Study Abroad

Major Advising Page – Department of Mathematics

The UW-Madison Department of Mathematics recognizes that diversity in background, experience, and context adds incredible value to mathematical coursework and the learning process. Studying abroad is a great opportunity to learn in a context that may challenge your worldview and open your mind to new possibilities and ideas. Students from a wide range of majors, fields, and interests can pursue the experience of studying abroad. Studying math abroad enriches your learning and gives you an experience that is not necessarily available at UW-Madison.

Prospective Math Students

To be accepted as a major in mathematics a student must complete MATH 221, MATH 222, and MATH 234 with an overall grade point average of 2.500 in these classes. Students should meet with a math advisor before declaring to discuss course selection and a major plan.

Math Course Considerations Abroad

You may find courses abroad which will come back to UW-Madison as a direct equivalent to one of our MATH courses. Certain math courses that do not have a direct equivalence may come into UW-Madison as a Topics in Mathematics Study Abroad course (either MATH 207, 407, or 607). Courses must be pre-approved by the Math Department for MATH 207, 407, or 607 equivalence to be awarded. MATH 407 and MATH 607 count towards requirements for the math major.

While major courses taken through approved UW-Madison-sponsored study abroad programs will count toward the Math major requirement of 15 upper-level major credits taken in residence, a student should be aware that at least 15 upper-level credits of MATH must be taken on campus at UW-Madison. You must consult with the Mathematics Director of Undergraduate Studies or Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies to verify how you will satisfy this requirement.

Mapping Your Study Abroad Experience as a Math Major

Please view the Guide page for information on the math major, including the standard major and the six different named options. Students pursuing a Math major should meet with a Math advisor to determine appropriate coursework before studying abroad.

Below are some additional considerations for students studying abroad:

Freshman Year

  • Prospective Math majors are often finishing up the introductory calculus sequence their first year. If there are no direct equivalencies for Math coursework, ask your advisor about the topics courses MATH 407 and 607.
  • You may want to consider a winter/spring break or summer program if studying abroad early is a priority for you but you’re unable to find applicable math coursework. If you plan to study abroad later, start exploring potential programs and plan to attend the Study Abroad Fair which occurs each fall.

Sophomore Year

  • Linear algebra is a very common course students look for in their second year. If there are no direct equivalencies for math coursework, consider MATH 407 or 607. This is a good time to meet with your advisor to determine where to fit a semester abroad into your degree plan.

Junior Year

  • This is the most popular year to study abroad since students are usually past the core courses and are focusing on upper-level math electives. If there are no direct equivalencies for math coursework, the topics courses MATH 407 and 607 can be taken after approval from the math department. Make sure to check in with your advisor to make plans for your next semester after you return.

Senior Year

  • Studying abroad in your final year is definitely possible but will require careful planning to make sure all degree requirements will be satisfied. Keep in mind that many graduate school applications are due at the end of the fall semester so going abroad would mean asking for letters of recommendation and getting feedback on your application materials remotely. Also keep in mind that you would have to engage in post-graduation job recruitment and searching remotely as well if you go abroad. You should also ask your advisors about the timing of degree conferral if you plan to study abroad in your final semester. These are not reasons to avoid studying abroad in your final year but are factors that need to be planned for ahead of time.

Summer or Winter Intersession

  • As an alternative, you may choose to go abroad during summer or winter intersession.  While most of these programs won’t help with math major progress, they are still valuable and may be a great option for some students. Meet with your advisors to talk about the best options for you.

Questions to Ask

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 to take outside of my major?
  • Will this particular course come back as a direct course equivalent, or will it come back as a math study abroad topics course?

For study abroad questions, the best major advisor to contact is:

Dr Mitch Keller
Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies
Book an Appointment with Dr Keller

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

Studying abroad, regardless of the program, offers many benefits. When considering programs, look for ones that will expose you to subjects, places, cultures, and languages that you find appealing, while also helping you complete your degree. You will likely find that many programs all over the world fit your goals and interests. Below is a list of programs that have strong offerings in mathematics. Depending on where you are in the major, some may be a good fit for you while others may not so be sure to consider lots of programs and consult your advisors.

Search all IAP programs

Research all programs using the IAP Program Search page. The programs below offer Math courses and have been determined by the department to be a good academic fit for students in the major, though is not an exhaustive list of all programs that offer Math courses. There may be other programs that are a better fit for your individual needs or interests.

Africa

Asia

Caribbean

Europe

Oceania