UW Study Abroad Launch
Studying abroad is an exciting way to enrich your academic learning while developing personal and professional skills. From strengthening your adaptability and increasing your confidence, to building proficiency in communication or gaining hands-on experience, studying abroad can help you develop both interpersonal and technical skills that will enable you to excel in college and beyond!
UW Study Abroad Launch programs are specially designed for incoming first-year students to begin their Wisconsin Experience abroad. If you are an incoming, first-year Badger interested in launching your studies with a global focus, these programs may be right for you!
Launch your first-year abroad
Incoming first-year UW–Madison students choose a UW Study Abroad Launch program to:
- Build friendships with a cohort of globally-minded Badgers
- Develop a connection with a UW professor
- Explore a new culture
- Earn UW–Madison credit towards your degree
- Acquire global skills to stand out to potential employers
Eligibility
- Review program pages for additional eligibility requirements
- These programs are for incoming freshmen students only. You must be admitted to UW–Madison as a freshman, not a transfer student
- US citizens only
- Open to full-time, UW–Madison degree-seeking students only
- Good academic and disciplinary standing
Note: You may only apply to and participate in one UW Study Abroad Launch program.
Request Information
Join our program mailing list to receive important updates including application notices, scholarship information, and more!
Programs for incoming students
You may only apply to and participate in one UW Study Abroad Launch program.
Summer Launch
Three-week program the summer before your freshman year.
All 2027 summer participants will receive a guaranteed $3,000 IAP scholarship toward the program fee.
Earn three credits with a cohort of 10-20 incoming students from all majors.
Semester Launch
Study abroad in Scotland during the fall semester of your freshman year!
Earn core Engineering credits to stay on track to graduate while exploring Scottish culture and society. One of your classes will be taught by a UW–Madison professor abroad!
Designed for students admitted to the College of Engineering.
Global Launch
Year-long program in London with a cohort of 15-20 students.
Participants will receive the Chris & Suzy (Oldorf) DeWolf Family Global Launch Scholarship to keep the cost of attendance comparable to studying on campus.
Earn required credit and choose from a variety of courses, including classes led by UW–Madison professors.
“These memories, friendships and lessons gained will carry with me throughout college and life beyond.” – Jessica B., Summer Launch
UW Global Launch
UW Global Launch in London is a year-long academic and experiential opportunity designed for first-year UW students to prepare them for success as global citizens in today’s interconnected world. The selected cohort, led by a UW professor, will engage in classroom learning, guest lecturers, guided visits around London and overnight excursions. While exploring British culture, students will complete core credit requirements and serve the community in which they will live through an international service learning component.
As a Global Launch participant, you’ll start your UW–Madison career strong by:
- Earning required credit and choose from a variety of courses, including classes led by UW–Madison professors
- Gaining global experience to use on your resumes
- Building lasting friendships with UW–Madison and English students alike
- Exploring England through group excursions to Windsor, Oxford, and more!
- Engaging in British culture through organized events such as theatre performances and English Afternoon Tea
The Chris & Suzy (Oldorf) DeWolf Family Global Launch Scholars
Students selected for participation on this program will receive the Chris & Suzy (Oldorf) DeWolf Family Global Launch Scholarship. This scholarship, established for Fall 2020, aims to ensure that the cost of study abroad for the first-year is comparable to the on-campus overall cost of attendance.
Awards will be given out as follows:
Wisconsin Resident: $20,000
Minnesota Resident: $15,000
Non-resident: $10,000
Request Information
Join our program mailing list to receive important updates, including application notices, scholarship information, and more!
UW Study Abroad Summer Launch
Kick-start your UW–Madison career by studying abroad and earning credit before you arrive on campus! On our Summer Launch programs, you’ll explore the host culture and engage in small, active learning environments with your fellow incoming Badger peers. Designed to occur during the summer between high school graduation and the start of the UW–Madison academic year, each program is led by a UW–Madison professor who teaches a 3-credit course abroad. Instruction integrates classroom learning with program excursions and cultural activities.
In addition to forming lasting relationships with fellow students and a UW–Madison instructor, you can:
- Learn about historical and contemporary global issues
- Gain familiarity with college-level academic expectations and skills
- Improve critical thinking, writing, and reading skills
- Develop personal and academic support networks
- Engage with people, places, and cultures around the world
Can I participate in a UW Study Abroad Summer Launch program and another early start program?
It may be possible if the dates of the programs do not overlap. You will need to check directly with both the administering Early Start program office and International Academic Programs to ensure your ability to participate on both.
View UW–Madison early start programs
Request Information
Join our program mailing list to receive important updates-including application notices, scholarship information, and more!
Program cost and funding
Each program page has a cost and funding tab that includes program specific cost sheets. Program cost sheets outline program fees, as well as out-of-pocket expenses with notes to help explain costs. Program fees are estimated and can be adjusted at any time. Once accepted, you will receive a cost sheet that includes confirmed program fees and additional out-of-pocket expenses.
In the cost and funding tab of each program page you can also find information about scholarships and financial aid to help plan your financing of the program.
Learn more about how to fund your study abroad experience
How much do UW Study Abroad Launch programs cost?
Program costs are dependent on the location and other factors specific to each Launch program. You can find the specific billed and out of pocket expenses on the program web page in the cost and funding tab.
