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Integrative Physiology Education Abroad Guide

Girl in Kayak in Switzerland
CU Boulder Education Abroad offers over 400 programs in over 70 countries! You can go abroad for a semester, year, 2-12 weeks in the summer, or even winter break. Going abroad is strongly encouraged by the Integrative Physiology department. Use the following information as a general guideline to plan your time abroad, and connect with your academic advisor as well. Work with Education Abroad advisors to get more details on how to get started, discuss your program options, and next steps. 

Quick Facts

  • A semester abroad is absolutely possible for IPHY majors, but takes some planning with your academic and heath profesisons advisor! 
  • Junior year is the best semester for IPHY majors to go abroad. Summer after sophomore or junior year is also possible.
  • The most common degree requirements taken abroad are IPHY electives or IPHY capstone/ core courses
  • Avoid taking pre-reqs for medical school or any other health-related graduate/professional program abroad
  • Use the Course Approvals List to find programs that offer courses approved for the credit you need

Planning and When to Go

  • First-year and Sophomore: 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).
  • Junior: 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.
  • Senior: 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?

Usually Doable Tricky Probably Not
General Electives  A&S Gen Ed IPHY A&S Gen Ed IPHY A&S Gen Ed IPHY
Overall credit hours  Arts and Humanities, Natural Science (Non-Lab), Social Sciences Upper-division IPHY electives,  IPHY capstone/ core courses, and IPHY 4950 Global Internship credit
 		 Global Diversity IPHY 3280 Natural Science (Lab), Written Communication IPHY 3410, IPHY 3430, IPHY 3435, and IPHY 3700
 

Primary Education Abroad Options for IPHY Majors  

  1. 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). 
  2. Studying at a university abroad with traditional classes that fulfill major requirements.  There are many options with classes taught in English.
  3. Saving core/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.

Suggested Programs

Use these links to find programs that may be a good match for you and your course needs.
   

Additional Resources

Last Updated March 2023