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.
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.
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.
The following program structures are intended for students whose primary focus is to complete an internship abroad:
- UW Signature
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.” - External
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.
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. |
Internship Structure Comparison
| Structure | Study Abroad Program with Internship Component | UW Signature Internships | External Internships |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fellow 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 this location, or there may be one or two other UW-Madison interns. | You may be the only intern at this location, or there may be other interns. |
| Academic Credit for Internship | Varies by program. See academics tab within each program webpage. | Required 3-credit virtual course. | Required 3-credit virtual course. |
| On-site Support | Varies by program. See Program Structure Comparison above for more information. | Limited; you are expected to be independent and proactive in asking for assistance on-site from your internship supervisor. | Limited; you are expected to be independent and proactive in asking for assistance on-site from your internship supervisor. |
| How to Apply | Varies by program. Follow instructions on the study abroad program webpage. You may be required to submit additional materials beyond the standard study abroad application. | Submit an application through the International Internships Database. All applications require a resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcript. Some opportunities may require additional materials. | Apply directly to the organization, then submit an application for the Worldwide Internship Program for approval by International Academic Programs. |