International internships through International Academic Programs (IAP) extend the Wisconsin Idea across borders by connecting Badgers with professional opportunities around the world. These hands-on experiences allow UW–Madison students to expand their technical skills and global networks while developing critical soft skills such as problem-solving, time management, and cross-cultural communication.
To support different academic goals, IAP offers several internship pathways. Students can apply for UW Signature Internships, which are exclusive roles created for UW–Madison students paired with a 3-credit virtual course. Other options include 3-6 credit internship-focused programs offering on-site support, as well as part-time and external internship opportunities.
While these structures provide the foundation, the tangible impact comes from the daily workplace experience. Below, several Badgers share their personal reflections and accomplishments from recent internships abroad:
Maria Rose Mulloy
Internship: CURE UDELAR Aquatic Ecology Research Internship, Maldonado, Uruguay
Degree: BS in chemistry, expected graduation spring 2027
What made you apply for a UW Signature Internship over a traditional study abroad program or domestic internship?
“I’ve always been interested in conducting research and also wanted to study abroad, but as a chemistry major with a demanding course schedule, spending a full semester or year abroad wasn’t the easiest option. So I started looking into summer opportunities instead, and that’s when I discovered I could combine both conducting research and experiencing another country. The UW Signature Internship gave me the opportunity to do meaningful research abroad while also immersing myself in a new cultural experience, making it the perfect fit for what I was looking for.”
What is one piece of advice you’d give prospective international internship students?
“Don’t be afraid to go somewhere unexpected or choose a program that feels a little outside your comfort zone! I was initially hesitant about going to Uruguay because it was unfamiliar to me. Now that I’ve experienced it firsthand, I wouldn’t trade the experience for any other program. Going somewhere unfamiliar pushed me outside of my comfort zone, introduced me to a new culture, and ultimately gave me an experience I’ll never forget.”
Katie Axelsen
Internship: Fincantieri Engineering Design Internship, Trieste, Italy
Degree: BS in industrial engineering, expected graduation spring 2028
What was one key project or milestone that you experienced abroad?
“As a sailor for over a decade, I have always had a passion for boats and a special interest in the steering compartments. Over the course of the internship, I was able to work on a project that focused around calculating the weight of a bow thruster, which is a major part of steering on cruise ships. Alongside this internship, I completed an independent study that focused on stability systems within performance sailboats and noticed several similarities between my internship work and this course. By studying my passions of sailboats, I was able to understand smaller vessels in more depth and lots of this information could be translated towards cruise ships.”
What is one piece of advice you’d give prospective international internship students?
“My advice is to apply and go, especially if you are scared or nervous. I learned so much about myself, coursework, and theworld that allowed me to feel more confident and prepared for my classes and career.“
Micah Christopherson
Internship: AIP Internship in Tokyo, Japan
Degree: Japanese and East Asian Studies, expected graduation spring 2028
What was the focus of your internship?
“I was an intern at Reskill Corporation, a professional training company located in Shinjuku, Tokyo. My internship focused on English translation, editing, formatting training materials, and supporting projects related to the company’s training programs.”
What made you apply for an international internship over a traditional study abroad program or domestic internship?
“The process of finding and applying for international internships is very accessible to UW students. It also offers funding opportunities, which can make an international internship more manageable. These resources made it easier for me to pursue an internship abroad while gaining valuable professional and cultural experience.”
Sarang You
Internship: Sehgal Foundation Rural Development Internship, Gurugram, India
Degree: information science, linguistics, and French, certificates in 3D studio art and digital studies, expected graduation spring 2027
What made you decide to apply for a UW Signature Internship?
“I had already experienced studying abroad in France, but I wanted to challenge myself in a different way by working in an international organization. The UW Signature Internship gave me the opportunity to use my skills in video editing, photography, communication, and digital media in a real workplace while learning about rural development and community-based work in India.”
What is one piece of advice you’d give prospective international internship students?
“Don’t limit yourself to internships that seem directly connected to your major. Look for opportunities that match your skills, interests, and curiosity. I also recommend choosing a place that will push you outside your comfort zone. My internship in India allowed me to learn new technical skills, experience a completely different culture, learn a new language, and grow personally in ways I could not have expected from an internship at home.”
To learn more about international internships and how to apply, visit the intern abroad webpage, make an advising appointment, or email internships@international.wisc.edu.
Story by Kayla Daum