Study Abroad

Major Advising Page – Plant Science and Technology

The Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences encourages its students to participate in study abroad experiences. Studying abroad provides students the unique opportunity to contextualize the learning acquired in traditional face-to-face courses on campus. There are many opportunities for students majoring in Plant Science and Technology (PST) to study abroad through short-term and semester long programs. PST 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. 

Prospective Plant Science and Technology Students

If you are interested in majoring in Plant Science and Technology and studying abroad, we would encourage you to gain some background information about study abroad and the various programs available, attend the Study Abroad Fair on campus, visit the Program Search, and/or meet with CALS Study Abroad Advisors.

After gathering information, we would strongly encourage you to meet with the Plant Science and Technology advisor, even if you are not ready to declare yet, to discuss programs of interest and how studying abroad can fit into your 4-year plan.

To discuss how studying abroad fits within your career or professional goals in relation to the completion of the Plant Science and Technology major, please visit the CALS Career Services webpage to schedule an appointment with a CALS Career Advisor.

Plant Science and Technology Course Considerations Abroad

Several requirements for the Plant Science and Technology major can be completed abroad.  Introductory math and science courses, core classes, and the capstone should be completed at UW-Madison. Elective credits can often be completed abroad. Students should meet with their Plant Science and Technology advisor to discuss the possibilities of fulfilling requirements while studying abroad.

Mapping Your Study Abroad Experience as a Plant Science and Technology Major

Freshman Year

During freshman year, Plant Science and Technology students typically take PLANTSCI 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 during winter intersession, spring break, or summer are great options. For students considering summer, it is important to be aware that summer is a popular time for plant science and technology related internships and fieldwork. If you study abroad over summer during sophomore year, we recommend focusing on internships/fieldwork the following year.

Junior Year

Junior year is a popular time to study abroad. By junior year, you will have completed enough coursework to allow you to take upper level and/or specific course work abroad that will enhance your learning abroad. If you would like to study abroad during the fall or spring semester, we recommend you meet with your advisor to discuss course planning.

Senior Year

Senior year is when students need to complete PLANTSCI 510 – Senior Capstone and finish taking required courses. Studying abroad may be an option with careful planning with your advisor.

Questions to Ask

Your Academic Advisor:

  • When would be the best time to go abroad given my goals and remaining course requirements?
  • What are some good programs that align with my interests?
  • What classes must I complete for my Plant Science and Technology major (breadth/depth, major requirements, etc.)?
  • What requirements do I have left, and are there some that are a good fit for taking abroad?
  • Are there courses that I should plan on taking here at UW-Madison, and when are these typically offered?

Your Study Abroad Advisor:

  • What programs offer coursework that fits well with my major and my personal interests?
  • What are my financial aid and scholarship options for funding study?
  • What is the application and notification timeline for programs and scholarships?
  • How do I select courses for my program?
  • How does the course equivalency process work?
  • What is the class structure like abroad?

Yourself:

  • Why do you want to study abroad?
  • How long do you want to study abroad for – a few weeks, a semester, a year?
  • How does studying abroad fit into my academic and personal goals?

Identifying Programs That are Right for You

The following are study abroad programs that may be of interest to students pursuing the Plant Science and Technology major. The programs below have various durations and have courses that may count for electives or requirements for the Plant Science and Technology major. However, courses offered as part of these programs may not be guaranteed to be the best fit for you depending on where you are in the major. If you do not have specific requirements you need to fulfill, you will have much more flexibility as to program type and location.

Asia

  • Japan:
    • UW Food Systems and the Environment in Northern Japan (Summer)
      Students who participate on 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.

Europe

Latin America

Oceania

  • New Zealand:
    • Lincoln University Exchange (Semester)
      Lincoln University is New Zealand’s premier agricultural university, offering courses related to agronomy, agroecology, plant science/breeding/physiology, soil science, viticulture, and more.
    • Massey University Exchange (Semester)

International internships

International internships are another way to gain valuable professional experience abroad while earning course credit. Check out UW Signature Internships, generally offered in spring and summer terms, developed exclusively for Badgers.

Other Opportunities to Consider

  • Internships or research in university or private settings abroad (check out the Intern Abroad webpage)
  • Studying something completely different and focusing on your major coursework while at UW-Madison (use the Program Search to identify programs by region, country, language of instruction, duration, or subjects taught) – there are many programs that may not be science or horticulture-related but may complement your studies by practicing a language, learning about another culture or region, or earning credit towards an additional major or certificate. The above is not an exhaustive list of all programs that might be appropriate. There may be other programs that are a better fit for your individual needs or interests.