Study Away

One of the best times to see a new-to-you part of the world, whether that’s a new city, a new state or an entirely new country, is during college. UWM offers a wide range of study away options, so you can pick the one that’s right for you.

UWM students study abroad in countries across Europe, Asia, Central and South America, Africa and more. For students who want short trips stateside, alternative spring breaks and outdoor education extended trips are two great ways to see more of the U.S. while giving back to a community or re-connecting with nature.

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A diverse group of students in front of a chalkboard that says Welcome to Monkey Bay University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
UWM students can study abroad in more than 30 countries. These UWM students spent a summer in Belize.
Young white woman holding a skateboard in front of the triumphal arch in Barcelona, Spain
A UWM student stands in front of the triumphal arch in Barcelona, Spain.
Young white man interacting with a kangaroo while supervised by an older zookeeper
A UWM student interacts with a kangaroo while studying in Australia.
Young man standing in front of a gangnam style display in South Korea
A UWM student takes in the sights while studying in South Korea.
Young white woman standing at the middle of the world sign in Ecuador
One student visits the middle of the world during her time studying in Ecuador.
Young white man standing in front of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain
This student visits the Basílica de la Sagrada Familia while studying in Barcelona.

Study Abroad

UWM offers about 150 study abroad programs across all disciplines and more than 500 students choose to study abroad each year. Students can study abroad for a few weeks during summer or winter break, for a semester or for an entire academic year.

Options include faculty-led programs, where you travel abroad in a group with other students with a UWM faculty member; exchange programs, where you attend a university abroad and take classes there; and internships. No matter what your interests are, there’s a life-changing study abroad option for you.

Learn About Study Abroad
Group of students on a street in New Orleans
Honors College students pose for a group photo in New Orleans during their alternative spring break trip.

Alternative Spring Break

An alternative spring break is typically a one-week stint in which students do volunteer work for a non-profit. Students get a chance to give back to a community, while meeting new people and having new experiences.

Many of UWM’s schools and colleges offer alternative spring break options each year, some of which include travel. For example, since 2018, the UWM Honors College has hosted an alternative spring break trip to New Orleans.

Learn About Alternative Spring Break
UWM students cross-country skiing in snowy forest
UWM’s Outdoor Pursuits offers equipment rentals to students, so you can enjoy the outdoors no matter the season.

Outdoor Education

UWM’s Outdoor Pursuits offers outdoor activities throughout the year, like rock climbing, camping, whitewater rafting and long boarding. Extended outdoor trips are also regularly available and are a great way to see more of the country.

Extended outdoor trips are typically five to 10 days long and offered during academic breaks, such as spring break and UWinteriM. Trips can span multiple states and include hiking, camping, biking and more. No prior outdoor experience is necessary.

Learn About Outdoor Education