in Ghana (Summer)

Greece

Perrotis College (Semester or Summer)

Ireland

University College Dublin Agricultural and Life Sciences – Agriculture & Food Science Program (Semester)

Italy

UW Sustainable Food Systems in Italy and the World (Summer)

Japan

UW Food Systems and the Environment in Northern Japan (Summer)

Mexico

UW International Field Study in Animal Agriculture and Sustainable Development (Summer)

Netherlands

Wageningen University Exchange (Semester or Year)

New Zealand

Lincoln University Exchange (Semester)

Norway

Norwegian University of Life Sciences Exchange (Semester)

Sweden

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Exchange (Semester or Year)

Uganda

UW Agriculture, Health, and Nutrition in Uganda (Summer)

International internships are another way to gain valuable professional experience abroad while earning course credit. Check out UW-Signature Internships, generally offered in spring and summer terms, developed exclusively for Badgers.

Kidlinks Organic Farming Research Internship (South Africa)
The Fermentary Content Creation Internship (Australia)

Search for additional programs
Research all programs using the Program Search page. The above is not an exhaustive list of all programs that offer courses and experiences of interest to Food Science students, particularly if you are looking to fulfill general education requirements specifically.  There may be other programs that are a better fit for your individual needs or interests.