The Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education Department encourages you to consider a study abroad experience as part of your undergraduate education. International experiences help to broaden perspectives and provide greater understanding about the ways that culture, socialization, and language shape our experiences and world views. Studying abroad also helps you develop skills in navigating varied cultural and social contexts, understanding ideas from multiple perspectives, and developing critical thinking, communication and cultural competencies that are essential for leadership in the field of education. Having international academic experiences contributes to personal growth and self-awareness, qualities that are at the heart of education and excellence in teaching.
Information for Prospective Majors
As a Rehabilitation Psychology major, you are welcome to study abroad any semester. The major is flexible enough that, with planning, most study abroad times can be accommodated.
It is never too early to start planning your study abroad experience. Speaking with a study abroad advisor and your academic advisor early will help ensure you stay on track with your major requirements.
Mapping your Study Abroad Experience
Students majoring in Rehabilitation Psychology should plan to complete the major’s didactic core and the majority of the required specialization credits at UW-Madison. There are instances where courses taken abroad may count towards the major’s specialization credits. If you believe a course offered abroad might be related to the Rehabilitation Psychology major, the department is happy to evaluate the syllabus and determine the course’s eligibility towards the major. While studying abroad, students are encouraged to take courses that help them fulfill their general education requirements, or courses in sociology, social work, psychology or educational psychology which may count towards the broader major requirements.
A key component of the Rehabilitation Psychology major is the required 6-credit community-based internship which can be completed in junior and/or senior year. Study abroad plans should ensure time is set aside to complete this internship requirement. More information about the required Rehabilitation Psychology internship can be found on the department’s website.
Questions to Ask
Your Academic Advisor
- What classes must I complete for my degree (liberal studies, general education, major requirements, etc.)?
- When may be the best time for me to study abroad?
- When should I plan to complete my 6 credits of internship for my major?
- How many electives do I have outside of my major and liberal studies/general education requirements?
Your Study Abroad Advisor
- What may be some programs that fit with my interests?
- What are the costs associated with study abroad?
- How does financial aid work when studying abroad?
- What scholarships are available for studying abroad?
- What are the factors that may influence which program I choose given that there are so many choices for programs that allow me to take liberal studies and electives?
- What classes can I take abroad?
- How and when do I select courses for my program?
- What is the class structure like abroad?
- How do programs differ in the types of intercultural opportunities or living situations offered?
Identifying Programs That Are Right for You
Consider programs that are a good fit for your interests and what you want to get out of your international experience. Rehabilitation Psychology students may choose to study in virtually any study abroad program!
While many students choose to study abroad for a semester or academic year, there are many opportunities for students interested in short-term or summer abroad programs.
School of Education Study Abroad Opportunities
The School of Education offers many short-term faculty-led study abroad programs. These programs give students the chance to go abroad while receiving credit towards either their major or general education requirements. These could be a good fit for Rehabilitation Psychology majors.
Australia: Disability Rights and Access in Australia
Colombia: UW Conflict, Human Rights and Education in Colombia
Costa Rica: UW Teambuilding in Costa Rica
Cuba: UW Exploring Cuba through Art
Dominican Republic: UW Youth, Language and Experiential Education in the Dominican Republic
Ecuador: UW Education, Diversity and Community in the Galapagos Islands
England: UW Theatre in London
Greece: UW Dancing Cultures in Greece
Ireland: UW Inclusive Physical Activity & Sports in Ireland
New Zealand: UW Crossroads of Culture & Health in New Zealand
Portugal: UW Movement as Medicine in Portugal
Search all IAP programs
Research all programs using the IAP Program Search page. The above is not an exhaustive list of all programs that offer Art courses. There may be other programs that are a better fit for your individual needs or interests.