All of our programs fall within five broad categories that structure your experience abroad. You can filter your program search based on structure types, explained below. In addition, some of our programs offer virtual learning opportunities.
You will earn in-residence UW-Madison credit on all of our programs. Most types of financial aid may be applied to program costs. Some of programs offer an opportunity to complete an internship, conduct fieldwork or research, or focus your studies on improving your language skills. These experience types are indicated on our program search with the following icons:
Programs
- UW Signature
These programs are created and administered by UW-Madison, offer a high level of on-site support, and are often led by a UW-Madison professor. In most cases your fellow classmates will be other UW-Madison students. UW Signature programs may be prioritized for IAP scholarships and are indicated on our program search result page with a UW crest icon.
- Exchange & Direct Enroll
Programs offered through partnerships with other universities where students enroll as an exchange student or as an international student at a university. The host institution provides pre-departure information, and information for classes, housing, and administration abroad. These programs are eligible for IAP scholarships. - Provider
Programs offered through partnerships with study abroad and international organizations. The provider organization provides pre-departure information and information for classes, housing, and administration abroad. These programs are eligible for IAP scholarships.
Program Structure Comparison
| Structure | UW Signature | Exchange Programs & Direct Enroll | Provider Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fellow Classmates | A cohort of UW-Madison students; or mix of UW-Madison students and students from other universities; may or may not have a level of integration with local students of that country. | Host-country students; occasionally other study abroad and international students. | Study abroad students from U.S. colleges and universities; may or may not have a level of integration with local students of that country. |
| Location | Typically classroom, or field-based, which may or may not be near a university. | Courses at a local university | Typically classroom, or field-based, which may or may not be near a university. |
| Academic Structure | May include courses taught by UW-Madison instructors; or have a strong influence of UW academics; may offer chance to experience both U.S. style and host-country academic culture. | Learning is self-directed or independent; wide variety of courses; course information may be limited prior to arriving; grading structures differ from U.S. style. | Similar to U.S. style with regular assignments, frequent exams, and seminar-style teaching, or experiential for field-work; may offer chance to experience both U.S. style and host-country academic culture. |
| On-site Support | High level of support on site. You are expected to be pro-active in asking for assistance on-site. | Limited; you are expected to be independent and pro-active in asking for assistance on-site. | Usually a high-level of support by staff from the provider program. You are expected to be pro-active in asking for assistance on-site. |
Internships
Many programs, such as Wisconsin in Washington and UW in London, offer required or optional internships as part of the overall experience. A listing of all programs which include internships opportunities can be found on our program search page and are indicated with a handshake icon.
- UW Signature Internships
International internships developed exclusively for UW-Madison students. Your main focus abroad will be your internship and you will take a 3-credit virtual class to complement your cross-cultural work experience. Some internships may offer compensation. Search for these opportunities on the International Internship Database. These internships are indicated in the search results with the words “UW Signature.” - Internship-Focused Programs
Internship-focused study abroad programs are centered around building professional experience abroad while offering robust on-site support. Many programs place you into an internship, while others may require you to apply to a position. You will enroll in 3-6 credits to complement your cross-cultural work experience. Search for these opportunities in the study abroad program search. These programs are indicated with a handshake symbol. - Part-Time Internships
Study abroad programs that offer a part-time internship option or component alongside 6 or more credits of coursework. Some programs place you into an internship, while others may require you to apply to a position. Search for these opportunities in the study abroad program search. These programs are indicated with a handshake symbol. - External Internships
Students who identify their own internship abroad can work with an Intern Abroad Advisor to review and approve this experience. If approved, you enroll in a 3-credit virtual course to complement your cross-cultural work experience, and receive insurance and support through UW-Madison. Students taking this course are eligible to apply for IAP scholarships.
Internship Structure Comparison
| Structure | UW Signature Internships | Internship-focused Programs | Part-time Internships | External Internships |
| Description | Internships developed exclusively for UW-Madison students | Programs where an internship is the main focus of your time abroad | Programs that include an internship alongside several courses. The internship may be a required part of the program or an optional component, depending on the program. | Students identify their own internship abroad and work with an Intern Abroad Advisor to review and approve this experience. |
| Fellow Interns | You may be the only intern at this location, or there may be one or two other UW-Madison interns | You may be the only intern at a specific organization while also studying alongside other UW or US students. | You may be the only intern at a specific organization while also studying alongside other UW or US students. | You may be the only intern at this location, or there may be other interns. |
| Academic Credit | Required 3-credit virtual course. | Academic credits varies (3-6 credits) |
Academic credits varies (7-18 credits) |
Required 3-credit virtual course. |
| Internship Placement | You are applying directly to the internship. | Program assists with internship search and/or placement. | Depending on the program, you may need to apply directly to the internship or the program might assist with internship placement. Placements are not always guaranteed. | You are applying directly to the internship. |
| On-site Support | Varying levels of on-site support.
Typically these internships are well suited for independent, self-motivated students. |
Majority of programs provide a high level of on-site support. | Varying levels of on-site support. | Limited; you are expected to be independent and proactive in asking for assistance on-site from your internship supervisor. |
| Application Process | Can submit up to 3 applications.
Submit an application through the International Internships Database. All applications require a resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcript. Some opportunities may require additional materials. |
Can only submit 1 application.
You may be required to submit additional materials beyond the standard program application. |
Can only submit 1 application.
For some programs, internships are an optional experience abroad. You may be required to submit additional materials beyond the standard program application. |
Apply directly to the organization, then submit an application for the Worldwide Internship Program for approval by International Academic Programs. |