Economics is a popular program around the world, and hundreds of current Michigan Econ students have studied abroad, or are doing so right now! Economics can be a part of many study abroad experiences.
Studying Economics abroad can be a great way to find new classes about the economies, social structures, and policy issues of your host country.
Finding courses for the Econ major: The process for pre-approval of courses is described below. In general, it is easiest to find 300-level elective credits abroad: those are courses with Principles of Micro or Macro as a pre-requisite. Econ majors may apply up to 6 credits of 300-level electives to their major. Most major universities offer courses equivalent to our 400-level Econ electives, and many U-M study abroad students take them and use them in their major. Not all study abroad programs offer such courses to their participants, however, so be sure to look carefully at course listings.
Study Abroad courses that satisfy Core requirements for the Econ major are rare. Intermediate Theory courses (401 and 402) must be taken at U-M in Ann Arbor, along with at least 4 credits in 400 level Econ electives with, ECON 401 or ECON 402 as a prereq. Econ majors should almost always take Econ 401 before studying abroad. Transferred econometrics courses (Econ 251, 451, or 452) must both meet our specific pre-requisites AND have almost identical topical coverage.
Process for pre-approval: Once you have identified the study abroad programs you are interested in, and the courses you would like to take, it’s time to get a course evaluation. If a course has not been pre-approved for use in the Econ major, and you would like to apply it to your Econ major, you must set up an appointment with a faculty advisor in the Econ Department.
Set up an advising appointment at the Economics Department website.
If possible, you should bring to that meeting a copy of the course’s syllabus that clearly states (a) the pre-requisites for enrollment, and (b) the material covered by the course. A detailed course guide description may also work as a substitute. If we can not verify pre-requisites, we generally will not approve a course for use in the major. The level of pre-requisites dictates the potential level of evaluation, be it 300-level (which have principles-level pre-reqs, equivalent to Econ 101 or 102), 400-level (which have intermediate-level pre-reqs, equivalent to Econ 401 or 402), or not applicable.
Non-economics courses, including Business, never may be used as an elective in the Econ major. It is not necessary to take courses that have direct analogues at U-M. In fact, study abroad is an excellent opportunity to take courses that we don’t offer in Ann Arbor!
Addtional Economics Department guidance on studying abroad can be found here.
Check out the following regions below that offer specific programming in your desired field. The current information reflects past course offerings so please be aware that future offerings may vary. All coursework must be approved by your academic department and/or advisor.
Next Steps: Attend a First Step session (optional), where you will learn general information about studying abroad through CGIS. For detailed information, visit our CGIS Advising page where you can get access to First Step and information on how to meet with peer advisors and program advisors. Our team will be able to help you through the application process and can address any of your questions or concerns in relation to curriculum, navigating your identity, navigating through a specific country, and so much more!
