Frequently Asked Questions about the Global Cultures Program.

These pages have information on the most commonly asked questions and answers about the Global Cultures Program. If you have questions you can contact the Global Cultures Program here.

1. Is Global Cultures a major?

No. The Global Cultures Program is a general education program designed to fit with any major you may choose.

2. How many courses do I have to take?

To earn a certificate, you must complete 21 credits of approved courses, including 6 credits at the 300 level or above. You may complete these credits according to your own schedule. More information about the certificate program is available here.

3. Is Study Abroad a part of the Global Cultures Program?

Yes, as an option. You may complete the program through course work on campus, but you also have the option of earning credits on a study abroad program for up to 12 of the 21 required credits (up to 12 credits for an academic year program; up to 6 for a semester program; up to 3 for a summer program). Depending upon the courses you take overseas, credits may apply to the program's language requirement, elective courses. Special permission is needed to complete capstone requirement abroad.

The Division of International Studies sponsors programs in more than 80 sites around the world (see the Study Abroad website). A number of programs are in English. The School of Business, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Institute for Environmental Studies, and the College of Engineering also sponsor overseas programs. Participation in these UW-Madison programs may also count toward the Global Cultures Program requirements.

4. What if I study abroad on a non UW-Madison program?

You will not automatically receive Global Cultures Program credit from a non UW-Madison study abroad program. (Programs managed by other University of Wisconsin System campuses are not UW-Madison programs.) However, you may receive credit if classes you took abroad transfer back to UW-Madison as the equivalent of elective courses on the Global Cultures course listing on this website or the equivalent of a fifth semester of a language.

5. What does the requirement of "a fifth semester of a foreign language or the equivalent" mean?

Students must complete a 5th semester college course or equivalent defined below. Each language department designates language courses by a certain semester or level in that language. If the language you are concentrating in does not offer a fifth semester, then the most advanced semester offered at UW-Madison will count as the equivalent of the fifth semester. Below is the fifth semester or last semester of a language that will count for the Global Cultures Program language requirement. Not all languages are listed below. Please contact the relevant language department for additional information.

NOTE: We will waive the language requirement if you are a native speaker of a language other than English.

6. Are RESIDENTIAL learning communities open to students in the Global Cultures Program?

Yes, freshmen who participate in the Global Cultures Program may choose to live together in The International Learning Community. The goal of this residential hall is to integrate living and learning experiences.

7. How do I apply for a certificate?

To apply for a Certificate in Global Cultures, make an appointment with the advisor for the program. The advisor will run a report (DARS-Degree Audit Reporting System) to ascertain which requirements have been fulfilled and what requirements remain. Students should have completed one of the foundation courses (ILS 209 fall sem, or GEOG 101 spring sem), or have a clear plan as to when they plan to take the course. The foundation course should be taken no later than the Fall Semester of the senior year. The Capstone course (ILS 401), is usually taken in the Spring semester of the senior year. Students will be asked to fill out a form for the Program office and complete & sign the College of Letters & Science Declaration form.

8. What is the capstone requirement?

You can learn about the capstone requirement here.