Major Advising Page: History
The Department of History, with research and teaching specialties that span from Argentina to Zimbabwe, has a decidedly international vision. At UW–Madison, History is a discipline that transcends national boundaries.
As a history major, you can study abroad during almost any term in your college career, including winter or summer, but there are some important factors to consider. If you begin your planning early, you can find a way to include an international experience into the heart of your work in history. The information below will help in your planning and conversations with a history advisor.
The Global Perspectives Scholarship hopes to make the study abroad experience possible for History majors and those pursuing a Certificate in History. The Global Perspectives Scholarship provides students with financial awards starting with $1,500 towards short-term programs, $3,000 towards semester programs, and $4,000 towards year-long programs.
The scholarship can be used toward the eligible study abroad program of your choice. To be considered for the scholarship, you must be a History major or pursuing a Certificate in History. Additional consideration will be given to members of traditionally underrepresented groups in higher education, students with financial need, first-generation college students, and students traveling abroad for the first time.
For questions about the Global Perspectives Scholarship, please contact Professor Neil Kodesh (kodesh@wisc.edu).
Course considerations
Most history courses taken abroad will equate to one of the four UW–Madison history study abroad elective courses (History 271, 272, 273, & 274). These courses count toward the geographic breadth requirement in the major and, when appropriate, may also count toward the chronological breadth requirement. The history advisor can help with any questions you might have about history course equivalencies.
The History Department encourages you to take a history course or two in any study abroad program you may choose to learn how other places study history – even courses on U.S. history can offer you an exciting contrast with the U.S. history courses you’ve taken in high school and at UW–Madison. Taking a course in the history of your study abroad country is a great addition to the cultural immersion of a study abroad program.
Map your experience as a
history student
Prospective students
If you plan to major in history, you should know that there are two specific history requirements that must be completed on campus at UW–Madison: History 201 and History 600. It is preferred that you complete your History 201 before your junior year, ideally as early as possible. The history advising team can help you plan your study abroad as a student of history at any point, even before you formally declare the major. Attend the Study Abroad Fair or visit the Program Search on the International Academic Programs (IAP) website to get an idea of what programs are available to you. Schedule a meeting with advisors at IAP to learn more about your study abroad program options.
Once you have some program ideas, be sure to consult with the history advising team. The more complex or ambitious your undergraduate program is (the number of additional majors or certificates, honors in the major, athletic or other heavy extracurricular involvement, etc.), the more you will need to plan in advance to fit study abroad into your academic career. For example, if you want to pursue Honors in the Major and study abroad, the timing of your History 600 can be especially important. In some cases, study abroad programs can even be combined with research for an honors thesis. Make sure to talk with the history advising team to get a full sense of your options and to plan accordingly.
Freshman year
If you’re considering declaring a history major, this may be a good time to earn some history breadth credits or electives outside of the major. Freshmen can study abroad during winter intersession or summer terms.
Sophomore year
The second semester of your sophomore year could be a good time to go abroad if you declare your history major early and have already taken History 201.
Junior year
This is the most popular year to do a study abroad as a history major. You’ve most likely taken your History 201, and you’ve begun to explore electives and define your interests.
Senior year
History majors can still study abroad during their senior year, although they will need to choose their location carefully to ensure that they can take the specific classes they need for graduation. You’ll need to watch your senior residency requirement closely with your history advisor. You will need to be particularly mindful of the fact that you cannot fulfill the History 600 requirement with courses taken abroad.
Ask questions
- What classes must I complete for my degree (breadth/depth, major requirements, etc.)?
- Will this course count toward the geographic breadth requirement that I need for my history major?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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?
- Why do I want to study abroad?
- How long do I want to study abroad for — a few weeks, a semester, a year?
- 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.
In this section
These opportunities are not an exhaustive list of all programs.
Semester and academic year programs
Argentina
IFSA Argentina Study Abroad Programs (semester or summer)
With a full range of classes taught in Spanish, learn about Peronism and the history of Argentina at up to four universities in Buenos Aires.
Australia
Australia National University
ANU is a world-class university and has especially strong programs in both Environmental History and Gender and Women’s History.
Czech Republic
CIEE Central European Studies in Prague (semester or summer)
Experience Eastern Europe from the vantage point of one of its most historic and beautiful cities. Featuring a rich collection of courses ranging from “European Economic History” to “Nation, Power and Money – Seduction and Propaganda”, this program provides an ideal fit for students interested in the humanities and social sciences.
