Each year International Academic Programs has some degree-seeking international students studying at the University of Wisconsin–Madison on our study abroad programs. Some students choose to go back to their home country, while others choose to explore another part of the world.
If you do choose to study abroad here are some things to keep in mind:
- There are program options from one week to one year, so there are durations available for all students.
- You should talk with International Student Services (ISS) regarding your study abroad program to complete appropriate paperwork & make sure U.S. visa stipulations are met and how your visa status might be impacted.
- You will receive UW-Madison residence credit for all course work completed on an IAP study abroad program.
- You can graduate abroad; however, be sure to discuss this with ISS. This may impact your U.S. student visa status and ability to re-enter the United States.
- Student visa requirements vary by country, so you will want to explore application requirements well in advance of the program. You may need to apply for “transit visas” to pass through a country on the way to your final destination. Carefully think through travel routes to get to your study abroad destination.
Questions to ask your academic advisor:
- What classes must I take on campus for my major?
- Are there any core or major requirements I can take abroad?
- What pre-requisite courses do I have to take, if any, and how will study abroad affect that?
- How many elective credits do I have remaining in my major? Are those elementary, intermediate, or advanced?
- Can I fulfill any breadth/depth requirements abroad? What would be best?
- How should I follow up with you after I confirm my study abroad plans?