Are there scholarships?
Yes. Check the program web page cost and funding tab for available scholarships and how you apply.
Do I need to submit a separate application for the program scholarship?
No. If you are chosen as a participant on these programs, you will automatically be awarded the program scholarship.
How does billing work?
UW–Madison students are billed a Program Fee for study abroad programs through the UW–Madison Bursar’s Office. Program Fees include different program expenses so it is important to review what is included in your Program Fee and what you are responsible for paying as an out of pocket expense.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply to more than one UW Study Abroad Launch program?
No. You must choose one program at the time that you apply.
Can I apply before I know whether I’ve been accepted to UW–Madison?
Yes. If you have submitted your application to UW–Madison and are awaiting acceptance then you may apply to a UW Study Abroad Launch program.
I’m an international student. Can I still apply?
You must be a US citizen to participate on any of the UW Study Abroad Launch programs.
Do I need to submit a separate application for the program scholarship?
No. If you are chosen as a participant on these programs, you will automatically be awarded the program scholarship.
Can I participate in a UW Study Abroad Summer Launch program and another early-start program?
It may be possible if the dates of the programs do not overlap. You will need to check directly with both the administering Early Start program office and International Academic Programs to ensure your ability to participate on both.
View UW–Madison early start programs
How much do UW Study Abroad Launch programs cost?
Program costs are dependent on the location and other factors specific to each Launch program. You can find the specific billed and out-of-pocket expenses on the program web page in the cost and funding tab.
Are there scholarships?
Yes. Check the program web page cost and funding tab for available scholarships and how you apply.
How does billing work?
UW–Madison students are billed a Program Fee for study abroad programs through the UW–Madison Bursar’s Office. Program Fees include different program expenses so it is important to review what is included in your Program Fee and what you are responsible for paying as an out of pocket expense.
Is SOAR included in the UW Study Abroad Launch programs?
For the UW Study Abroad Summer Launch programs, no. SOAR is separate. Participants will be given the option to attend the SOAR dates prior to their pre-departure orientation if they wish to attend both right before departure. However, you may choose the SOAR date that is best for your schedule before or after the program dates.
For the UW Global Launch program, yes. The pre-departure orientation for the UW Global Launch program is more extensive and will cover the relevant SOAR information. Participants on this program will not need to register for SOAR.
Is the pre-departure orientation mandatory?
Yes. You must attend the pre-departure orientation in Madison to participate on the program. More information on when these pre-departure orientations will occur is found on the program page.
Can parents attend the pre-departure orientation?
Yes. Parents are invited to attend.
How will I find out if I’m accepted?
You will receive an email from International Academic Programs notifying you of your acceptance and the next steps you need to take in your MyStudyAbroad account to confirm your participation.
Is there a waitlist?
Yes. You will be notified if you are on a waitlist for a program and you will be provided with a timeline when final confirmation of your participation will be verified.
What if I decide not to attend UW–Madison?
Please notify International Academic Programs if you decide not to attend UW–Madison as you will then be ineligible to participate on your UW Study Abroad Launch program.
Will I have insurance?
Yes. All UW–Madison students who study abroad are enrolled in a health insurance policy through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI).
How are flights arranged?
For all UW Study Abroad Launch programs, group flights will be arranged by International Academic Programs and billed to you as part of your Program Fee. Students will travel to program destinations on the same flight along with the Program Leader.
Do I need a passport?
Yes. Travel outside of the U.S. will require that you have a passport. If you do not already have a passport, apply for one immediately. If you have a passport, ensure that the passport will be valid at least 6 months after the time you plan to return from your program abroad.
Can I arrive late or depart early from the program?
No. Your flight cost is included in your billed Program Fee and so you must travel on the designated group flight for the program.
How do I receive more information?
Join our program mailing list to receive important updates-including application notices, scholarship information, and more!
Eligibility
- Review program pages for additional eligibility requirements
- These programs are for incoming Freshmen students only. You must be accepted to UW–Madison as a Freshman, not a Transfer student
- U.S. citizens only
- Open to full-time, UW–Madison degree-seeking students only
- Good academic and disciplinary standing
How to apply
- Review the information for Prospective Students.
- Review specific Academic Planning information.
- Complete your application to UW–Madison.
- Visit the UW Study Abroad Launch program webpages and choose the program that best fits your academic, personal, and professional goals.
NOTE: Students may only apply for one UW Study Abroad Launch program. - Follow the steps to apply outlined in the “Apply Now” tab on the specific UW Study Abroad Launch program page.
Can I apply to more than one UW Study Abroad Summer Launch program?
No. You must choose one program at the time that you apply.
Can I apply before I know whether I’ve been accepted to UW–Madison?
Yes. If you have submitted your application to UW–Madison and are awaiting acceptance then you may apply to a UW Study Abroad Launch program.
I’m an international student, can I still apply?
You must be a U.S. citizen to participate on any of the UW Study Abroad Launch programs.
Do I need to submit a separate application for the program scholarship?
No, if you are chosen as a participant on these programs, you will automatically be awarded the program scholarship.
Can I participate in a UW Study Abroad Summer Launch program as well as another early start program?
It may be possible if the dates of the programs do not overlap. You will need to check directly with both the administering Early Start program office and International Academic Programs to ensure your ability to participate on both.