Major Advising Page: Horticulture
The Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences encourages horticulture students to participate in study abroad experiences. Studying abroad provides students with the unique opportunity to contextualize the learning acquired in traditional face-to-face courses on campus.
There are many opportunities for horticulture students to study abroad through short-term and semester-long programs. Horticulture students also have some exciting opportunities to participate in short-term field experiences abroad led by program leaders from the Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences.
Course considerations
A majority of the horticulture courses taken abroad transfer in as electives, so we would strongly encourage you to meet with a horticulture advisor prior to going abroad, especially if you plan to go during a semester. Many of the horticulture classes at UW–Madison are only offered in fall or spring, so it is important to plan. If you are looking at a study abroad course to fulfill a core requirement of the horticulture major, it will be important to work with an advisor in horticulture to review the syllabus of both courses.
Map your experience as a
horticulture student
Freshman year
During freshman year, horticulture students typically take Plant Sci 110 – Introduction to Plant Science and Technology in the fall, and many general education requirements, including intro math, chemistry, and biology courses. Some students may study abroad during winter, summer, or spring break, especially if they are a part of a First-Year Interest Group (FIG) that has a study abroad component.
Sophomore year
Sophomore year is a great time to research programs and talk about options with your advisor. If you have completed your intro math and science coursework early, this might be a good year to study abroad during a fall or spring semester. Otherwise, a short-term study abroad experience over winter or spring break or studying abroad over summer are great options. For students considering summer, it is important to be aware that summer is a popular time for horticulture internships and fieldwork. If you study abroad over the summer during sophomore year, we recommend focusing on internships/fieldwork the following year.
Junior year
During junior year, many horticulture students are taking upper-level horticulture coursework. Since it is difficult to find direct equivalents abroad for the upper-level coursework, it is recommended that students considering studying abroad look at short-term programs over winter or spring break or consider going abroad over summer. Occasionally, a student may be able to study abroad during a fall or spring term this year, but it would require careful planning.
Senior year
Senior year is when students need to complete their capstone requirement and finish taking required courses. Studying abroad may be an option with careful planning with your Horticulture advisor.
Ask questions
- 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 (summer research experiences, attending medical or professional school, taking a gap year vs. applying right away) fit in with my coursework and timeline for studying abroad? When would be the best time(s) to go abroad?
- 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.
These opportunities are not an exhaustive list of all programs.
In this section
Semester and academic year programs
Australia
- SFS Rainforest Studies (semester or summer)
- University of Queensland Exchange
- University of Sydney Exchange
Czech Republic
England
University of Westminster (semester or summer)
Greece
Perrotis College (semester or summer)
Netherlands
New Zealand
Short-term programs
Australia
SFS Rainforest Studies (semester or summer)
Costa Rica
France
Greece
Perrotis College (semester and summer)
6 credits; This six-week summer program includes a 3-credit class on the Greek Cultural Experience and the option to take an additional 3-credit class or engage in a 3-credit research or work internship.
Italy
Japan
UW Food Systems and the Environment in Northern Japan (summer)
Students who participate in this program have the opportunity to add a 6- or 8-week research internship in a laboratory at the Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine. Research options include topics related to plant production science and plant breeding & genetics.
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:
- Belgium: HELHa Electronics Research Internship
- Guatemala: Qachuu Aloom Agroecology & Community Well-Being Internship
- South Africa: Kidlinks Organic Farming Research Internship
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: Madelyn Radtke (Australia)
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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