At the University of Wisconsin — Eau Claire, we take study abroad seriously. 1 out of every 4 students in each graduating class study abroad, which puts us as 14th in the United States for masters level institutions sending students abroad for a a semester or longer.

Try new things, learn about a different culture, and see the world — all while earning credit.

Take a look at where we send the most Blugolds abroad each year! Is your dream location not on the list? Don’t worry, we have many more programs for you to explore. Find the full list here → http://bit.ly/BlugoldsAbroad

1 — United Kingdom

“ My time studying at the University of Winchester was enriching through course work and I learned a lot about myself being placed in an entirely new environment. I also developed great planning, money management, and flexibility skills while traveling around Europe — and creating close friendships with people from around the world was a wonderful addition to my overall experience.” – Rachel

2 — Costa Rica

Costa Rica Study Abroad is a private institute that has been designing study abroad programs for U.S. students for over 20 years. With options ranging from Nursing & Health Care Professional to Language & Culture, there is a program for everyone!

“I made friends in Miramar that I feel I will keep in contact with for the rest of my life. This program enriched my understanding of other countries, their health care system, and overall made me realize that there is so much more in the world than what we experience in our every day lives.-” Laura

3 — Spain

Spend fall or spring semester in Spain! The Valladolid program offers a semester of intensive study of Spanish language, culture and literature. Courses are small and taught at various levels depending on your proficiency. And if that wasn’t enough to convince you, excursions to several near-by cities are included, too!

“I came back to the United States with a greater appreciation of the Spanish culture, enhanced Spanish language skills, lifelong friends from other countries, thousands of pictures, unforgettable experiences from travels across Europe, a better understanding of my strengths and weaknesses, and a greater idea of the role I play in our world.” –Amanda

4 — Australia

UWEC has been sending students to Australia since 1995 and hundreds of students have studied on the program to date. You will be immersed in the life of an Australian university student surrounded by Australian professors and students. When you have finished your semester, you will be able to say that you truly experienced life in another culture.

“This experience really opened my eyes and gave me a new appreciation of all the different cultures and all the beauty that is out in this world. It was truly an experience of a lifetime, and it opened up many more opportunities for my future.” –Casey

5 — Germany

“Studying abroad can be very challenging and stressful at times with the language barriers, different currencies, time zones, and hot, smelly public transportation – but its things like walking past a 600 year old church every day on the way to school, making friends with people from all over the world, and reaching the top of La Sagrada Familia or Neuschwanstein Castle and looking down at your view – all of these things make the little everyday hassles completely worth it. –Nicole

6 — Italy

With almost 40 years of experience, Istituto Lorenzo de’ Medici (LdM) is one of Italy’s most distinctive and well-established study abroad institutions. Depending on the campus you attend, you can choose from over 400 different courses in 32 subject areas. Courses fall under four main academic divisions: Arts and Sciences, Creative Arts, Design, and Italian Language and Culture.

“This program worked really well for my degree. I fulfilled a course for my minor by studying intercultural communication and my pairing food and wine course satisfied a general education requirement and my international experience for my minor.” - Danielle

7 — South Africa

Stellenbosch University was founded in 1866 and is now recognized as one of the top four research universities in South Africa. Stellenbosch University is home to approximately 22,000 students (roughly 16,000 undergraduates and 6,000 graduate students). Stellenbosch University is multilingual institution with instruction primarily in Afrikaans and English.

“My time in South Africa is the best experience I have ever had. I went way out of my comfort zone and got to experience and learn so much about the culture! I never in a million years thought I would eat a sheep’s cheek (a Xhosa tradition, not just curiosity)…. South Africa has been (as cheesy as it sounds) a life changing experience!” -Ellen

8 — India

India’s role in the world and our lives means that learning about India first hand will provide a body of knowledge that will enhance the UW-Eau Claire degree. You will spend three weeks in India exploring the cities of New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, while learning how more than 20 states in the country (formerly separate kingdoms) survive in harmony, with their varying lifestyles, food, languages, and caste system.

“India was a country like none other! The diversity of the people, food, and atmosphere was unbelievable! It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget.” -Abby

9 — Ireland

Whether you have Irish heritage, love all things Celtic or want to explore a vibrant music and arts culture, Limerick has something for you!

The University of Limerick (UL) was established in 1972 and quickly gained a reputation among Irish universities for innovation. Additionally, UL was regarded for its excellent academic standards and relevance to the needs of the developing Irish economy, particularly in the areas of advanced technology and Ireland’s membership in the European Union. The University has become a focus for a wide range of artistic activity and is home to some fine collections of Irish Art, the Irish Chamber Orchestra, and the Irish World Music Centre.

“Everyone tells you that this is going to be a life changing experience, but to actually have it happen and exceed your wildest dreams made my study abroad experience absolutely everything I had hoped it would be.” –Austin

10 — France

UW-Eau Claire has partnered with University Studies Abroad Consortium to offer students the opportunity to study French language and culture in Pau, France. The program is located at the University of Pau, situated about a mile and a half from the center of town. It features libraries, two dining halls, a café, several residence halls, and a variety of sports facilities. More than 10,000 students are enrolled in the areas of humanities, sciences, polytechnic and business.

“Studying abroad in Pau, France was the best decision I’ve ever made. I adapted to a new culture, improved my French language skills, became an educated traveler, and made friends that will last a lifetime. Part of my heart will forever be in France.” – Megan