Division of International Studies

The Division of International Studies provides a variety of giving opportunities in support of international studies.

Study Abroad Scholarships

Study abroad offers students the opportunity to experience a new culture through coursework, exploration, and personal growth. A study abroad experience is a life-changing event that helps expand a student’s worldview, deepens language competence, increases self-reliance, shapes character, develops professional interests, and advances personal and professional maturity. UW’s study abroad programs are ranked among the top ten nationally. Almost 50 percent of incoming students express an interest in studying abroad, yet only 20 per cent of the current graduating class will be able to do so.

Wisconsin International Scholars (WISC) program

This honors-type, four year program provides an opportunity for a small, select group of undergraduates to participate in an internationally focused enrichment program while they pursue any of 145 undergraduate majors offered on campus. The program integrates study abroad opportunities by providing travel grants, and fosters international leadership through mentoring by faculty and staff. The program has a commitment to participation of disadvantaged groups.

Diplomat-in-Residence Program

Eight diplomats have visited the UW within the last two years. Each visit, whether short- or long-term, brings the world’s professionals to campus and offers a unique perspective on global affairs. These opportunities have made for a richer intellectual experience for our campus and community. Diplomats-in-residence engage in teaching, research, and outreach on international public affairs. The program encourages students to reach for innovative careers in international studies and foreign affairs. There are 250 International Studies majors at UW. In addition, several thousand students take international courses offered by the International Institute.

Innovation Fund for International Education

Accelerating internationalization is a main objective of UW-Madison’s strategic plan. Internationalizing the curriculum campus-wide through the Innovation Fund increases the global competence of UW-Madison graduates by expanding and deepening international content in all academic disciplines.

Fund for Strategic Faculty Hiring

A hallmark of UW-Madison is an exceptional faculty whose research and teaching are both interdisciplinary and collaborative. The Fund for Strategic Faculty Hiring makes it possible to secure seed-funding for key internationally focused faculty positions in emerging areas of inquiry, including:

• Global marketing
• International relations and security
• International population health and epidemiology
• Development and environment

International Internship Travel Grants

In a survey by the American Council on Education, 86% of companies reported a need for managers and employees with greater international knowledge in the decade ahead. The International internships Program (IIP) identifies, cultivates and promotes high-quality internship opportunities that advance the professional training of UW-Madison undergraduate students; foster global competency; and reinforce academic learning through practical application. Organizational relationships and international opportunities established through the IIP help build the Wisconsin Idea: the notion that education should influence people’s lives beyond the boundaries of the classroom.

UW-Madison students are often able to find enriching international internship opportunities which interest them, but may be unable to participate due to the unpaid nature of many internships, as well the additional costs of airfare, overseas accommodation, and placement fees. Travel grants will help support students in their goal to join the global talent pool and apply their academic work overseas.