The College of Letters and Science cooperates with the Office of International Academic Programs in sponsoring more than 85 study abroad and exchange programs on six continents. Most programs are open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. While many programs include instruction in the language of the host country, more than 30 programs are available which do not require knowledge of a foreign language. Students should be in good academic standing to apply. Interested students should begin planning during the freshman year with the goal of taking required courses as early as possible. Credits earned through the UW-Madison Study Abroad Program are considered "residence credits" at UW-Madison and count toward the college's last 30 credits in residence requirement. Both credits and grades will be posted on the UW-Madison transcript.
Upper-level credits earned in the major while attending a UW-Madison program abroad count toward the college's 15 Credit Rule as if the student were studying on campus. However, students participating in UW-Madison academic year abroad programs who expect to obtain a degree from UW-Madison must still earn at least 15 credits at any level in their major or major department while physically on the UW-Madison campus (not to include retroactive credits or credits earned by department examination).
Overall the cost of study abroad includes items that students would have to pay for whether they were at home or abroad: academic fees, room and board, health insurance, and everyday living expenses such as telephone, local transportation, vacation travel, books and supplies. Although in some cases it may cost more to study abroad than to stay home, the overall benefit of study abroad is well worth it, and additional costs may be offset by financial aid.
For more information, see the main section on Academic Programs Abroad in the front of this catalog.