Credit for International Internships
Interns on UW Signature Internships are automatically enrolled in IS-523: Culture and the Global Workplace. Some study/intern abroad programs may also include enrollment in IS-523.
UW–Madison students who have found their own internship outside the US can apply to the UW Undergraduate Internship Credit Program. If approved, you will also be enrolled in IS-523.
The online course includes internship reflection and academic consideration of cross-cultural relations in the global workforce. You will interact with other UW–Madison students doing internships in various fields around the world.
This course is not available for virtual international internships or domestic internships (within the US); students are encouraged to seek credit for virtual and domestic internships through their school/college. International students may require employment authorization for virtual and domestic internships.
Internship Resources
Course credit
International Studies 523 (IS-523): Culture & The Global Workplace
This 3-credit online course includes internship reflection and academic consideration of cross-cultural relations in the global workforce. You will interact with a UW–Madison instructor and other UW–Madison students doing internships in various fields around the world.
Using IS-523 to fulfill degree requirements
The IS-523 course will appear on your UW transcript once your internship is completed and your course grade has been processed. If you would like to use this course to fulfill an internship or field experience requirement in your major or certificate (e.g. Global Health, SOHE, Rehab Psych) you should discuss this with your Intern Abroad Advisor and your academic or career advisor as soon as possible to allow enough time for the review and approval process before your internship begins. Please talk to your academic advisor to inquire if the course may fulfill other requirements.
Benefits
By participating in a UW Signature Internship or the UW Undergraduate Internship Credit Program, you will receive:
- Enrollment in international health & travel insurance
- 24/7 emergency support through IAP
- In-person components through a pre-departure orientation, check-in with an Intern Abroad advisor while abroad and re-entry meeting
- Continuous enrollment at UW–Madison
- Eligibility for many internship, study abroad, campus and national scholarships
- Credit earned from completing the IS-523 course
Credit may be required by your host organization or for you to be eligible for the appropriate visa. For students interning in the semester, taking IS-523 will maintain your student status so that you keep your position for registration, your UW email active and any student loans you have from going into repayment. Many scholarships require enrollment so it may expand your funding options, including financial aid depending on credit number and duration.
Eligibility
- Accepted for a UW Signature Internship, internship placement program or external internship outside the U.S.
- Undergraduate UW–Madison student
- 2.5 cumulative GPA*
- Minimum internship length of 4 weeks, 100 hours
- Good academic and disciplinary standing
Students interning while on a UW–Madison study abroad program may also be able to enroll.
*students below a 2.5 may be able to receive an exception. Contact an Intern Abroad advisor for more information.
Application process
UW Signature Internship
You will automatically be enrolled in IS-523 if you accept a UW Signature Internship. There is no need to fill out a separate application.
External Internships
If you have found your own internship abroad and would like to earn credit, you need to submit an application for the UW Undergraduate Internship Credit Program.
- Open your online UW–Madison Study Abroad Application
- When selecting a program, scroll down to the “Worldwide” section and select the UW Undergraduate Internship Credit Program application corresponding to the term* you will be interning abroad.
- Complete your application and submit by the deadline!
Typically, applications are due on the following timeline:
- Summer term internship: mid-February
- Spring term internship: early October
Check the UW Undergraduate Internship Credit Program page for specific deadlines and instructions. Applications may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis after our deadline. Contact an Intern Abroad advisor for more information.
Even if you are still in the early planning stage or your internship isn’t finalized yet, please submit what you do know by the deadline.
After submitting you will meet with an Intern Abroad advisor to review your plans. Please come in for advising so we can help you with the process.
*Students who plan on completing a fall or academic year internship abroad should contact an Intern Abroad advisor for options for enrolling in credit during these durations.