Major Advising Page: Zoology
Study abroad offers students countless opportunities, ranging from experiencing a new place and culture up close to learning a foreign language. In a globalized world, international experience gained from studying abroad is highly attractive to potential graduate programs and employers.
Fortunately, the global outlook of many zoology fields, as well as the flexibility of the zoology major, make studying abroad a feasible and appealing option for zoology students. Furthermore, zoology majors can take advantage of this wonderful opportunity during nearly any semester if they plan well and early.
The information included below is intended to help zoology students make studying abroad a reality as they meet with advisors and plan their experience.
Course considerations
As part of the zoology degree requirements, majors must complete 20-25 zoology elective credits, so students seeking to earn zoology credit abroad will likely take zoology electives. Many study abroad programs offer courses that equate to zoology electives. Zoology and IAP advisors can help identify programs that offer the equivalent of zoology electives and address questions about course equivalencies.
Majors can also earn both research and honors credit for zoology work done abroad. Students should consult with a zoology advisor about how to earn research and/or honors credit abroad.
Map your experience as a
zoology student
Current and potential zoology majors should be aware of course requirements and expectations when planning for study abroad. In particular, zoology majors are strongly encouraged to complete foundational coursework in math (Math 112 & 113; or Math 114) and chemistry (Chem 103 & 104; or Chem 109) freshman year, as well as foundational biology coursework (Bio 151 & 152; or Bio 101 & 102) sophomore year. The zoology advisors can help with course and study abroad planning.
To gain background information about study abroad and the various programs available, attend the Study Abroad Fair on campus, visit the Program Search database on the International Academic Programs (IAP) website, and/or schedule a meeting with an advisor at IAP. Once you have identified some potential programs, meet with a zoology advisor for consultation and planning. The earlier students begin this process and start planning in earnest, the better, as this will open up more possibilities.
Freshman year
For students considering the zoology major early, freshman year may be a good time to earn L&S general education and breadth credits abroad, especially through programs offered during winter intersession or summer terms. Freshmen considering studying abroad during fall or spring terms should bear in mind that zoology majors should ideally complete foundational math and chemistry coursework in their freshman year.
Sophomore year
Sophomore year could be a good time to study abroad, especially if most foundational coursework is completed early. Zoology majors should ideally complete foundational biology, chemistry, and math coursework by the end of the sophomore year. For those who complete this work freshman year or fall sophomore year, programs offered during the fall or spring terms could be attractive for earning L&S general education and breadth credits, as well as zoology elective credits. For those who do not, programs offered during winter intersession and summer terms may be attractive for earning L&S general education and breadth credits.
Junior year
Junior year is typically when zoology majors go abroad, as they have likely completed foundational coursework in biology, chemistry, and math, as well as most L&S general education and breadth requirements. Majors often take lots of zoology electives at this point, so students commonly choose programs that offer either a full load of zoology electives or a mix of zoology electives and courses that meet additional L&S requirements.
Senior year
Studying abroad in the senior year is certainly doable, especially since zoology majors have likely completed foundational coursework, as well as most or all L&S course requirements. Seniors will likely be taking mostly zoology electives and perhaps an elective or two, so programs that offer lots of zoology credits would be ideal. Also, seniors should be aware of the senior residency requirement – credits 90-120 must be earned in residence (the 30-credit rule). Fortunately, credits earned abroad through UW-approved programs qualify as in residence. Finally, there is the possibility that seniors who go abroad during the spring semester may miss the official graduation ceremony if their programs extend longer than the UW–Madison semester.
Ask questions
- Which courses (general education, breadth, and major) must I take to complete the Zoology degree?
- Which courses should be taken at UW–Madison?
- Do I need to physically be on UW–Madison’s campus for any credits?
- When would be the best time(s) to go abroad, given my goals and remaining course requirements?
- Which programs fit my personal interests and academic requirements?
- Which classes can I take abroad?
- How and when do I select courses for my program?
- How and when will I know course equivalents for my program?
- What will the classroom experience be like abroad?
- 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
Studying abroad, regardless of the program, offers myriad benefits. When considering programs, strive to identify those that will expose you to subjects, places, cultures, and languages that you find appealing, while also helping you complete your degree. You will likely find that many programs all over the world fit your goals and interests. Below is a list of programs that have strong offerings in zoology.
In this section
Semester and academic year programs
Australia
- James Cook University
- SFS Rainforest Studies (semester and summer)
- University of Queensland
Bhutan
SFS Himalayan Studies (semester and summer)
Costa Rica
SFS Ecological Resilience Studies (semester and summer)
Croatia
SFS Conservation of Marine Megafauna (spring)
Denmark
- DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia (semester and summer)
- University of Copenhagen
Ecuador
England
Ireland
Kenya
SFS Endangered Species Conservation (semester and summer)
Netherlands
New Zealand
Panama
SFS Tropical Island Biodiversity & Conservation Studies (semester and summer)
South Africa
Tanzania
SFS Wildlife Management & Wildlife Research (semester and summer)
Turks & Caicos
SFS Marine Resource Studies (semester and summer)
Wales
Short-term programs
Australia
SFS Rainforest Studies (semester and summer)
Bhutan
SFS Himalayan Studies (semester and summer)
Costa Rica
SFS Ecological Resilience Studies (semester and summer)
Denmark
- DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia (semester and summer)
- UW Cancer Care Across Cultures in Denmark (winter intersession)
Kenya
SFS Endangered Species Conservation (semester and summer)
Panama
SFS Tropical Island Biodiversity & Conservation Studies (semester and summer)
Tanzania
SFS Wildlife Management & Wildlife Research (semester and summer)
Turks & Caicos
SFS Marine Resource Studies (semester and summer)
United States
UW Marine Biology in the Florida Keys (winter intersession)
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: Mesa Rasmussen (Ecuador)
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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