England
UW in London (spring semester)
Join a group of your fellow badgers and spend your spring semester in London! Choose the classroom-based “British Studies track” or the “Internship/Service Internship track” in addition to a course taught and designed by a UW faculty member. Professor Lee Wandel has taught these courses in the past and is a great resource for students interested in the program.
Ghana
CIEE in Ghana (semester or summer)
For students interested in studying Africa, it’s hard to beat the CIEE’s program in Ghana. Take classes at the University of Ghana on a range of subjects from “Literature of the Black Diaspora” to “The History of Ghana.”
Germany
Academic Year in Freiburg (AYF) (academic year)
This is a great program for students with strong German language skills. The history department in Freiburg is especially well-regarded and offers you the opportunity to study topics like Native American History and the Urbanization of the United States from a European perspective.
Israel
Hebrew University of Jerusalem (semester or summer)
Spend time in one of the most historic cities in the world while gaining personal experience and knowledge of the Middle East and Israel. Learn Hebrew while interacting with a diverse population of local and exchange students at one of Israel’s finest academic institutions.
Japan
Keio University
For students interested in Japanese culture and history, the Keio University program provides students with the opportunity to live and study in Tokyo at one of Japan’s top universities while honing their Japanese language skills.
Kazakhstan
AC Russian Language and Area Studies Program (semester or summer)
Immerse yourself in the Russian language while also gaining invaluable insight into Russian culture and history. Students interested in this program should consider applying for Alice D. Mortenson Undergraduate Research Award. This scholarship, offered through the Department of History, offers significant financial assistance to students interested in studying Russian history and language.
South Africa
University of Cape Town
Combines a beautiful campus in the heart of one of Africa’s oldest cities with unique and intellectually stimulating academic experience. With course offerings like “Memory, Identity, and History”, “Genocide: African Experience”, and “Gender, Sexuality, and Politics: Debates in an African Context”, students receive a unique opportunity to engage in exciting ideas alongside a diversity of native South African and international students.
Short-term programs
Argentina
IFSA Argentina Study Abroad Programs (semester or summer)
With a full range of classes taught in Spanish, learn about Peronism and the history of Argentina at up to four universities in Buenos Aires.
Czech Republic
CIEE Central European Studies in Prague (semester or summer)
Experience Eastern Europe from the vantage point of one of its most historic and beautiful cities. Featuring a rich collection of courses ranging from “European Economic History” to “Nation, Power and Money – Seduction and Propaganda”, this program provides an ideal fit for students interested in the humanities and social sciences.
Ghana
CIEE in Ghana (semester or summer)
For students interested in studying Africa, it’s hard to beat the CIEE’s program in Ghana. Take classes at the University of Ghana on a range of subjects from “Literature of the Black Diaspora” to “The History of Ghana.”
Greece
UW Classics in Greece (summer)
Watch for updates regarding when and where this summer study abroad program is being offered. This program provides students with an unparalleled opportunity to learn about the Ancient World. Based in either Italy or Greece, participants have the opportunity to visit a variety of places important within classical studies.
Israel
Hebrew University of Jerusalem (semester or summer)
Spend time in one of the most historic cities in the world while gaining personal experience and knowledge of the Middle East and Israel. Learn Hebrew while interacting with a diverse population of local and exchange students at one of Israel’s finest academic institutions.
Italy
UW Classics in Italy (summer)
Watch for updates regarding when and where this summer study abroad program is being offered. This program provides students with an unparalleled opportunity to learn about the Ancient World. Based in either Italy or Greece, participants have the opportunity to visit a variety of places important within classical studies.
Kazakhstan
AC Russian Language and Area Studies Program (semester or summer)
Immerse yourself in the Russian language while also gaining invaluable insight into Russian culture and history. Students interested in this program should consider applying for Alice D. Mortenson Undergraduate Research Award. This scholarship, offered through the Department of History, offers significant financial assistance to students interested in studying Russian history and language.
Türkiye
UW in Türkiye: Crossroads of Civilizations (summer)
Spend three weeks in the summer learning about how Istanbul has evolved as a crossroads of civilizations! Combine classroom learning with field trips and guest lectures by Turkish scholars while earning History credit.
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.
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: Samira Ali (England)
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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