A&S Education Abroad Guides

Take Gen Ed and anthropology courses that may not be available on the education abroad program you choose
Education abroad during sophomore year is possible
Finish lower-division ANTH courses so you'll have the pre-reqs needed for the upper-division ANTH classes you need upon return to CU Boulder.
If needed, make sure your language abilities match the program you wish to attend.

Go abroad! Going abroad during your junior year allows you plenty of variety in your choices of classes.
Plan what courses ANTH/Gen Eds you will have left upon return to CU Boulder

Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you can get all of your requirements completed.
Know when the credits may be transcripted, as this can delay your official graduation date.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: Upper-division ANTH electives
Tricky: Statistics, Methods, Mapping
Probably Not: n/a

Suggested Programs

Check the Anthropology department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

Arabic Minor

Quick Facts

Go abroad sophomore or junior year
The most common degree requirements taken abroad are Arabic Language, upper-division ARAB electives, certain Gen Ed courses, and general elective hours.
Use the Course Approvals List to find programs that offer courses approved for the credit you need

Special Information on Scholarship Opportunity

If you are applying to a summer study abroad opportunity, we encourage you to apply to any scholarship for which you are eligible. Scholarships specific to some ARAB credit programs include:

FLAS (Foreign Language and Area Studies) Fellowships for Undergraduate Students: FLAS fellowships administered by the Center for Asian Studies (CAS) are awarded competitively to students studying modern Asian languages. CET's summer intensive program in Osaka is FLAS-eligible, and students are encouraged to apply for the FLAS Fellowship. Contact FLAS Coordinator Lucy Lin (lucy.lin@colorado.edu) with any questions.
Buffs Abroad Scholarships: This scholarship is awarded on the basis of financial need and is open to all students applying to a CU Boulder Education Abroad program.

Suggested Programs

Check the Asian Languages and Civilizations department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

Asian Studies

Planning & When to Go

Start progression with the Asian language sequence courses.
Continue language progression, optional track electives, and take the A&S Gen Ed courses that are more difficult to fulfill abroad.

Go abroad! Going abroad during your junior year allows you plenty of variety in your choices of classes.
Plan what courses you will have left upon return to CU Boulder.

Work closely with your Asian departmental academic advisor to ensure that you can get all of your requirements completed.
Know when the credits may be transcripted, as this can delay your official graduation date.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: Upper-division ASIA electives
Tricky: Traditional or Modern Asian Civilization electives
Probably Not: ASIA2000, ASIA4830, Language direct equivalencies

Suggested Programs

Check the Asian Studies department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

ATOC

Planning & When to Go

There are few abroad programs that offer lower level ATOC credit, but note that the first two years of the ATOC major includes several critical ancillary courses.
Work with your advisor to determine how going on education abroad will influence your graduation timeline and course sequencing.

This is a great time to consider going abroad. Most of the approved ATOC credit abroad align with the ATOC requirements (Fundamentals, Methods, and Electives) that are typically taken during your junior and senior year.
Work with your advisor to determine how education abroad will influence your graduation timeline.

Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you can get all your requirements completed.
Know when the credits may be transcripted, as this can delay your official graduation date.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: ATOC Methods, ATOC Electives, ATOC Fundamentals
Tricky: ATOC Core, ATOC Intro, Ancillaries
Probably Not: Computing Requirement

Suggested Programs

Check the ATOC department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

Biochemistry

Planning & When to Go

Connect with your academic advisor early to start planning!
Students in the BCHM major can go abroad as early as the second semester of the sophomore year.
Summer is the best time to study abroad for BCHM majors.
If you are planning to study abroad after sophomore year, save some A&S Gen Ed courses for study abroad. If you are considering applying to med school or another health program, discuss the timing of study abroad with your pre-health advisor

The best option is a summer program where core or general/enrichment courses can be completed
A non-summer term abroad can have significant impact on completing the major requirements as it's difficult to complete BCHM requirements abroad
Work with your advisor to determine how study abroad will influence your graduation timeline

Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you can get all of your requirements completed

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: Arts and Humanities, Natural Science (Non-Lab), Social Sciences
Tricky: One or more of the three advanced electives; General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry
Probably Not: Pre-reqs for medical school or any other health-related graduate/ professional programs

Suggested Programs

Check the Biochemistry department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

Chemistry

Planning & When to Go

Connect with your academic advisor early to start planning! Students in the CHEM major can benefit from going on study abroad as early as the second semester of the sophomore year.
Summer is the best time to study abroad for CHEM majors.
If you are planning to study abroad after sophomore year, save some A&S Gen Ed courses for study abroad.
If you are considering applying to med school or another health program, discuss the timing of study abroad with your pre-health advisor.

