Major Advising Page: Neurobiology
The neurobiology major recognizes that study abroad programs offer students countless opportunities for expanding their educational experience. Many neurobiology majors take advantage of this opportunity. Whether it be through taking courses abroad that may fulfill neurobiology requirements, requirements necessary for the BA/BS degree, or enjoying the immersive experience of living abroad for a semester, students find the abroad academic experience highly valuable.
This opportunity can range from experiencing a new place and culture to participating in a neuroscience research laboratory in another country. In a globalized world, international experience gained from studying abroad is highly attractive to potential graduate/medical/professional schools and employers. The information below is intended to help neurobiology majors potentially combine major requirements and study abroad options. Please meet with a study abroad advisor and your neurobiology major advisor to make your study abroad dreams a reality.
Course considerations
Talk to your neurobiology advisor before you leave to study abroad about how or if your planned coursework will fulfill neurobiology requirements. It is recommended that you complete introductory coursework such as introductory mathematics, general and organic chemistry, and physics at UW–Madison. Core requirements for neurobiology should also be taken at UW–Madison. You may fulfill your required distributed neuroscience electives through a study abroad program; see the Guide page for the full list of requirements.
In many cases, if a study abroad course does not count as a distributed neuroscience elective, these courses may still count toward the overall credit total for your degree. No more than 2 courses that count toward neurobiology can be taken in a study abroad program.
As you prepare for your program, talk to your neurobiology advisor about how program courses might count in the major. Official approval for any course equivalent is done through your MyStudyAbroad portal if the course is not already listed on the program page as a course equivalent. In addition, it may be possible to fulfill your lab research requirement abroad.
Map your experience as a
neurobiology student
Most students in the neurobiology major have studied abroad in the spring semester of their junior year, although there are other equally good times to study abroad during your undergraduate career. You should always talk to a neurobiology major advisor to find out how a program can fit into your 4-year plan.
Freshman year
While it is most advantageous to tackle math, chemistry, and introductory biology requirements for the major at UW–Madison during the first year, students intending to declare the neurobiology major could focus on fulfilling Letters & Science breadth requirements abroad. Students thinking about studying abroad in the first year may wish to go on winter intersession or summer programs. In so doing, a student can create an all-important peer base that studies have shown is an integral part of undergraduate success. This could also be a good time to explore options for studying abroad in future years.
Sophomore year
Studying abroad this year is an option for many neurobiology majors. There are still several foundational courses you need to take for the major that should be taken this year, for example, many of your foundational statistics, math, chemistry and physics courses should be complete by the end of this year. However, these courses can trickle into junior year, making it possible for students to find study abroad programs in the sophomore year that provide a good fit.
Junior year
Most neurobiology majors that study abroad do so in the spring of their junior year. Some of the core course requirements for the neurobiology major are taken during this year, for example, the core course, Psychology 454. This course is only offered in the spring semester; however, some advanced planning can smooth out any conflicts between this course and studying abroad. Let your neurobiology advisor know that you are thinking about studying abroad early on in your undergraduate career and we will have you take this course in an alternate spring semester.
Senior year
Senior neurobiology majors will likely be taking upper-level neurobiology courses as well as completing additional majors or certificates. You can study abroad in your senior year without delaying graduation. Seniors should be aware of the Senior Residency Requirement; students must earn a minimum of 30-degree credits in residence at UW–Madison after they have earned 86 credits toward their undergraduate degree. All UW–approved study abroad programs qualify as in residence; however, you should consult with your neurobiology advisor on this issue if you wish to study abroad in your senior year.
Ask questions
- 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 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?
- Is it possible to take the MCAT exam 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?
- How will studying abroad enhance my academic and global perspectives?
- Am I studying abroad to complete major requirements or to learn about a new country, culture and perhaps way of life?
Discover programs that are right for you
There are many different study abroad programs available. Programs vary in their course offerings, language of instruction, duration, and cost. It is important to consider your goals and priorities in selecting a program. The programs listed here may offer courses that may be accepted in the neurobiology major. Talk to your academic advisor in neurobiology to make sure these courses will be accepted in the major. Additionally, there may be other programs that are a better fit for your individual needs or interests.
In this section
These opportunities are not an exhaustive list of all programs.
Semester and academic year programs
Denmark
- DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia (semester and summer)
- University of Copenhagen
New Zealand
Singapore
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Saint Louis University-Madrid (semester and summer)
Sweden
DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia (semester and summer)
Wales
Short-term programs
Denmark
DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia (semester and summer)
Spain
Saint Louis University-Madrid (semester and summer)
Sweden
DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia (semester and summer)
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: Paige Pelon (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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