Major Advising Page: Plant Pathology
The Department of Plant Pathology encourages students to participate in a broad array of experiences outside the classroom, including studying abroad!
From learning about plant protection from pests in Ireland, to organic production systems in the Netherlands, to studying management of diseases and pests of forest trees in Sweden, to engaging with agroecosystems in Costa Rica, there are many ways to enrich your studies through an international experience.
Study abroad programs are offered throughout the year in fall and spring semesters, over the summer, and during winter and spring breaks. With advance planning, plant pathology students should be able to study abroad in any semester, but may choose to study abroad earlier or later depending on their individual academic plan. Many students with additional majors, certificates, or pre-health requirements may find that a summer or winter program fits well into their academic plan. Some students may be able to study abroad multiple times. Students are encouraged to create a four-year plan within Degree Planner that incorporates a study abroad experience and share their plan with their academic advisor.
Course considerations
Plant pathology students can take a mix of major requirements and non-major elective courses that count towards graduation during a study abroad program.
You may be able to find equivalent classes that fulfill:
- Breadth courses (social sciences, humanities)
- Plant pathology major requirements
- Independent research
- CALS International Studies Requirement
Map your experience as a
plant pathology student
To discuss how studying abroad fits within your career or professional goals in relation to the completion of the plant pathology major, please visit the CALS Career Services webpage to schedule an appointment with a CALS Career Advisor.
To gain background information about study abroad and the various programs available, attend the Study Abroad Fair on campus, visit the program search database on the UW Study Abroad website, and/or meet with CALS Study Abroad Advisors.
Freshman year
Many freshmen are part of a FIG (First Year Interest Group), which is a year-long experience and a great way to meet and connect with other new students. Specifically, FIGs about plants, food, global health, disease, chemistry, biology or genetics may be a good fit for plant pathology majors. Freshman year is also a good time to focus on your core foundation courses — namely, math and chemistry. Students may consider participating in a study abroad program during the summer after their first year, or possibly during winter intersession or spring break.
Sophomore year
Once general chemistry and math requirements are complete, the sophomore year is a good time to complete major requirements in biology, organic chemistry, and statistics. Many students also take PL PATH 300: Introduction to Plant Pathology, a core course in the major, which is only offered during the fall semester. For that reason, plant pathology majors who wish to study abroad for a semester during their sophomore year should consider doing it during the spring semester, unless they are able to find a fall study abroad program with an approved course equivalent for Plant Pathology 300. Winter break, spring break, and the summer after sophomore year are also great times to consider studying abroad.
Junior year
Junior year is when students start taking advanced classes in plant pathology, as well as more advanced science classes as required for double majors or certificates. Some study abroad programs offer courses that meet the plant pathology major requirements. Plant pathology students can study abroad during a full semester (fall or spring) of their junior year. Winter break, spring break, and the summer after junior year are also great times to consider studying abroad.
Senior year
Senior year is when students finish taking required courses for the plant pathology major and are involved in independent research projects with faculty to complete their capstone requirement. Students should consult with their academic advisor to determine whether they are able to study abroad for a fall or spring semester during their senior year and complete their final semester requirements abroad. Winter break and spring break are also great times to consider studying abroad during senior year. Some study abroad programs offer field research opportunities, which, with program approval, may count towards the plant pathology capstone requirement.
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?
- What is my rationale for wanting to study abroad? What experiences am I hoping to gain?
- Am I willing to take Summer classes abroad?
- How does studying abroad fit into my future career goals?
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)
Summer Session II: Farming for the Future – Australia & Bali - University of Queensland
Czech Republic
Germany
University of Hohenheim (spring or year)
Greece
Perrotis College (semester or summer)
Ireland
Netherlands
New Zealand
Short-term programs
Australia
SFS Rainforest Studies (semester or summer)
Summer Session II: Farming for the Future – Australia & Bali
Costa Rica
UW Agroecosystems and Planetary Health in Costa Rica (spring break)
France
Greece
Perrotis College (semester or summer)
Italy
Japan
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:
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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