University of Wisconsin–Madison

Major Advising Page – Global Health

Given the global perspective and learning objectives of the Global Health major, study abroad programs are great opportunities for students in the program to apply their classroom learning in new contexts, expand their horizons, and build new knowledge that complements their UW-Madison coursework.  There are many short-term, summer, and semester-long programs that fulfill requirements in the Global Health major, highlighted by the many programs that are specifically tailored to the interests and learning goals of Global Health students.  Many students take advantage of short-term programs, while others choose to complete semester-long programs. All students desiring an international experience should be able to fit in a study abroad program within their 4-year plan and are encouraged to meet with their Global Health Advisor and a Study Abroad Advisor to get started exploring programs that best fit their academic and personal goals.

Prospective Global Health Students

Prospective students should familiarize themselves with the Global Health major requirements, and work with an advisor to develop a draft 4-year plan that includes degree and major requirements, as well as any other academic goals they may have – such as certificate requirements or pre-requisite coursework for post-graduate education.  A draft 4-year plan can help you answer two questions: first, if you need your study abroad courses to count for major requirements; and second, when you might want to fit study abroad within your 4-year plan.  Answering these questions is helpful for exploring different program options in depth and making decisions about what topics you want to study while abroad and where you might want to go.

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 Global Health major, please visit the CALS Career Services webpage to schedule an appointment with a CALS Career Advisor.

Global Health course considerations abroad

Students interested in completing major requirements abroad will want to select a program that offers coursework related to the major.  For most students in the Global Health major, this will mean taking courses that will meet depth requirements for the major, and there are many programs that offer excellent coursework related to the depth themes of public health, disease biology, environmental health, food security and nutrition, and sustainable development.  Many study abroad programs have pre-approved equivalencies for UW-Madison courses in the major, but students should not feel restricted to those programs with posted direct equivalencies.  All students are encouraged to consult their Global Health Advisor about coursework options in different programs and discuss how those might count in the major by reviewing syllabi and course descriptions.  Students applying to professional health programs (such as medical school) are advised to complete the majority of their pre-requisite coursework at UW-Madison.

Mapping your study abroad experience in the Global Health major

Global Health students can study abroad at any point during their time at UW-Madison, but most students choose to study abroad during their sophomore, junior, or senior year.  Your program choice will impact when it might be a good time to go abroad, and if you need prior coursework.  Students preferring short-term programs, for example, can complete these programs at any time during their career at UW-Madison.  Students planning to take upper-level major requirements abroad on a semester-long program, however, may prefer to study abroad in their junior or senior year after completing introductory coursework here. All returned students should meet with CALS Career Services to explore how to best convey the international experience to future employers, to graduate schools, and on personal statements.

To start the process of exploring study abroad as part of your Global Health major, you should:

  • Meet with your Global Health Advisor to discuss your study abroad priorities, 4-year plans, and program ideas
  • Utilize the program search to explore the full range of study abroad programs
  • Meet with a Study Abroad Advisor to learn more about programs and ask questions

Freshman year

At UW-Madison, focus on a balanced schedule of courses that begin the curricular building blocks for your major.  Investigate short-term programs offered over winter intersession and summer term that interest you.  Explore potential semester, summer, and short-term programs for the future.

Sophomore year

At UW-Madison, continue a balanced schedule of classes that build the foundation for your Global Health major.  You may consider going abroad this year for a semester, summer, or short-term program.  This can also be a year to narrow down programs for future terms.  The summer after sophomore year can be a great time to study abroad.

Junior year

This is the most popular year to study abroad, as you will have likely completed the majority of your introductory coursework. This will allow you to take advantage of a range of programs that offer unique and interesting upper-level coursework that will count for the Global Health major.  The summer after junior year can also be a wonderful time to study abroad.

Senior year

It is not too late! You can study abroad in your senior year without delay in graduation with careful planning with your Global Health Advisor.  The winter intersession of senior year can be a great time to complete a short-term study abroad program.

Questions to ask

Your Global Health Advisor

  • What study abroad programs are you familiar with that align with my interests and priorities?
  • What requirements do I have left, and are there some that are a good fit for taking abroad?
  • Are there courses that I should plan on taking here in Madison, and when are these typically offered?
  • What is the process for determining if my study abroad courses will meet major requirements?
  • What factors should I consider if I am on a pre-professional school health track?
  • How do my other goals (summer research experiences, preparing for medical, professional, or graduate school, taking a gap year vs. applying right away) fit in with my coursework and timeline for studying abroad?

Your Study Abroad Advisor

  • What programs offer courses I would like to take?
  • What programs offer the study abroad experience that best fits my needs?
  • What are my financial aid and scholarship options for funding study abroad?
  • When and how do I select courses for my program?
  • How does the course equivalency process work?
  • What are the classes like abroad, and how do they differ from UW-Madison courses?
  • What is the application and notification timeline for programs and scholarships?

Yourself

  • Why do I want to study abroad, and what do I hope to gain from this experience?
  • How will studying abroad enhance my education and what type of learning experience to I want?
  • What are my personal goals, and how will study abroad complement my personal growth?
  • How long do I want to study abroad for – a few weeks, a summer, a semester, a year?
  • Is there a specific country, culture, or language that I want to experience?
  • How will I finance my study abroad, and what scholarships do I plan to take advantage of?

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.

Identifying programs that are right for you

There are many different program options available to you, depending on the type of experience you’d like to have. The programs listed below offer courses that may fulfill Global Health major requirements and/or may be of interest to students completing the Global Health major.

Semester and/or academic year programs

Short Term and Summer Programs

International Internships

International internships are another way to gain valuable professional experience abroad while earning course credit. While you can often participate in a part-time internship as part of your study abroad program, it is also possible to participate in an Internship-focused program or a UW Signature Internship.

Search all programs

Research all programs using the Program Search page. The above is not an exhaustive list of all programs. There may be other programs that are a better fit for your individual needs or interests.

Colleges and Schools