Once you have been admitted to study abroad by International Programs, there are still more steps to take. Review the information on this page in addition to the program-specific information for your program, found at the bottom of this page.

Online Orientation

All students studying abroad with International Programs are required to complete the online orientation before the start of International Perspectives.

NOTE: There are some technical issues with the online orientation. Summer 2013, fall 2013, and spring 2014 study abroad participants should await further instruction before starting the online orientation.

International Perspectives

All students studying abroad with International Programs are required to take a one credit pre-departure course called International Perspectives (INTL BUS 365). Admitted study abroad students will receive information about enrolling for the course after they have been admitted.

  • Summer and Fall 2013 Study Abroad Participants: Students studying abroad in summer and fall 2013 will meet Tuesdays 4/2/13, 4/9/13, 4/16/13, 4/23/13, 4/30/13, and 5/7/13 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. They will receive information about enrolling for the course in March. Study abroad participants who are already enrolled in 18 credits during the spring 2013 semester should contact International Programs.
  • Spring 2014 Study Abroad Participants: Students studying abroad in spring 2014 will meet Tuesdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the second half of the fall 2013 semester. They will receive more information, including specific dates and enrollment instructions, in fall 2013.

Health

Check with the University Health Services Travel Clinic for any recommended health precautions or immunizations. The Travel Clinic gets very busy, so make your appointment early. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travelers’ Health page offers information for travel outside the United States. More information can be found on our Health and Safety Abroad and Cultural Adjustment webpages.

Insurance Information

The University of Wisconsin System requires all students who study abroad to purchase mandatory international and emergency medical insurance. More information on this mandatory plan offered by Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) and the latest brochure are available on the Risk Management Study Abroad web page. Admitted study abroad students will receive an invoice from International Programs.

International students: You may file to waive the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) for the time you are abroad. Contact SHIP for more information. Waiver requests must be submitted before you study abroad.

Information from the U.S. State Department

Visit the State Department’s Students Abroad website. Read the consular information sheet for the country you are visiting. All study abroad students must register with the State Department in case of a local emergency.

Additional information is available from the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs. You can also review Background Notes on countries, which include facts about the land, people, history, government, political conditions, economy, and foreign relations.

Course Equivalencies

When you register for courses abroad depends on the program. You may register for specific classes before or after you arrive abroad. In both cases, flexibility and preparation are important.

Once the host university announces its timetable, reference the course equivalency database to determine how courses count at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Also be aware that credit values may be different abroad, and students should check the grade and credit conversion tables found on the program-specific pre-departure page (below) to see how credit values may vary from the host institution to UW-Madison.

We highly recommend you check your DARS Report and make a one-on-one advising appointment for a discussion of your courses. Students will be given a study abroad planner that their academic advisor must sign.

Please note that this is a business exchange, and we require that all students on a semester exchange take at least six (6) credits of business classes.

Travel

Students are responsible for arranging travel to and from their host country. It is important to verify dates carefully. Many past participants recommend working with a travel agent, such as STA Travel, to look at options for buying tickets that are refundable or that have flexible return dates. Another travel resource is Badger Student Travel.

Information on Subletting

Finding a subletter, or finding housing when you return from study abroad, can be a concern for many students. The UW-Madison Campus Area Housing Listing Service is a great resource for posting and searching subletting options.

Program-Specific Information

Each program has specific information for next steps you will need to take to be admitted by your host institution. Select from the following categories to find program-specific information: