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
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.
The Global Launch in London program will not be running in 2027-2028.
“These memories, friendships and lessons gained will carry with me throughout college and life beyond.” – Jessica B., Summer Launch
Eligibility
Review program pages for additional eligibility requirements.
- These programs are for incoming first-year students only.
- You must be admitted to UW–Madison and enrolled as a first-year, not a Transfer student
- U.S. citizens (native or naturalized) only
- Open to full-time, UW–Madison degree-seeking students only
- Good academic and disciplinary standing
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.
You must be a U.S. citizen to participate on any of the UW Study Abroad Launch programs.
You must be a first-year student to participate on any of the UW Study Abroad Launch programs.
You are eligible for the Summer Launch programs.
Due to on-campus obligations, you are not eligible to apply for the Semester or Global Launch programs.
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.
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.
Yes. Check the program web page cost and funding tab for available scholarships and how you apply.
No. If you are chosen as a participant on these programs, you will automatically be awarded the program scholarship.
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.
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.
Decisions and timelines
How will I find out if I’m accepted to a Launch program?
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.
No. You must choose one program at the time that you apply.
Yes. If you have submitted your application to UW–Madison and are awaiting your admissions decision, then you may apply to a UW Study Abroad Launch program.
No, if you are chosen as a participant on these programs, you will automatically be awarded the program scholarship.
Preparing for departure
Summer Launch:
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.
Semester Launch:
No. Participants will be given specific dates to attend SOAR as part of their in person pre-departure orientation on the UW–Madison campus.
Global Launch:
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.
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.
Yes. Parents are invited to attend.
Yes. All UW–Madison students who study abroad are enrolled in a health insurance policy through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI).
For Summer 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.
For Semester and Global Launch programs, students are responsible for arranging and purchasing round-trip airfare to the program site but will be given guidelines on arrival and departure times. More details about a suggested flight will be shared after your acceptance. Upon arrival, transfers between the airport and housing will be provided if you take the suggested flight.
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.
Let’s stay connected
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