While You are There
Choose the right classes
While some programs have a set curriculum, most give you the freedom to pick the courses that are right for you. You will choose what is most interesting to you, what is appropriate for your level (linguistic/academic), and what will work best in your academic plan. You will eventually fill out a Course Equivalent Request Form (CERF); see below. Yet it may be helpful to refer to that form and its instructions as you are choosing your courses so that you can get an idea about how they could transfer.
Study Abroad Correspondents
UW-Madison’s Study Abroad Correspondents will be documenting their experiences while studying abroad. Follow along as they blog about their adventures!
Course Equivalent Requests and My Study Abroad
Each course you take abroad must be assigned a UW-Madison “equivalent” course in order for your grades and credits to be recorded on your UW-Madison transcript. In order to establish UW-Madison course equivalents for your study abroad courses, you will submit a Course Equivalent Requests through your My Study Abroad account. Detailed information on the UW course equivalent process that you will use through your My Study Abroad account is available in the IAP Study Abroad Handbook.
Get Academic Advising while abroad
Take advantage of the resources that you have on site such as your Resident Director, your program coordinator, or your professors. In addition, stay in contact with your academic advisors on campus through email; they offer advice about the programs you are taking abroad and the courses you may be taking upon your return, and they can keep you abreast of educational opportunities that may arise on campus.
Register for classes while abroad
The UW-Madison Registrar’s Office will inform you by e-mail of registration dates and details. It is your responsibility to register yourself for the semester following your study abroad programs through My UW (non-UW-Madison students should check with their home institution’s guidelines). Please clear any holds on your record before registration, including advising holds used by some Schools or Colleges to ensure that students speak to their advisors before registering. If a course has a pre-requisite that you are fulfilling while abroad, you should notify the department in question and get authorization to register for that course.
Graduate while abroad
You can graduate while abroad if you fulfill your degree requirements. The IAP Study Abroad Handbook has detailed information about graduating while abroad. You can also get information on graduation from the Registrar’s Office.