Wisconsin International Scholars (WISc) Program

Are you passionate about global issues, languages, and cultures? Are you interested in incorporating an international component in your undergraduate education?

The Wisconsin International Scholars (WISc) Program, sponsored by the UW–Madison International Division, provides the opportunity for a select group of undergraduates to participate in an internationally focused enrichment program while pursuing any of the undergraduate majors offered on campus.

Highlights of the WISc Program include:

• Study abroad grants that may be used toward participation in any study abroad program listed on the UW–Madison Study Abroad official website and for which students earn UW–Madison residence credits. As long as all program requirements are being met, students will receive:

$2,500 for a summer or short-term program
AND
$4,000 for a semester-long program OR $6,000 for a yearlong program

• A small group experience with peers who share your interest in global issues, languages, and cultures

• Monthly events and international dinners that provide opportunities to discuss international issues from an interdisciplinary perspective

• A one-credit, discussion-based small group seminar during your first semester that fosters global citizenship and builds community with your WISc cohort

• Advising relationships with faculty and staff to support students as they build an international component into their education

Applicants are strongly encouraged to visit the WIScholars website and learn more about the program before submitting the application: www.intlscholars.wisc.edu

PLEASE NOTE: WISc is an on-going global enrichment program that admitted students commit to participating in throughout their undergraduate careers. It is not a one-time scholarship.

• Prospective freshman students who are curious about the world around them, who are committed to increasing the depth and breadth of their understanding, and who would like to benefit from a close-knit campus community experience.

Additional elements considered in the selection process:

• Demonstrated international interest: this might include participation or leadership in an internationally focused school club or activity, elective coursework with an international focus, or participation in a gap year or study abroad program.
• Background and experience: examples include work and life experiences, education, disciplinary interests, accomplishments, social and academic activities, special challenges, etc.
• Language interest: commitment to learning one or more world languages.
• Leadership potential: examples include participation in student government, team captain or club organizer, organizer in a service learning project, or major role in community or family.
  
  
  Award Information
  WISc participants making satisfactory progress in the program are eligible for two study abroad travel grants for participation in study abroad programs offered by a UW-Madison unit, and for which students earn UW-Madison residence credits. The first is a $2500 travel grant to participate in a short-term study abroad program. As long as all program requirements are met, students will also be offered either a $4000 travel grant for a semester-long or $6000 for year-long study abroad experience.
  
  
  Conditions of Award
  In order to be eligible for WISc study abroad travel grants students must meet the following program requirements:
  
  
  
  1. Regular attendance and participation in WISc events
     
  2. Completion of the following courses: IS212 (one-credit discussion section specifically for first-year WISc students) and ONE approved comparative global studies course
  
  
  3. Completion of four or more semesters of language study as an enrolled student at UW-Madison
     
  
  
  Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the program’s features and goals and visit the FAQ on our website before completing the application:
  Visit program site