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Study Abroad

• Study abroad fundamentals: why go abroad, financing, & what to expect
• Goal setting and choosing the right program
• Study abroad and the IS Major

"I don't believe that anything I did in college had a
greater impact on me than my study abroad experience."

Allison Wells (IS Major, Class of '97),
Development Law Center, United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization

Why should I study abroad?

• All of your credits will apply toward your degree when you go through a UW-Madison program, so going abroad will not put you behind! The IS Major accepts up to 20 credits in Issues and Electives.
• Learn another perspective on international affairs
• Develop leadership skills
• Improve your language proficiency
• Immerse yourself in another culture
• Heighten your critical thinking skills
• Begin to develop your international professional network for future work and research abroad
• Employers are specifically looking for applicants who have international experience and they report that students with study abroad experience tend to make the first cut in a job search, while those without study abroad experience are considered second tier candidates (or worse!)

Top 10 Study Abroad Locations for IS Majors

Financing study abroad

• The tuition for some study abroad programs is less than UW-Madison’s out-of-state tuition
• Your financial aid (with the exception of work study) may be applied to your study abroad tuition if you go through a UW-Madison program
• There are many scholarships, grants, and loans out there that are both need-based as well as merit-based. Be aware that deadlines for these applications may be up to a year prior to the start of your study abroad program.
• Speak to an advisor in the Office of Student Financial Aid to discuss your options and strategies

Explore these campus resources:

• International Academic Programs Financial Advice
• Scholarships for study abroad through International Academic Programs
• Grants Information Service, Memorial Library (Funding for research and study abroad)

Additional helpful resources:

• "Financial Aid for Study Abroad: An Undergraduate's Resource" by NAFSA
• "Myths and Realities of Financing Studying Abroad" by NAFSA
• "International Fellowships and Scholarships: Take Advantage of Existing Opportunities for Study Abroad" by E. Guntly, TransitionsAbroad.com
• "Why Study Abroad Costs So Much, What to Do About It" by L. Pappano, NY Times

The study abroad process and what to expect

• Apply to a study abroad program
• Students are usually accepted one semester prior to leaving to go abroad
• Set up your required meeting with your IS advisor as soon as you have been accepted to make an academic plan and to fill out the required advising worksheet
• Attend the required Study Abroad Orientation for IS Majors prior to the semester’s end to learn how to choose courses and course equivalencies
• Go abroad!
• When you’re back, come and see us about applying your courses to the major

View this information in a handout

Setting goals >>

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