Introduction
Studying abroad as a Statistics Major can enrich your educational experiences and open up future career opportunities. Study abroad will allow you to further your knowledge of statistics by experiencing other institutions data analysis practices. Study abroad is encouraged.
Statistics Majors can study abroad during any term in your college career, including winter or summer. There are some important factors to consider. If you begin your planning early, you can find a way to include an international experience into the heart of your work in statistics. The information below will help in your planning and conversations with a statistics advisor.
Prospective Statistics Students
Given the sequential nature of the statistics major, it is essential that you start thinking about study abroad as early as possible.
Attend the Study Abroad Fair or visit the Program Search on the International Academic Programs (IAP) website to get an idea of what programs are available to you. Schedule a meeting with advisors at IAP to learn more about your study abroad program options.
Once you have some program ideas, be sure to consult with your Statistics advisor. The more complex or ambitious your undergraduate program is (the number of additional majors or certificates, honors in the major, athletic or other heavy extracurricular involvement, etc.), the more you will need to plan in advance to fit study abroad in your academic career.
Statistics Course Considerations Abroad
The Statistics department recommends that students try not to take Statistics 302 and 333 abroad. In addition, any of the high-level classes are carefully evaluated so it is best to work with the department as soon as possible by providing course syllabi if you are considering taking high-level classes abroad.
Mapping Your Study Abroad Experience as a Statistics Major
Freshman Year
As a freshman, going abroad can enhance your understanding of your major field of study and help you make a more informed decision regarding this choice. Freshmen can study abroad during winter intersession or summer term.
Sophomore Year
Second semester of your sophomore year could be a good time to go abroad, especially if you came into UW-Madison with quite a few AP credits and have reached junior or senior standing already. This may also be a good option for students who are looking to complete more than one major and/or certificate; it ensures you won’t run into problems later on as you try to complete specific requirements.
Junior Year
This is the most popular year to study abroad. By junior year, you are able to explore your interests in more depth. At this point, many students have a better, more defined idea of their strengths and know which areas they wish to enhance through study abroad.
Senior Year
Statistics majors can study abroad during senior year as long as they’ve made certain that any specific classes needed for graduation can be completed through the program they’ve chosen to attend. You’ll need to carefully discuss the courses you are taking if you are considering completing the major abroad.
Questions to Ask
Your Academic Advisor
- What classes 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 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?
Identifying Programs that are Right for You
The Department of Statistics has reviewed IAP programs and identified programs that are a good fit for students who want to earn Statistics credit abroad below. 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.
Australia, Brisbane / University of Queensland Exchange
Australia, Sydney / University of Sydney Exchange
England, Bristol / University of Bristol Exchange
England, Leeds / University of Leeds Exchange
Hong Kong / University of Hong Kong Exchange
Hong Kong / Chinese University of Hong Kong Exchange
New Zealand, Multiple / Massey University Exchange
Singapore / National University of Singapore Exchange
South Africa, Cape Town / University of Cape Town Exchange
South Korea, Seoul / Yonsei University
Search all IAP programs
The above is not an exhaustive list of all programs that offer Statistics courses. There may be other programs that are a better fit for your individual needs or interests. Research all programs using the IAP Program Search page.