Major Advising Page: Rehabilitation Psychology
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 worldviews.
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.
Course considerations
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 for 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.
Map your experience as a
rehabilitation psychology student
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.
Ask questions
- 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?
- What may be some programs that fit with my interests?
- What are the costs associated with studying 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?
- 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?
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
Short-term programs
Australia
Belize
Costa Rica
UW Team Building in Costa Rica (summer)
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
England
UW Theatre in London (summer)
Greece
UW Dancing Cultures in Greece (summer)
Ireland
New Zealand
UW Crossroads of Culture & Health in New Zealand (winter intersession)
Portugal
UW Movement as Medicine in Portugal (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: Nari Tagura (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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