Are you an incoming, first-year Badger interested in starting your studies through an exciting summer study abroad program prior to the start of your fall semester? If so, a UW Study Abroad Summer Launch program may be right for you!
What is a UW Study Abroad Summer Launch Program?
A UW Study Abroad Summer Launch program is an opportunity to explore intriguing topics in small, active learning environments, with your Badger peers, before you arrive on campus.
Designed to occur during the summer between high school graduation and the start of the UW-Madison school year, all UW Study Abroad Summer Launch programs include an on-campus pre-departure orientation followed by group travel abroad with a UW-Madison instructor.
UW Study Abroad Summer Launch programs are an exciting and unique way for you to start your educational career at UW-Madison! You have the opportunity to earn UW-Madison Residence Credits during your study abroad.
By choosing a Summer Launch program, you’ll form lasting relationships with fellow students and a UW-Madison instructor while you:
- 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, and
- Engage with people, places, and cultures around the world.
Explore all UW Study Abroad Launch opportunities, including studying abroad your first year on our UW Global Launch in London program.
Eligibility
- 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
Note: You may only apply to and participate in one UW Study Abroad Launch program.
Advising Location
Program Structure
UW Signature Program
Program Duration
Summer prior to first semester of study on campus
Request Information
Join our program mailing list to receive important updates-including application notices, scholarship information, and more!
Summer Programs
Ireland: Battles, Borders and Bogs
Summer 2026
Examine Irish political history and political thought through the lens of controversies about land use, private interests and the public good.
Japan: Supernatural and Surreal
Summer 2025
Discover how supernaturally-themed Japanese texts, sites, and performances influence Japanese popular culture and response to national trauma.
Sweden: Vikings to Empire
Summer 2025
Trace the expansion of the Vikings through Scandinavia from the medieval period through the advent of the Empires to the North.
“It is incredible to get to start off my college career in such a spectacular way.”
Dana C., Summer Launch Ireland Participant
Academics
UW Study Abroad Summer Launch programs are like all UW-Madison study abroad offerings in that they are designed to help students meet core academic goals:
- Learn about and from the community in which you live and study
- Apply all you’ve learned abroad to your life at UW-Madison and beyond
- Serve as a cultural and academic ambassador of UW-Madison
UW Study Abroad Launch programs have courses taught by UW-Madison instructors. Your location abroad will become your classroom as you explore topics relevant to and enhanced by your study location.
Please visit the program pages for detailed information about their unique courses and learning objectives.
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.
Program Cost & 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.
Parents & Families
We invite you to learn about all the ways we support students and their families through these experiential learning opportunities abroad on our dedicated web page for Parents and Families. Here you can find more information about the UW-Madison Parent and Family Program, the importance of studying abroad, and supporting your student while abroad and upon return.
Your student’s IAP Team
There is a team of professionals at IAP who work collaboratively on each Summer Launch program, each with different roles:
- Enrollment Specialist Advisor: application and acceptance process; grade and credit transfer
- Study Abroad Advisor: academics and program advising: visa processes, housing, life abroad, health and safety
- Financial Specialist: billing and scholarships
Learn more about advising and ask questions through our Study Abroad Resource Center.
Timeline for the Summer Launch programs
- December the year prior to the summer program – applications open
- April before the summer program (exact date on program pages)– applications due
- 2 weeks after application deadline- students will be notified via email of acceptances
- Accepted students will receive instructions about accessing their MyStudyAbroad portal which will include a pre-departure checklist and important program information.
- The MyStudyAbroad portal is the main source of information for students: before, during, and after their time abroad. Each tab has important information to review and tasks to complete.
- 2 weeks after acceptance- deadline for students to complete all tasks to complete in their MyStudyAbroad portal. They will complete these to confirm acceptance and intent to participate on the UW Study Abroad Summer Launch Program.
- Once confirmed, students will receive more information about orientation details and other steps to prepare for the program.
Please reference the FAQ tab for more information.
Is the pre-departure orientation mandatory?
Yes. Students 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.
Program Locations
Program locations change year to year, so be sure to check the dates to know which programs will be running during the summer before your Freshman year.
International Programs
Summer 2025
Past Program Locations
2024: Ireland, Japan, and Sweden
2023: Ireland and Japan
2022: Ireland
2020: Ireland and Japan. The 2020 programs were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2019: Ireland
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
What if my AP or dual-enrollment credits place me at a sophomore or junior status, can I still apply?
Yes. If Advanced Placement (AP) and dual-enrollment credits (college classes taken while in high school) place you at sophomore or junior status, you’re still eligible to participate as long as you are a first-time, full-time student.
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 Summer 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.
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 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.
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.
Participants and families will be invited to participate in a web-based orientation before the program start date. Participants will have an in-person orientation upon the program’s start. Information on these events will be provided once the group of participants is confirmed.
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 Summer 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 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 and from program destinations on the same flights 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 any 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
- If Advanced Placement (AP) and dual-enrollment credits (college classes taken while in high school) place you at sophomore or junior status, you’re still eligible to participate as long as you are a first-time, full-time student.
- U.S. citizens only
- Open to newly admitted, full-time, UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
- Good academic and disciplinary standing
How to apply
The UW Study Abroad Launch programs and scholarship applications will open by December the year prior to the summer program. To be notified when applications are available, please join our UW Study Abroad Summer Launch programs mailing list.
Applicants must complete the following steps:
- Set up your UW-Madison NetID.
Your NetID and password are required to submit your application to a UW Study Abroad Summer Launch program. You will need to activate your NetID online after you have submitted your application for admission to the University of Wisconsin–Madison. To activate your NetID, will need your 10-digit Campus ID number which can be found on your application confirmation email or on your admission letter. If you have an issue with your NetID or password, contact DoIT Helpdesk
2. Complete an online application for the UW Study Abroad Summer Launch Program of your choice.
Deadlines & Acceptance Process
Timeline for the Summer Launch programs
- December the year prior to the summer program – applications open
- We encourage you to apply early!
- Apply for/renew/check passport
- While not required to apply, a valid passport is required to travel internationally.
- This process can take six (6) weeks or longerso it is highly recommended that you apply for your passport early if you do not already have one.
- If you do have a passport, check that your passport is valid at least 6 months after the end of your program.
- Applying for or Renewing a Passport
- April before the summer program (exact date on program pages)– your Summer Launch program application is due
- 2 weeks after application deadline- you will be notified via email of acceptances
- Accepted students will receive instructions about accessing their MyStudyAbroad portal which will include a pre-departure checklist and important program information.
- The MyStudyAbroad portal is the main source of information for you: before, during, and after their time abroad. Each tab has important information to review and tasks to complete.
- 2 weeks after acceptance- deadline to complete all tasks to complete in your MyStudyAbroad portal. You will complete these to confirm acceptance and intent to participate on the UW Study Abroad Summer Launch Program.
- All accepted students are required to submit a nonrefundable $300 acceptance deposit. This deposit must be submitted directly to International Academic Programs. Instructions on how to submit payment will be in your MyStudyAbroad checklist and Acceptance Deposit Task.
- Once confirmed, you will receive more information about orientation details and other steps to prepare for the program. Be sure to check your wisc.edu email often.