UW-Madison Division of International Studies

1979 Delegations to China have Enduring Impact

Among the hundreds of new graduate students who arrived on campus for the start of the fall 2011 semester, Zhao Jingzhou of Shanghai could claim a unique connection to a special moment Read more.

Chinese Champions Visit Cranberry and Ginseng Growers

A group of world-class Chinese athletes accustomed to competing on the international stage got a close look at two international stars of Wisconsin agriculture—cranberries and ginseng. The student-athletes in the Chinese Champions Read more.

[UW News] Sociologist Celebrates 50 Years of Teaching at UW-Madison

UW-News — September 27, 2011 By Stacy Forster On a research trip to India several years ago, UW–Madison sociology professor Gay Seidman was eavesdropping on other visiting faculty sharing their struggles to Read more.

International Studies Annual Advisory Board Meets in 2011

Several students reported on their recent international internships and other global experiences at the International Studies Advisory Board meeting at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, on September 23, 2011. View photo gallery for Read more.

Plexus Corporation Internship Opportunity: International Engineer for Summer 2012

The UW-Madison International Internships Program is pleased to post an opportunity through the Plexus Corporation, open to UW-Madison students. The Plexus Corporation is searching for one International Engineering Intern for Summer 2012 Read more.

Seven UW-Madison students awarded Boren Scholarships, Fellowships

May 17, 2013 Division of International Studies

Four University of Wisconsin–Madison undergraduates are receiving David L. Boren Scholarships to fund their study abroad during the 2013-14 academic year. Also, three UW–Madison graduate students are receiving 2013-14 Boren Fellowships to support their dissertation research and language study overseas.

Boren Scholarships and Fellowships are sponsored by the National Security Education Program (NSEP), a federal initiative designed to broaden the pool of U.S. citizens with foreign language and international skills.

Boren Awards provide U.S. undergraduate and graduate students with resources and encouragement to acquire language skills and experience in countries critical to the future security and stability of the nation. In exchange for funding, Boren award recipients agree to work for at least one year in a federal government position with national security responsibilities.

“The National Security Education Program represents an essential component of a comprehensive national security strategy to address serious and long-time deficiencies in critical language expertise,” says NSEP Director Michael A. Nugent.

UW–Madison Shanghai Innovation Office seeks to further increase engagement

May 14, 2013 Division of International Studies

In its first year, the University of Wisconsin–Madison Shanghai Innovation Office (SIO) has hosted high-level delegations, coordinated conferences that have brought together Wisconsin and Chinese experts from academia as well as from the public and private sectors, and facilitated collaborative agreements. As UW–Madison moves to further strengthen connections in China, faculty and staff across campus are being encouraged to pursue new ideas for engagement through the university’s first overseas outpost.

“This office is meant to serve the entire campus community,” says W. John Kao, associate dean in UW–Madison’s Division of International Studies, who oversees the SIO. “We have had a dynamic first year, highlighted by two major conferences and an agreement to offer professional training in dairy science. We invite faculty, students and staff from across disciplines to let us help put their innovative ideas into action.”

Building on its long history of partnerships in China, UW–Madison opened the office in the Zizhu High-Tech Industrial Development Zone, a research park in Shanghai, in partnership with Shanghai’s Minhang District and University Research Park. Interim Chancellor David Ward joined with Minhang District leaders to formally inaugurate the SIO in June 2012.

UW undergraduates headed overseas on internships receive scholarships

May 07, 2013 Division of International Studies

University of Wisconsin–Madison students preparing to embark on international internships were among those who gathered recently – accompanied by family and friends – to hear words of encouragement and to receive scholarships to help pay their way. These undergraduates were recognized April 18, at the Spring 2013 Study Abroad Scholarship Award Ceremony, sponsored by the Division of International Studies, International Academic Programs (IAP), and International Internship Program (IIP).

In addition to undertaking internship placements overseas, students simultaneously enroll in the university’s Worldwide Internship online seminar course. The course guides students through issues related to globalization and helps them manage the challenges of working across cultures.

Some of the recipients of the International Internship Fund Awards and Plexus International Internship Award, with Maj Fisher, Director of the International Internship Program. International internship reinforce student's academic experiences and advance their professional literacy. Photo: Pauline Zhu

Some of the recipients of the International Internship Fund Awards and Plexus International Internship Award, with Maj Fischer, Director of the International Internship Program. International internship reinforce student’s academic experiences and advance their professional literacy. Photo: Pauline Zhu

More than 160 UW students receive study abroad scholarships

May 06, 2013 Division of International Studies

University of Wisconsin–Madison students preparing to embark on a variety of international programs gathered recently at the Pyle Center – joined by family and friends – to hear words of encouragement and to receive scholarships to help pay their way.

More than 160 undergraduates were honored April 18, at the Spring 2013 Study Abroad Scholarship Award Ceremony, hosted by the Division of International Studies, International Academic Programs (IAP), and International Internship Program (IIP). Nearly $200,000 in scholarship awards were announced.

David Nagel

In opening remarks for the event, UW–Madison alumnus David Nagel (BS ‘75, MBA ‘76), highlighted the transformative impact of his own summer abroad program to Scandinavia.

“Before I left for Scandinavia, I was a chemistry major who had never even seen the ocean,” says Nagel, executive vice president of BP America and chair emeritus of the Division’s External Advisory Board. “I came back fully enthused about international culture, history, politics, and business. And while I did complete my BS in chemistry, I quickly followed this with a Wisconsin MBA in international business, and have pursued this interest for the last 30-plus years, including 12 years living abroad.”

Nagel is a strong advocate for students to have at least one international experience – of any length – during their tenure at the UW. He reminded the students not only of the richness of what they were about to enjoy, but also of their larger opportunity to build on the experience to help make a difference in today’s interconnected world.

“This is what the Wisconsin Idea of the 21st century is all about,” he says.

“Study abroad is such a transformative experience for students, we are truly grateful to the donors and alumni who provide the scholarships that make it possible for students to participate,” says IAP Director Dan Gold, who served as emcee for the ceremony.

“It is wonderful to have this opportunity to meet and honor the students, and their families,” Gold says. “It is great sharing their excitement about the journeys they are about to embark on.”

Bousquet to return to faculty; Podestá continues as interim dean

April 30, 2013 Division of International Studies

Gilles Bousquet, who served as dean of the Division of International Studies and vice provost for globalization at the University of Wisconsin–Madison from 2002 until taking a leave to serve as UW-Eau Claire’s interim chancellor during the 2012-13 academic year, will rejoin the UW–Madison faculty in July.

Gilles Bousquet

“For many years, Gilles has led UW-Madison’s internationalization efforts, particularly in the areas of collaboration and curricular innovation,” says David Ward, interim chancellor of UW–Madison. “We look forward to welcoming him back to campus.”

Guido Podestá, who has served as interim dean of the Division of International Studies and vice provost since last July, will continue in the position until the search for a permanent successor has taken place.

Guido Podesta

Prior his current appointment, Podestá, professor in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, served as an associate dean in the Division of International Studies (2007-12), as director of the Latin American, Caribbean and Iberian Studies (LACIS) Program (2004-07), and as chair of the Department of Spanish and Portuguese (2000-03). He has been at UW–Madison since 1987.

Bousquet plans to spend the 2013-14 academic year on sabbatical before returning to the Department of French and Italian the following year. He also will serve as a special advisor to UW System President Kevin Reilly on internationalization initiatives.

INT'L@UW