Wisconsin International Scholars (WISc) Program

WISc is an undergraduate honors enrichment program for students from any major or discipline interested in incorporating a global dimension into their undergraduate education. The goal of the WISc program is to build global competence and citizenship for undergraduates from a variety of disciplines and majors. We expect WIScholars to become leaders in their chosen fields and believe that a global perspective is an essential element of this leadership.

Students making satisfactory progress in the program are eligible for two study abroad grants (a total of $3,000) to be applied toward one short-term and one long-term UW study abroad program.

Students complete required coursework in the first-year plus four semesters of additional foreign language study; in addition, students and their faculty/staff mentors participate in monthly dinners in collaboration with the International Learning Community and in regular activities that introduce students to a wide variety of global topics and opportunities.

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


Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants must meet ONE of the following criteria:

  1. Cumulative HS GPA of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale at the end of junior year OR

  2. Top 10% of graduating class OR

  3. Minimum ACT score of 30, or a minimum SAT Composite score of 1350.

Students may only apply for admission to the WISc Program before the start of their freshman year.


Selection Criteria
Recommended Language preparation: 3 years of language study or demonstrated proficiency in at least one language beyond English.
Additional elements considered in the selection process include demonstrated interest in global affairs, cultures, and languages as well as leadership potential and individual background and experiences.


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 $1000 travel grant to participate in a short-term study abroad program. As long as all program requirements are met, students will also be offered a $2000 travel grant for a semester- or 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 foreign language study</li

Visit program site

Award
Varies
Organizations
Wisconsin International Scholars Program
Deadline
03/01/2021
Supplemental Questions
  1. To be eligible for this program you must meet ONE of the following criteria: 1) Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale at the end of junior year OR 2) Top 10% of graduating class OR 3) A minimum ACT score of 30 OR a minimum SAT Composite score of 1350. I meet the following criteria. Please check any that apply:
  2. WISc is an undergraduate honors enrichment program for students from any major or discipline interested in incorporating a global dimension into their undergraduate education. The goal of the WISc program is to build global competence and citizenship for undergraduates from a variety of disciplines and majors. We expect WIScholars to become leaders in their chosen fields and believe that a global perspective is an essential element of this leadership. Students admitted to the program commit to regular participation and engagement with the program throughout their undergraduate careers. Are you willing to commit to participating regularly in WISc events throughout your undergraduate career and to completing program requirements?
  3. Please describe your formal and/or informal foreign language experience and interests.
  4. Please describe any coursework on global topics that you have completed.
  5. Please describe up to five activities you have participated in that demonstrate your interest in global cultures or global affairs.
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