Generally, the best option for education abroad is the summer where general/enrichment courses can be completed.
Keep in mind that a non-summer term abroad can have significant impact on completing the major requirements as it's difficult to complete CHEM requirements abroad. Work with your advisor to determine how study abroad will influence your graduation timeline.

Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you can get all of your requirements completed.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: n/a
Tricky: General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry
Probably Not: Pre-reqs for medical school or any other health-related graduate/ professional program

Suggested Programs

Check the Chemistry department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

Chinese

Planning & When to Go

Start progression with the Chinese language sequence courses as soon as you can.
Continue with your language progression and take the A&S Gen Ed courses that are more difficult to fulfill abroad.

Go abroad! Going abroad during your junior year allows you plenty of variety in your choices of classes.
Plan what courses CHIN/ A&S Gen Eds you will have left upon return to CU Boulder

Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you can get all of your requirements completed.
Know when the credits may be transcripted, as this can delay your official graduation date.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: Upper-division CHIN electives, 2000- and 3000-level language, IAFS Asian geographical concentration area
Tricky: CHIN 3110, CHIN 3120*
Probably Not: Other CHIN language direct equivalencies*

General Advice for Chinese Language Students Going Abroad

While abroad, it's important that you focus on all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) in order to be successful upon return.
3rd-year CU Boulder students must be able to read both simplified and traditional characters.

Suggested Programs

*Students interested in taking language classes abroad should choose a program from the Suggested Programs for CHIN below. If you participate in a program not on the Chinese department's recommended list, you will not progress with your language coursework. The Chinese department does not pre-approve Chinese language classes. However, if you place into the appropriate language level classes while abroad (and pass them) you'll likely progress to the next level in your language studies. Talk to your Chinese departmental advisor for more information.

Check the Asian Languages and Civilizations Department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

Cinema Studies

Planning & When to Go

Start planning to study abroad!
Finish CINE 1502. If you are planning on applying to the BFA program, you should also plan on finishing CINE 2005/2105 and CINE 2000 (or CINE 2300 over the summer).
Take Gen Ed courses that may not be available on the education abroad program you choose.

Finish lower-division CINE courses so you'll have the pre-reqs needed for the upper-division CINE classes you need upon return to CU Boulder.
If you are planning on applying to the BFA program, finish pre-requisites and apply at the end of the year.
Education abroad during sophomore year is less common, but possible, especially for students pursuing a BA in Film Critical Studies.

Go abroad! Fall of junior year is the best option for BFA students. Going abroad during your junior year allows you plenty of variety in your choices of classes.

Programs where CINE courses are offered Program search for all programs

Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you can get all of your requirements completed.
Know when the credits may be transcripted, as this can delay your official graduation date.
Film BFA students should NOT plan on going abroad senior year.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: Critical Studies Elective courses
Tricky: Production Elective (only available on certain programs, check the Course Approvals List)
Probably Not: CINE 1502, CINE 3515, CINE 3525, CINE 3400, CINE 3051 and CINE 3061

Suggested Programs

Check the Cinema Studies and Moving Image Arts department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

Classics

Planning & When to Go

Start planning for study abroad.
Begin your first year LATN or GREK language courses, if necessary.

Take the next two semesters of LATN or GREK for the major language requirement.
Finish lower-division CLAS courses so you'll have the pre-reqs needed for the upper-division CLAS classes you need upon return to CU Boulder.
Education abroad during sophomore year is absolutely possible

Go abroad! Going abroad during your junior year allows you plenty of variety in your choices of classes.

Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you can get all of your requirements completed.
Know when the credits may be transcripted, as this can delay your official graduation date.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: Upper-division CLAS electives
Tricky: Upper-division LATN or GREK language courses
Probably Not: n/a

Suggested Programs

Check the Department of Classics recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are. Even if there are no major classes available on a education abroad program you are interested in, the study of ancient sites and monuments are an important part of the study of antiquity.

EBIO

Planning & When to Go

Start planning for education abroad!
Save your EBIO 4000-level electives, if possible.
Finish your required lower-division EBIO classes so that you will have the pre-reqs needed for the upper-division classes you need upon return to CU Boulder.

Complete lower-level EBIO courses.
Consider whether you would prefer one of the field-based education abroad programs, or a classroom-based program.
Education abroad during sophomore year is possible.

Go abroad! Going abroad during your junior year allows you plenty of variety in your choices of classes.

Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you can get all of your requirements completed.
Know when the credits may be transcripted, as this can delay your official graduation date.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: Upper-level EBIO courses, EBIO laboratory requirement, EBIO electives
Tricky: n/a
Probably Not: Ancillary Coursework

Suggested Programs

Check the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

Economics

Planning & When to Go

Start taking your required/sequence ECON courses as soon as possible.
It is ideal to have Micro Principles, Macro Principles and calculus completed by the end of your first-year to stay on track!

Complete Intermediate Microeconomics (ECON 3070) and Economics Statistics (ECON 3818) as soon as possible (permits 4000-level ECON courses abroad).
- Sophomores who go abroad and have not completed the intermediate-level economics classes on the CU campus are not eligible to take any 4000-level ECON courses abroad, but will instead have to fulfill A&S Gen Ed or non-major general electives.

Go abroad! Take 4000-level ECON courses.
Note what courses you will have left upon return to CU Boulder.

If waiting until senior year to travel abroad, Fall semester is recommended, It is highly unlikely to graduate in the spring semester when traveling abroad in the spring term.
Check when your study abroad transcript will be received by CU, as this can delay your official graduation date.
ECON provides funding for approved seniors to travel abroad through the Eaton Travel Sabbatical program. Contact your academic advisor to learn more.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: ECON 4000-level electives; ancillary requirements linked to emphasis
Tricky: Principles-level micro/macroeconomics courses
Probably Not: Intermediate-level micro/macroeconomics courses; UD economics statistics

Suggested Programs

Check the Economics department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

English

Planning & When to Go

Start planning to study abroad
Take Gen Ed courses that may not be available on the education abroad program you choose.
Finish lower-division ENGL courses so you'll have the pre-reqs needed for the upper-division ENGL classes you need upon return to CU Boulder.
Education abroad during sophomore year is less common, but possible.

Go abroad! Going abroad during your junior year allows you plenty of variety in your choices of classes.

Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you can get all of your requirements completed.
Know when the credits may be transcripted, as this can delay your official graduation date.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: Upper-division ENGL electives
Tricky: n/a
Probably Not: n/a

Suggested Programs

Check the English department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

Environmental Studies

Planning & When to Go

Start planning for education abroad.
Consider saving your Specialization courses if possible (or at least save some of them).
Continue required lower-division ENVS courses.
Education abroad during sophomore year is less common, but possible.

Go abroad! Going abroad during your junior year allows you plenty of variety in your choices of classes. ENVS students often choose research and seminar-type programs, or university settings

Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you can get all of your requirements completed.
Know when the credits may be transcripted, as this can delay your official graduation date.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: Upper-division Specialization courses, Application course
Tricky: Intermediate Natural Science course, ENVS/PHIL 3140, PSCI 2116
Probably Not: ENVS 3020, Cornerstone, Capstone, Intermediate Social Science course

Note about A&S Gen Eds

CU's ENVS curriculum has all Social Science, Natural Science (and lab), and Upper-division Written Communication already built into it. ENVS students should not try to take these requirements abroad.

Suggested Programs

Check the Environmental Studies department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

Ethnic Studies

Planning & When to Go

Take Gen Ed and major courses that may not be available on the education abroad program you choose.
If needed, make sure your language abilities match the program you wish to attend.

Go abroad! Going abroad during your junior year allows you plenty of variety in your choices of classes. This is a good year for education abroad as you will likely be fairly proficient in a foreign language and/or be well along in completing your A&S Gen Ed, ETHN, and major requirements
Study in a topic-based program that addresses an area of particular interest to you (location may be secondary if choosing this option)

Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you can get all of your requirements completed.
Know when the credits may be transcripted, as this can delay your official graduation date.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: ETHN Electives
Tricky: n/a
Probably Not: ETHN Required Core Courses

Suggested Programs

Check the Ethnic Studies department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

French

Planning & When to Go

Start planning for study abroad!
Start progression with the language sequence courses and each the 3000-level as soon as you can.
Save your upper-division electives for study abroad if possible.
If you plan to take any required language, writing or literature courses abroad, make sure that the courses are pre-approved. Be aware of the language placement test that is usually required upon arrival abroad (if you place lower than anticipated, you course plans might be impacted).
Study abroad during sophomore year is less common, but possible.

Go abroad! This is a good year for study abroad as you will likely be finished with the 3000-level sequence and better able to communicate in the language abroad.

Study abroad as a senior is only recommended if you have already complete all required language courses and 4100-level courses (or have a realistic plan to finish them upon return in your final semester).Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you can get all of your requirements completed.
Be sure that you know when the credits may be transcripted, as this can delay your official graduation date.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: Upper-division FREN electives
Tricky: FREN 3050, 3060, 3100
Probably Not: 4000 level-course FREN courses

Suggested Programs

Check the French department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

Geography

Planning & When to Go

Start planning for education abroad! Take Gen Ed and geography courses that may not be available on the education abroad program you choose.
Finish lower-division GEOG courses so you'll have the pre-reqs needed for the upper-division GEOG classes you need upon return to CU Boulder.
Education abroad during sophomore year is absolutely possible and sets you up well for junior and senior year major classes.
If you are a GIS track student, consult your advisor to see if you should take GEOG 3053 and 3023 in the spring semester.

Go abroad! Going abroad during your junior year allows you plenty of variety in your choices of classes. Plan to take GEOG 3053 and 3023 in the semester that you don’t study abroad.
GEOG students often choose research and field-based programs or university settings

Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you can get all of your requirements completed.
Know when the credits may be transcripted, as this can delay your official graduation date.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: Upper-division GEOG electives
Tricky: Statistics, Methods, Mapping
Probably Not: n/a

Suggested Programs

Check the Geography department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

Geology

Planning & When to Go

Start planning for education abroad! Take Gen Ed and GEOL courses that may not be available on the education abroad program you choose. Try to stay on track with your ancillary course sequences in chemistry, calculus and physics.

Finish lower-division GEOL courses so you'll have the pre-reqs needed for the upper-division GEOL classes you need upon return to CU Boulder. Continue completing your ancillary math/science sequence courses. Going abroad during sophomore year is less common, but possible. Summer after sophomore year is a great time to go abroad and fulfill some A&S Gen Ed classes.

Go abroad! Meet with advisor on plans on how you will complete your field requirement for the major as the upper division field requirement is also difficult to take abroad. If there are certain courses you plan on taking as a senior, make sure you’ve completed the pre-reqs, or be certain that your education abroad courses will suffice.

Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you can get all of your requirements completed.
Know when the credits may be transcripted, as this can delay your official graduation date.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: Upper-division GEOL electives
Tricky: n/a
Probably Not: Ancillary courses

Suggested Programs

Check the Geology department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

German

Planning & When to Go

Start planning for education abroad! Meet with the German Academic Advisor to plan ahead for education abroad programs, and to outline an academic plan which allows you to meet specific German language prerequisites.

Start researching specific programs. Make sure your language abilities match the program you wish to attend. Consider completing A&S Gen Ed requirements that are difficult to fulfill abroad or through courses that you also need for the major/minor on campus.

Go abroad! Work with your advisor to obtain course approvals, and plan for your senior year to ensure that you can graduate by your intended date.

Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you can get all of your requirements completed.
Know when the credits may be transcripted, as this can delay your official graduation date.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: Upper-division GRMN electives
Tricky: GRMN 4010
Probably Not: GRMN 4550: Senior Seminar

Students participating in programs on which they can take a German language course typically find that they return to CU with credit for at least one language course per semester spent abroad. Most programs with German/Germanic studies listed as an area of study provide courses that can be taken to fulfill one or more culture/ literature electives for the German major or minor.

Suggested Programs

Check the German department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

History

Planning & When to Go

Take Gen Ed and 1000-level HIST courses that may not be available on the education abroad program you choose.

Finish your 1000-level history courses, including HIST 1800 (Intro to Global History), and take HIST 3020 (Historical Thinking & Writing) so that you will be prepared to take 4000-level HIST classes upon return to CU Boulder. If needed, make sure your language abilities match the program you wish to attend.

Go abroad! Going abroad during your junior year allows you plenty of variety in your choices of classes.

Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you can get all of your requirements completed.
Know when the credits may be transcripted, as this can delay your official graduation date.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

You can complete 12 of your 24 required upper-division HIST credits on Education Abroad. The most common degree requirements taken abroad are upper-division HIST electives, certain Gen Ed courses, and general elective hours. If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: Upper-division HIST electives
Tricky: Ancillary courses
Probably Not: HIST 3020 and the 3000-level Senior Seminar

Suggested Programs

Check the History department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

Humanities

Planning & When to Go

Take Gen Ed and Humanities courses that may not be available on the education abroad program you choose.
Finish lower-division HUMN courses, including HUMN 2000, so you'll have the pre-reqs needed for the upper-division HUMN classes you need upon return to CU Boulder. If needed, make sure your language abilities match the program you wish to attend. Education abroad during sophomore year is absolutely possible, though.

Go abroad! Going abroad during your junior year allows you plenty of variety in your choices of classes.

Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you can get all of your requirements completed.
Know when the credits may be transcripted, as this can delay your official graduation date.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: Upper-division HUMN electives
Tricky: n/a
Probably Not: HUMN 2000

Suggested Programs

Check the Humanities department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

IPHY

Planning & When to Go

Meet with an academic advisor early in your CU career to develop a 4 year plan that meets your career and education abroad goals. If you are considering applying to med school or another health program, we recommend you also discuss the timing of education abroad with your health professions advisor.
Education abroad during the sophomore year is less common but sometimes possible (especially summer after sophomore year).

This is the most common year for students to go abroad. Be sure that you understand what courses you will have left upon return to CU Boulder.

Health-Themed Programs Programs where IPHY courses are offered Program search for all programs

Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you can get all of your requirements completed.
Know when the credits may be transcripted, as this can delay your official graduation date.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: Upper-division IPHY electives, IPHY capstone/core courses, and IPHY 4950 Global Internship credit
Tricky: IPHY 3280
Probably Not: IPHY 3410, IPHY 3430, IPHY 3435, and IPHY 3700

Primary Education Abroad Options for IPHY Majors

A health-themed education abroad program, which can provide fantastic hands-on experience and insight into health beyond the U.S. (along with useful classes).
Studying at a university abroad with traditional classes that fulfill major requirements. There are many options with classes taught in English.
Saving gen eds/non-major electives and planning a “break” from your major abroad!
Participating on a summer program, which can include options 1 or 3 above.

Suggested Programs

Check the Integrative Physiology department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

International Affairs

Planning & When to Go

Start planning for education abroad! Plan ahead for the required 3 years of foreign language needed for the IAFS major.
Research specific education abroad programs and be sure to check any language pre-reqs (when applicable).
Save your geographic concentration classes for education abroad if you are going to a country in your geographic area. Finish your lower-division IAFS classes so that you will have the pre-reqs you need for the upper-division classes you will take during education abroad.

Go abroad! This is a good year for education abroad as you will likely be fairly proficient in a language (although you can go abroad at any language level or take classes in English).
Going abroad during your junior year allows you plenty of variety in your choice of classes as you are just beginning your upper-division courses for the major.

Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you can get all of your requirements completed.
Know when the credits may be transcripted, as this can delay your official graduation date.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: Geographic concentration course(s), IAFS Functional Areas, Off Campus Experience
Tricky: 3000-level language requirement
Probably Not: IAFS Senior Seminar

IAFS-specific requirements cannot be fulfilled by courses that are less than 3 credits. On programs that offer courses less than 3 credits (examples include University College Dublin, Sciences Po, etc.), students will need to talk to their IAFS advisor about the best way to combine credits.

Suggested Programs

Check the International Affairs department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

Italian

Planning & When to Go

Start planning for study abroad and take A&S Gen Ed courses that are not possible to take abroad.
Continue with your language progression and reach the 3000-level as soon as possible.
If you plan to take any required language, writing or literature courses abroad, make sure that the courses are pre-approved. Also, be aware of the language placement test that is usually required upon arrival abroad (if you place lower than anticipated, you course plans might be impacted).
Study abroad during sophomore year is less common, but possible.

Go abroad! This is a good year for study abroad as you will likely be finished with the 3000-level sequence and better able to communicate in the language abroad.

Study abroad as a senior is only recommended if you have already complete all required language courses and senior seminar (or have a realistic plan to finish them upon return in your final semester).
Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you can get all of your requirements completed.
Be sure that you know when the credits may be transcripted, as this can delay your official graduation date.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: Upper-division ITAL electives
Tricky: n/a
Probably Not: ITAL 4990

Only one upper-division ITAL elective can be taught in English. All other ITAL electives must be taught in Italain to count towards major or minor electives.

Suggested Programs

Check the Italian department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

Japanese

Planning & When to Go

Start progression with the Japanese language sequence courses as soon as you can. Japanese language learners typically go abroad after they have completed JPNS 2110 and 2120.
Complete the A&S Gen Ed courses that are more difficult to fulfill abroad.

Go abroad! Going abroad during your junior year allows you plenty of variety in your choices of classes.
Plan on taking JPNS electives, A&S Gen Eds, and various other requirements.

Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you can get all of your requirements completed.
Know when the credits may be transcripted, as this can delay your official graduation date.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: Upper-division JPNS electives
Tricky: n/a
Probably Not: JPNS language direct equivalencies*

General Advice for Japanese Language Students Going Abroad

*The Japanese department does not pre-approve language classes. However, if you place into the appropriate language level classes while abroad (and pass them) you'll likely progress to the next level in your language studies. Talk to your Japanese departmental advisor for more information.
While abroad, it's important that you focus on all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) in order to be successful upon return.

Suggested Programs

Check the Asian Languages and Civilizations Department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

Math

Planning & When to Go

Take Gen Ed courses that may not be available on the education abroad program you choose and complete all your required lower-division MATH courses before studying abroad.
If hoping to spend a semester abroad, keep saving your upper-division math/APPM elective courses (if applicable for your track).

If you're planning a semester abroad, it is best to do it during your junior year. Going abroad during your junior year allows you plenty of variety in your choices of classes.
Studying abroad during the fall or spring is difficult if students are following the Education or Statistics Tracks - consider summer options instead.

Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you can get all of your requirements completed.
Know when the credits may be transcripted, as this can delay your official graduation date.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: Upper-division MATH electives and cross-listed APPM courses
Tricky: n/a
Probably Not: n/a

Suggested Programs

Check the Math department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

MCDB

Planning & When to Go

Meet with an academic advisor early in your CU career to develop a 4 year plan that meets your career and education abroad goals. Spending a semester abroad takes some good planning with your advisor, but is absolutely possible for MCDB majors!
If you are considering applying to med school or another health program, we recommend you also discuss the timing of education abroad with your pre-health advisor.
Going abroad during sophomore year is not recommended for MCDB majors, unless you are considering a summer option.

Go abroad! Be sure that you understand what courses you will have left upon return to CU Boulder.

Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you can get all of your requirements completed.
Know when the credits may be transcripted, as this can delay your official graduation date.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: Upper-division MCDB electives
Tricky: n/a
Probably Not: MCDB required courses

Primary Education Abroad Options for MCDB Majors

A health-themed education abroad program, which can provide fantastic hands-on experience and insight into health beyond the U.S. (along with useful classes).
Studying at a university abroad with traditional classes that fulfill major requirements. There are many options with classes taught in English.
Saving gen eds/non-major electives and planning a “break” from your major abroad!
Participating on a summer program, which can include options 1 or 3 above.

Suggested Programs

Check the MCDB department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

Neuroscience

Planning & When to Go

Start planning for education abroad! Start making progress with your ancillary biology and your major genetics requirement. Complete introductory chemistry as needed to be ready for general chemistry.
Take A&S Gen Ed classes that are less common to find abroad.

Complete your 2000-level NRSC courses. It is highly recommended to complete your ancillary general chemistry sequence prior to junior year/studying abroad, as well as any other remaining 1000-2000 level ancillary and major requirements. Again, try to save some upper-division major electives for education abroad.
Education abroad during sophomore year is less common, but absolutely possible

Go abroad! Consider taking Neuroscience upper division electives that are not offered at CU. Keep in mind that since this category is inter-disciplinary, you may find some Neuroscience- related courses in other departments such as Biology, Psychology, Physiology, Biochemistry, etc. As always, be sure to get the course(s) pre-approved.

Peace, Conflict & Security Studies

Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you can get all of your requirements completed.
Know when the credits may be transcripted, as this can delay your official graduation date.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: n/a
Tricky: Upper-division NRSC electives
Probably Not: Ancillary courses; NRSC Core courses

Suggested Programs

Check the Neuroscience department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

Planning & When to Go

Take Gen Ed and major courses that may not be available on the education abroad program you choose.
If needed, make sure your language abilities match the program you wish to attend.

Go abroad! Going abroad during your junior year allows you plenty of variety in your choices of classes. Study in a topic-based program that addresses an area of particular interest to you (location may be secondary if choosing this option).
This is a good year for education abroad as you will likely be fairly proficient in a foreign language and/or be well along in completing your A&S Gen Ed, PACS, and major requirements.

Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you can get all of your requirements completed.
Know when the credits may be transcripted, as this can delay your official graduation date.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: Outside PACS Electives
Tricky: PACS Electives
Probably Not: PACS Required Courses

Suggested Programs

Check the Peace, Conflict and Security department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

Philosophy

Planning & When to Go

Take Gen Ed and 1000-level PHIL courses that may not be available on the education abroad program you choose.
Finish your lower-level PHIL courses, and consider taking PHIL 3480 and PHIL 2440. If needed, make sure your language abilities match the program you wish to attend.

Finish your lower-level PHIL courses, and consider taking PHIL 3480 and PHIL 2440. If needed, make sure your language abilities match the program you wish to attend.
Often study abroad programs do not have actual Philosophy classes or departments. Classes with a Philosophy focus or content may be in other academic departments so students need to review all the available classes to determine if any might apply to the major or minor.

Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you can get all of your requirements completed.
Know when the credits may be transcripted, as this can delay your official graduation date.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: Upper-division PHIL electives, Values and History courses
Tricky: PHIL 2440, PHIL 3100
Probably Not: Metaphysics and Epistemology
courses, PHIL Track courses

Suggested Programs

Check the Philosophy department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

Political Science

Planning & When to Go

Take Gen Ed and political science courses that may not be available on the education abroad program you choose.
Start making progress on your 1000 and 2000-level PSCI courses.

Finish lower-division PSCI courses so you'll have the pre-reqs needed for the upper-division PSCI classes you need upon return to CU Boulder.
If needed, make sure your language abilities match the program you wish to attend.
Education abroad during sophomore year is less common, but absolutely possible.

Go abroad! Going abroad during your junior year allows you plenty of variety in your choices of classes

Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you can get all of your requirements completed.
Know when the credits may be transcripted, as this can delay your official graduation date.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: Upper-division PSCI electives, Comparative Politics, and Int’l Relations
Tricky: Empirical Theory/Methodology
Probably Not: n/a

Suggested Programs

Check the Political Science department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

Portuguese Minor

Planning & When to Go

Take PORT 1010 (in the fall) and PORT 1020 (in the spring) or, if you speak Spanish (and place into at least SPAN 3000), take PORT 2350 in the fall or spring to begin the minor!

Begin the Portuguese minor, either on campus or abroad!

Go abroad! Going abroad during your junior year allows you plenty of variety in your choices of classes.

Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you can get all of your requirements completed.
Know when the credits may be transcripted, as this can delay your official graduation date.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: PORT 2110, 2120,
3003, and 3230
Tricky: n/a
Probably Not: PORT 3003, 4110, 4150

Suggested Programs

Check the Portuguese department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

Pre-Health

General Advice for Pre-Health Students Going Abroad

Spending a semester abroad takes some good planning with your advisor, but is absolutely possible for pre-health students.
You should avoid taking pre-reqs for medical school or any other health-related graduate/professional program abroad.
Students doing the Certificate in Public Health can apply a maximum of 3 credits from an education abroad program towards the certificate elective requirements.
If you are considering applying to med school or another health program, discuss the timing of education abroad with both your major advisor and health professions advisor. See the other Major Guides for more specific advice about your exact major.
Pre-health students have four primary options for education abroad:
1. A health-themed program (see below), which can provide fantastic real world experience and insight into health beyond the U.S. (along with useful classes).
2. Studying at a university abroad with traditional classes that fulfill major requirements. There are many options with classes taught in English.
3. Saving gen eds and non-major electives and planning a “break” from your major abroad!
4. Participating on a summer program, which can include options 1 or 3 above.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: General (non-major) electives; major credits (depending on your major); Public Health Certificate elective (3 credit maximum)
Tricky: Major credits (depending on your major)
Probably Not: Pre-reqs for medical school or any other health-related graduate/professional program

Suggested Programs

Use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

Psychology

Planning & When to Go

Take A&S Gen Ed classes that are less common to find abroad.
Start making progress with your 1000 and 2000-level required PSYC courses.
Complete the ancillary math requirement so that you can complete the statistics/research methods requirement next year.

Finish your 2000-level PSYC courses, including the required Statistics course (PSYC 2111).
It is helpful to also complete Research Methods (PSYC 3111) prior to studying abroad, but this may not be possible in your second year; please consult with your academic advisor as you are planning.
Try to save your 3000 or 4000-level PSYC elective for study abroad.

Go abroad! Going abroad during your junior year allows you plenty of variety in your choices of classes.
Consider taking Psychology upper division electives that are not offered at CU (such as Cross-Cultural Psychology, Sports Psychology, etc.). As always, be sure to get the course(s) pre-approved.

Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you can get all of your requirements completed. Plan to take your required PSYC Lab & Methods course at CU. Be sure that you know when the credits may be transcripted, as this can delay your official graduation date.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: Upper-division (3000) PSYC electives
Tricky: Upper-division (4000) PSYC electives*; PSYC Lab & Methods
Probably Not: Direct equivalent to a listed major class (e.g. PSYC 3303)

*4000 level PSYC Electives need to be reviewed by the Psychology Department. Classes may be listed as approved “upper-division electives” in the course approvals list but need additional review for a 4000-level PSYC specific requirement if 4000-level isn't already specified. Please work closely with your Academic Advisor.

Submitting Courses for Evaluation

The Psychology department requires that their students submit syllabi for all new course evaluation requests that are submitted on the Course Evaluation Form. If you cannot find syllabi on your program's website, reach out to your program manager through your provider (e.g. CIEE, ISA, etc.) and/or contact your CU program manager.

Suggested Programs

Check the Psychology department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

Religious Studies

Planning & When to Go

Start planning for education abroad! Take Gen Ed and RLST courses that may not be available on the education abroad program you choose.
Save some RLST electives for education abroad. If needed, make sure your language abilities match the program you wish to attend.
Education abroad during sophomore year is less common, but absolutely possible.

Go abroad! Going abroad during your junior year allows you plenty of variety in your choices of classes.

Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you can get all of your requirements completed.
Know when the credits may be transcripted, as this can delay your official graduation date.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: Upper-division RLST electives
Tricky: n/a
Probably Not: RLST 1620, RLST 4830

Suggested Programs

Check the Religious Studies department. recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

Sociology

Planning & When to Go

Take Gen Ed courses that may not be available on the education abroad program you choose.
Finish SOCY 1001 and SOCY 3001 courses so you'll have the pre-reqs needed for the upper-division SOCY classes you need upon return to CU Boulder.
If needed, make sure your language abilities match the program you wish to attend.
Education abroad during sophomore year is absolutely possible, though.

Go abroad! Going abroad during your junior year allows you plenty of variety in your choices of classes.

Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you can get all of your requirements completed.
Know when the credits may be transcripted, as this can delay your official graduation date.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: Upper-division SOCY electives
Tricky: Sociological Research Methods
Probably Not: n/a

Submitting Courses for Evaluation

The Sociology department requires that their students submit syllabi for all new course evaluation requests that are submitted on the Course Evaluation Form. If you cannot find syllabi on your program's website, reach out to your program manager through your provider (e.g. CIEE, ISA, etc.) and/or contact your CU program manager.

Suggested Programs

Check the Sociology department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

Spanish

Planning & When to Go

Start planning for education abroad! Start progression with the language sequence courses as soon as you can.

Continue with your language progression and complete SPAN 3000 as soon as possible. If you go abroad before completing SPAN 3000, be certain that any language courses you take abroad are pre-approved and allow for continued progression.
Be aware of the language placement test that is usually required upon arrival abroad (if you place lower than anticipated, you course plans might be impacted).
Education abroad during sophomore year is less common, but possible.

Go abroad! This is a good year for education abroad as you will likely be finished with the 3000-level sequence and better able to communicate in the language abroad.

Programs where Spanish & Portuguese courses are offered Program Search for all programs

Education abroad as a senior is only recommended if you have already complete all required language courses (or have a realistic plan to finish the sequence upon return in your final semester).
For Spanish Language & Literature and Spanish and Portuguese Languages and Cultures tracks, the following requirements must be taken on the CU Boulder campus: 4150/4160 and 4170/4180.
Be sure that you know when the credits may be transcripted, as this can delay your official graduation date.

What Kind of Credit Can You Earn Abroad?

If you're planning ahead, here are some recommendations from your department on what's usually easy v. difficult to complete while abroad:

Usually Doable: Upper-division SPAN electives, Upper-division PORT electives, 4000-level literature and related field
Tricky: Hispanic linguistics, SPAN 3100, SPAN 3120, SPAN 3030, SPAN 4060
Probably Not: SPAN 4150/4160, 4170/4180

Suggested Programs

Check the Spanish & Portuguese Department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are:

Women & Gender Studies

Planning & When to Go

Start planning for education abroad! Plan ahead and take A&S Gen Ed and WGST courses that may not be available on the education abroad program you choose.

Sophomore & Junior

This is a good time for education abroad as you will likely be fairly proficient in a foreign language and/or be well along in completing your A&S Gen Ed and and major requirements. If needed, make sure your language abilities match the program you wish to attend. (Note that many programs are taught entirely in English).