Study Abroad and Study Away
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.
The School of Education recognizes the importance of gaining a global perspective, which includes study abroad and international internship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Our office works closely with the International Academic Program (IAP) Office.
We are excited to offer several faculty-led, short-term study abroad opportunities. Click the links below to read more about each program and how it may connect to your interests and program of study. Information about funding your study abroad can be found below.
Exploring outside your home culture is an opportunity to:
- Expand your world view
- Cultivate international understanding and new friendships
- Help you be more competitive in the global workforce
- Improve or develop language skills
- Strengthen communication and adaptability skills
- Learn more about yourself
UW Education, Diversity, and Community in the Galapagos Islands led by Diego Román
Visit local schools. Broaden your understanding of the local education system. Consider the importance of language diversity. This program will next run in summer 2028.
Credit: C & I 375, INST 402, or Community & Environmental SOC 400
UW City as Studio: Drawing in Portugal led by Sarah FitzSimons and John Baldacchino
Drawing in public spaces and seeing urban environments with new eyes will allow you to gain a deeper connection to Portugal’s culture, history, and daily life.
Credit: Art 448
UW Team Building in Costa Rica led by Luis Columna
Explore community through a variety of adventure activities. Step out of your comfort zone. Learn theories of group dynamics. Develop team and leadership skills.
Credit: Kinesiology 325, Management & Human Resources 365, or Sociology 464.
UW Crossroads of Culture & Health in New Zealand led by William Schrage
Explore the interaction between the environment, culture, and human physiology amidst the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand.
Credit: Kinesiology 214
UW Theatre in London led by Audrey Standish
Experience the history and modern realities of the theatre. Engage in readings and discussions. Gain understanding of the social and cultural contexts. See a variety of shows!
Credit: Theatre and Drama 595 or Anthropology 455
UW Disability Rights and Access in Australia
Compare the experience of citizens with disabilities in the United States and Australia by examining their rights and access to services. This program will next run in summer 2028.
Credit: RPSE 311
UW Movement as Medicine in Portugal led by Jacob Meyer
Learn about and compare physical activity and health outcomes cross-culturally. Examine theories of behavior change as they relate to cultural beliefs. Design a sedentary behavior intervention.
Credit: Kinesiology 250 or Community and Environmental Sociology 400
UW Inclusive Physical Activity & Sports in Ireland
Explore fitness, sports, and public health for individuals with diverse abilities. This program will next run in summer 2028.
Credit: Kinesiology 260
UW Youth Engagement and Teaching ESL in the Dominican Republic led by L.J. Randolph, Jr.
Develop and co-teach ESL curricula while learning about educational NGOs and the challenges they face.
Credit: Education Policy / Int’l Studies 335 or Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies 440
UW Dancing Cultures in Greece led by Natalie Zervou
Conduct an ethnographic study of dance. Examine how dance can be used to create a sense of identity and national belonging. Attend workshops, watch performances, and dance!
Credit: Dance 368, Anthropology 455, or Folklore Program 315
UW Disability, Access, and Inclusion in Belize led by Heather Dahl and Susan Syverud
Gain cross-cultural insights into education, disability, and inclusion in the U.S. and Belize.
Credit: RPSE 300 or RPSE 274
Funding Your Experience
Scholarship opportunities to fund your study abroad experience are available through the IAP/Study Abroad Office. This includes the Pre-Departure Assistance Program. Apply as early as possible. Review application deadlines carefully. We strongly encourage students to apply for all UW and external funding resources.
Complete an application to all scholarships offered through International Academic Programs in the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH).
Are you a Teacher Pledge student?
The Teacher Pledge program may provide support toward summer term study abroad costs for teacher education students who participate in University of Wisconsin-Madison credit-earning programs including the School of Education faculty-led programs listed above. If you are a Teacher Pledge student and have questions about studying abroad, please contact the program manager, Carly Marco.
How much do the programs cost and when do they run?
- Visit the program page for the study abroad course for which you intend to apply. On each program page, you will find information about eligibility, academics, costs, dates, logistics and how to apply. International Academic Programs is populating the program pages as soon as they have the appropriate information. If something is missing, please check back.
I cannot complete a FAFSA. Is there any way that I can apply for the scholarship funding?
- Yes, contact the Global Engagement Office and they will work with you to complete alternative paperwork (global@education.wisc.edu).
Who can I talk with to find out more information about the programs?
- Each program has a different International Academic Program Advisor. Please see the program information above and look for the name of the IAP advisor. They can help you with program-specific information.
If I complete the application process for the scholarship and program, am I guaranteed a spot?
- Applications will be reviewed by IAP and the School of Education. Priority is given to School of Education majors. The School of Education wants to make its programs accessible to everyone, so please apply. As with all application processes, we cannot guarantee a spot.
When will I know whether I have been accepted into a program?
- Study abroad and scholarship applications are both due on the designated program deadlines. You will receive confirmation of admittance by late January/early February for summer programs, and scholarship decisions shortly after. If you are applying for a winter program, you will receive confirmation of admittance in October.
I am graduating before the start to one of these study abroad programs. Am I eligible to participate or get a scholarship?
- No, graduating seniors are not eligible to participant or to get the School of Education Study Abroad Scholarship. Please contact the Global Engagement Office if you are interested in pursuing international experience post-graduation (global@education.wisc.edu).
If I apply to more than one SoE Signature Program, can I get more than one SoE Study Abroad Scholarship?
- Priority will always go to those SoE students who will attend the Signature Study Abroad Programs for the first time.
Where do I go with more questions?
- If you have a question regarding the SoE Study Abroad Scholarship, please contact the Global Engagement Office (global@education.wisc.edu), and they will put you in touch with the appropriate staff member.
- If you have program specific questions, please contact the following IAP Academic Program Advisor for the specific program(s). You can schedule an appointment with them through Starfish.
If you are an undergraduate student in the School of Education planning on studying abroad, please keep the following things in mind:
- #1: Plan ahead. It is never too early to meet with advisors in the International Academic Programs Office and Educational Academic Services.
- You will receive in-residence academic credit while studying abroad. See Major Advising Pages (MAPs).
- Scholarships are available. The IAP Office has a number of scholarships solely for UW–Madison students, and there are external scholarships as well. Do not rule out study abroad or study away based on cost. Make sure to meet with IAP to find out what scholarships are available.
- You aren’t in this alone! There are people in the International Programs Office and School of Education to support you throughout the process.
Study Abroad or Study Away
Are you ready to get started? Visit the IAP website for next steps and to schedule a meeting with a study abroad advisor to talk about:
- Program options (short-term, faculty-led, semester, academic year)
- Credit transfer
- Costs
- Scholarships/Financial Aid
- And much, much more!
International Internships
If you wish to pursue an international internship, the Intern Abroad Advisors at IAP can help. Start by filling out the Pre-Advising Worksheet to hone in on your interests, then explore the different types of internship options. You can schedule an advising appointment to learn more and make your plan.