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Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Education Abroad Guide

Close-up photo of Ecuadorian plant leaves
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 MCDB 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

  • Spending a semester abroad takes some good planning with your advisor, but is absolutely possible for MCDB majors!
  • The most common degree requirements taken abroad are upper-division MCDB electives, certain Gen Ed courses, and general elective hours.
  • You should 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 pre-health advisor. Going abroad during sophomore year is not recommended for MCDB majors, unless you are considering a summer option.
  • Junior: 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 MCDB A&S Gen Ed MCDB A&S Gen Ed MCDB
Overall credit hours  Arts and Humanities, Natural Science (Non-Lab), Social Sciences Upper-division MCDB electives
 		 Global Diversity N/A Natural Science (Lab), Written Communication MCDB required courses
 
Primary Education Abroad Options for MCDB 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