Once you have been admitted to study abroad by International Programs, there are still more steps to take. Review the information on this page as well pas 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.
International Perspectives
All students studying abroad with International Programs are required to take a one credit predeparture course, International Perspectives (IB 399). Admitted study abroad students will receive information about registering for the course after they have been admitted.
Students studying abroad summer and fall 2012 will meet Tuesdays 3/20/12, 3/27/12, 4/10/12, 4/17/12, 4/24/12 and 5/1/12 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Students studying abroad spring 2013 will receive more information in the fall about the course, which will be held in the latter half of the fall 2012 semester.
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.
CISI 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 webpage. Admitted study abroad students will receive an invoice from International Programs.
International students: You may file to waive SHIP for the time you are abroad. Contact SHIP for more information.
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 you arrive, or you may register for specific classes 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 UW-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 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 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: