When it comes to study abroad options, UW–Madison has plenty! In 2025, UW–Madison ranked #6 among all U.S. public universities and colleges for total students studying abroad. With more than 300 programs exploring 80+ countries, there is no shortage of opportunities.
Study abroad programs can be educational and transformative experiences; however, they may also carry significant environmental, economic, and social challenges. Luckily, the UW–Madison study abroad office understands this and remains committed to sustainability, evidenced by the Commitment to Sustainability and Sustainability section of the Study Abroad Handbook.
Program Selection
Consider choosing a program with a focus on sustainability. Here are a few programs to highlight — but remember, you can view any study abroad experience through a sustainability lens by engaging with local communities and being mindful of how your actions affect the environment and the people around you.
UW–Madison’s program offerings are constantly evolving, so this list may not always reflect current offerings. Students are encouraged to connect with International Academic Programs to confirm which programs are currently running.
Looking for something to do over spring break? This program provides an opportunity to use developmental genetics concepts in hands-on applications, focusing on the preservation of endangered species in Costa Rica. Additionally, the Genetics Department funds efforts to offset this program’s carbon footprint. For more information on carbon footprints and studying abroad, visit the Sustainability section of the Study Abroad Handbook.
Interested in food systems and sustainable agriculture? This short-term summer program explores both rural and urban Mediterranean food systems in Italy. Students on this program will gain insight into Italian food culture and history through interactive experiences such as visits to organic farms, hikes in national parks, hands-on cooking and pasta-making classes, and truffle hunting. This program is designed to help students investigate how human health, agricultural practices, and environmental sustainability are deeply interwoven.
Dreaming of studying abroad through a sustainability-focused program, but finding costs to be a challenge? Check out Global Gateway’s new summer 2026 program in Chile! This fully funded opportunity allows students to explore the environmental and social impacts of climate change, as well as how Chilean communities are adapting.
Spend your summer or semester in Bhutan with the School for Field Studies, where coursework and fieldwork focus on climate change, sustainable livelihoods, and natural resource management. During the semester program, students explore Bhutanese language, religion, and culture while surveying biodiversity and engaging with local communities. Over the summer, participants travel across Himalayan landscapes, learning camera trapping, forest measurement, and landscape interpretation.
Passionate about water resources and health? This program gives you the opportunity to spend two weeks of your summer in Ecuador, aiding underserved rural communities. During the course, you’ll assess health risks in local water supplies, discuss water-related health challenges with community members, and collaborate on strategies to improve sustainability and reduce water-borne disease risks.
Designed for those passionate about coastal ecology and environmental studies, this program through the School for International Training provides an opportunity to spend a fall or spring semester in Zanzibar. Study rare or endemic species, observe wildlife, and meet with professionals from Zanzibar’s Department of Forestry and Institute of Marine Sciences. Additionally, semester participants in this program can apply for the Ambassador John E Lange scholarship, which awards $7,500 to support undergraduate students studying abroad in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Spend a semester abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark. Take classes with a sustainable focus like Sustainable Business Strategy, Bicycle Urbanism, Environmental Impact of Humans, Sustainable Development in Northern Europe, and more while exploring Copenhagen’s public transportation, energy efficiency, and green urban design.
Not in love with any of these highlighted programs? You can also search for sustainability-focused programs by selecting the “Sustainability” feature under Academic Credit when browsing all available programs.
Funding
The Badgers Go Green Scholarship supports students participating in sustainability-related study abroad programs. Offered by International Academic Programs, awards range from $5,000 for semester programs to $8,000 for year-long programs. Applicants are asked to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability through their application essays and to share their experiences with the broader UW-Madison community during or after their program.
Sustainability Tips While Abroad
Once you’re abroad, don’t forget to keep sustainability in mind! Here are a few suggestions to incorporate into your daily life abroad.
- Limit your shopping while abroad — pack what you already have. Choose versatile clothing pieces you know you’ll actually wear. If you have to buy clothes while abroad, try to purchase them secondhand.
- Minimize your single use plastic by opting for shampoo and conditioner bars, rather than travel size containers. Plus, they’re TSA approved and are not subject to the 3.4 ounce liquid rule.
- If you are visiting a warm location where you’ll be spending time outside in the water and on the beach, bring reef safe sunscreen. This way, you’ll play a part in preventing coral bleaching and damage to marine life.
- Don’t forget your reusable water bottle either, if traveling to an area where drinking water is readily available. Consider bringing reusable straws and mugs as well!
- Become knowledgeable about your host county food culture. Eat local and plant based foods whenever possible, as these have lower carbon footprints. Choose foods that are in season and grown nearby. When grocery shopping, bring a reusable grocery/tote bag.
- Take advantage of public transportation in your host city/country, and prioritize walking/biking. When traveling to other destinations, opt for buses or trains rather than planes when possible.
- For longer programs, it may be necessary to purchase items like cooking utensils, linens, etc in your host country. If possible, try to find these items secondhand, and make sure they don’t end up in the landfill once your program is over.
Still curious about how to integrate sustainability into your study abroad experience? Check out the Sustainability section of the Study Abroad Handbook for more inspiration!
By: RoseMary Greany