The Department of Psychology strongly encourages you to expand your educational experience through participation in a study abroad program at UW-Madison. Approximately 25% of declared Psychology majors study abroad at some point in their academic careers.
While such programs provide you with opportunities to gain a broader understanding of the cultural influences on behavior, more importantly, it allows for tremendous personal growth. Placing yourself in an unfamiliar cross-cultural context deepens your self-awareness and your understanding of Psychology. Psychology majors often can study abroad for up to one year and complete their degree and major requirements in their desired graduation timeline with careful planning.
Information for Prospective Psychology Students
Current and potential Psychology majors should be aware of the Psychology Major Requirements as they are planning a study abroad experience. While Psychology majors can study abroad at any time during their academic career, we strongly encourage students to complete all Foundation courses (Psychology 202, 210, 225) and the Biology requirement before studying abroad. We recommend meeting with a Psychology academic advisor early in your academic career to discuss your intent to study abroad and plan classes accordingly.
Attend the Study Abroad Fair to begin exploring study abroad locations and meet with a study abroad advisor to learn more about your program options. We also recommend that you share any accommodations or special considerations with a study abroad advisor so they can help you identify program(s) that meet your needs.
Psychology Course Considerations Abroad
Many study abroad programs offer a variety of Psychology courses, including breadth, depth and upper-level elective (Psych 310 & Psych 311) courses. Psychology capstone courses can be more difficult to find and taking a capstone while abroad may compromise your ability to take a Psychology capstone course at UW-Madison. The Psychology major is flexible and many students opt out of taking Psychology courses abroad so they may focus more on immersing themselves in their new cultural surroundings. Other students enroll in Psychology courses so they can learn about diverse theoretical orientations and approaches to Psychology. You may choose to take Psychology courses not offered at UW-Madison, which can be a great way to expand your knowledge of the field. There is typically not a right or wrong path when choosing courses to take abroad. What is most important is that you choose a program that caters to your interests and passions. Psychology’s academic advising team can help you determine what courses to take abroad given your academic plan.
Mapping Your Study Abroad Experience as a Psychology Major
Current and prospective majors should consult Psychology’s Sample 4-year Plan on its Guide page. You should be aware that this is only a suggested plan, and you have flexibility with your course planning. We recommend meeting with Psychology’s academic advising team to develop a plan that is unique to your academic goals and progress.
- Freshman Year
During the first year, many Psychology majors begin to take their Psychology Foundation courses and their Intro Biology course, in addition to their general education and L&S breadth courses. While it’s rare for students to study abroad during their first year, they may take an Intro Psychology course or a Psychology breadth course through a study abroad program. - Sophomore Year
Second year students should consider completing the statistics requirement and continue taking breadth level classes. Most study abroad programs don’t offer an acceptable statistics course, so it’s best to complete the statistics requirement before going abroad. - Junior Year
We recommend that students complete their Research Methods requirement before going abroad so that they can take their Psychology capstone either semester of senior year. However, some students may choose to take Research Methods online during summer term if their abroad program is over before the course begins. The majority of Psychology students study abroad for one semester during their third year. While it is ideal to complete a Depth class in your junior year, Psych depth equivalent courses aren’t available at every study abroad program. The depth course requirement can be completed in your Senior year. Many students plan to take their upper-level Psychology elective credits through a study abroad program. Psychology elective credits abroad typically have a “Psych 310” or “Psych 311” course number. - Senior Year
While you are still able to study abroad during your senior year, careful planning is required. You are typically completing your Depth and Capstone requirements in the major. These categories can be difficult to find abroad, and many students need to take these classes at UW-Madison. Prerequisites for Psychology Capstones are Research Methods and senior standing, making it difficult (but not impossible) to be gone for an entire year. - Winter Intersession, Spring Break & Summer Sessions
As an alternative, students may choose to go abroad for a shorter duration.
Questions to Ask
Your Academic Advisor
- What courses 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?
Your Study Abroad Advisor
- What courses 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
Psychology majors have attended study abroad programs in over 40 countries across the world. We encourage you to consider programs that are intrinsically the best fit for you. Where do your passions and interests guide you? If you’ve always wanted to visit a particular region of the world, we can help you build an academic plan while meeting your graduation timeline. Luckily, the Psychology major curriculum is flexible, and Psychology majors have studied all over the world. Some have opted to take Psychology courses and others have not.
Are you interested in learning more about where Psychology students have studied abroad in previous semesters? Visit Psychology’s Returned Student’s page to learn more about participants’ experiences at their programs.
Many study abroad programs offer co-curricular opportunities where students can gain hand-on experience during their time abroad. The following programs provide opportunities for internships or research experience in addition to Psychology courses:
Argentina, Buenos Aires: IFSA Argentina Study Abroad Programs (Language Prerequisite: 4th Semester Spanish)
Australia, Canberra: Australian National University Exchange
Australia, Sydney: University of Sydney Exchange
Denmark, Copenhagen: DIS Study Abroad in Scandinavia
England, London: FIE London Internship (Summer only program)
England, London: University of Westminster
France, Paris: CIEE Liberal Arts in Paris (Language Prerequisite: 4th Semester French)
Ghana, Legon: CIEE in Ghana
Israel, Haifa: University of Haifa
Singapore, Singapore: National University of Singapore Exchange
Sweden, Stockholm: DIS-Study Abroad in Scandinavia
You can review all available programs using the IAP Program Search page and can search specifically for programs with Psychology courses by going to Program Search > course/subject search > Psychology. Other search functionalities include internships, research experience, language of instruction, country/region, etc. However, you are encouraged to think outside the box and consider what experience you want to have abroad. Remember, we are here to support you as you explore your options and opportunities!