Major Advising Page: Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
A study abroad experience in landscape architecture can provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in different cultures and design challenges while developing a broader global perspective.
Course considerations
Due to the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) studio sequence, the only opportunity BLA students have to study abroad, beyond winter intersession or summer, is during the spring semester of the third year in the BLA program at DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The DIS study abroad program for landscape architecture is focused on an Urban Design Studio that is equivalent to UW–Madison’s Land Arc Urban Design and Open Space Systems course.
The DIS Urban Design Studio requires that students be enrolled in a professional design program and have completed two university-level spatial design studios.
Map your experience as a
landscape architecture student
Please keep in mind that if you decide to study abroad in any semester other than the spring semester of the third year in the BLA program, your time to degree will be extended by one year.
Freshman
Study abroad during winter intersession or summer term only.
Sophomore
Study abroad during winter intersession or summer term only.
Junior
DIS-Study Abroad in Scandinavia (semester and summer)
Spring semester (15 credits)
Students studying abroad during the spring semester of their third year in the BLA program must take the following courses provided by DIS to stay within the studio sequence:
- DIS Urban Design Studio: UW–Madison BLA course equivalent is Land Arc 562 Urban Design and Open Space Systems
- DIS Geographical Information Systems- Applied Climate Change Cases: UW–Madison BLA course equivalent is Land Arc 511 Geodesign Methods and Applications
- DIS Electives: Satisfy the UW-Madison BLA Professional Focus Elective. Course offerings in urban design, geographic information systems, physical science, and more.
Summer session (6 credits)
- Urban Design Studio (6 credits – Required course)
Senior
Studying abroad is not recommended.
Ask questions
- What classes must I complete for my degree (breadth/depth, major requirements, etc.)?
- What is the consequence if I break the BLA studio sequence?
- Do I need to be on UW–Madison’s campus for any courses in my major?
- What classes can I take abroad?
- What is the recommended course of study for a student in the BLA program?
- 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
To stay on course with the BLA studio sequence, BLA students have two options: study abroad during winter intersession or summer, or during the spring semester of the third year in the BLA program.
If you go abroad during the spring of your third year in the BLA program, you must follow the courses recommended above at DIS to stay on track in the studio sequence. If you study abroad during winter intersession or summer, you have a little more flexibility in what you take because you will not miss sequence courses; however, the summer in the DIS Urban Design Studio is still highly recommended.
In this section
Featured programs
DIS-Study Abroad in Scandinavia
Spring semester (15 credits)
- Required courses
- Urban Design Studio Course (6 credits)
- GeoDesign (3 credits)
- Geographical Information Systems: Applied Climate Change Cases
- Additional courses
- Physical Science Breadth (3 credits)
Choose one course:- Choose an elective that fills breadth or other UW requirements
- Professional Focus Course Options (3 credits)
Choose one course:- Environmental Studies / Science
- Biological Conservation and Biodiversity
- Citizen Science on Biodiversity and Climate Change
- Environmental Policy in Practice
- Getting There: Transportation in Urban Europe
- Sustainable by Design
- Sustainable Development in Northern Europe
- Urban Ecology
- Understanding Climate Change
- History of the Natural and Built Environment
- Art, Nature, and Climate Change
- Danish Design
- Garden Art in European Culture
- Art and Design in the Natural and Built Environment
- Adaptive Re-use in Europe: Cities and Buildings
- Art, Place, and Mindful Practices
- Detailing and Sustainability in Scandinavian Architecture
- European Urban Design Theories
- European Urban Experience: Why Cities Matter
- Furniture Design workshop
- Inclusive Design in Architecture and Urban Spaces
- Integrated Climate Change Planning
- New Nordic Design
- Urban Exploration Photography Workshop
- Urban Design Journal
- Ways of Seeing: Storytelling through Photography
- Watercolor Painting
- Professional Development and Leadership
- Leadership Across Cultures
- Strategic Planning for Leaders
- Environmental Studies / Science
- Physical Science Breadth (3 credits)
Summer session (6 credits)
- Urban Design Studio Course (6 credits – Required course)
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: Benjamin Plum (Denmark)
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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