The University of Wisconsin–Madison is indebted to the Scan Design Foundation for funding the Wisconsin Sustainability Study Tour. This program seeks to strengthen Danish–American relations by bringing together students from Danish universities and UW–Madison to explore environmental sustainability initiatives across Wisconsin.
Through shared travel, dialogue with experts, and informal social experiences, participants exchange ideas, build meaningful relationships, and gain insight into each other’s cultural contexts and values. The program fosters ongoing engagement through post‑tour events and collaborative opportunities that extend these connections throughout the semester.
Program Overview
Offered the week before fall semester classes (August 1-September 4, 2026), this 5-day journey introduces students from Danish universities and the UW-Madison to sustainability projects and initiatives across the state of Wisconsin. Students travel as a small cohort to visit state parks, farms, companies and, non-profit organizations to learn about their sustainability efforts.
Topics of inquiry from the past tour included:
- Regenerating place through land, culture, and community (land ethics, Indigenous knowledge, and community ownership
- Systems for sustainable growth (anaerobic digestion systems, adaptive rescue of historic buildings, the circular economy, and sustainable agriculture)
- Water futures: Infrastructure, ecology, and justice
- Renewable energy landscapes and sustainable forestry
Participants will dive into new experiences, connect with inspiring peers and mentors, and learn to engage thoughtfully with the people and places from across Wisconsin. Lake swims, scenic hikes, and shared meals create plenty of relaxed moments to unwind, laugh, and build lasting friendships. Open to students from all majors, this interdisciplinary adventure blends learning, exploration, and community in a truly memorable way. Angie Hubbard, Nordic Fellowships Program Coordinator, and colleagues from the Office of Sustainability will accompany the program.
Upon completion of the program, participants will be invited to co-present a poster at the Sustainability Symposium, attend a Halloween carving party, and end the semester with a Pakkeleg party.
Eligibility
This study tour is generously funded by the Scan Design Foundation, and is included in the Fall semester exchange experience for students coming from:
- Aarhus University
- Copenhagen Business School
- Danish Technical Institute
- University of Copenhagen
It is also open to any UW–Madison student who has studied in Denmark. Invitations will be sent to UWMadison students who have studied in Denmark in April, for the following fall tour.
To apply, please complete the following Google form.
Applicants should be:
- committed to issues pertaining to environmental sustainability
- interested in cross-cultural exchange and forging new friendships
- open to engaging in conversations and dialogue where there may not be agreement
- willingness to adhere to community norms set by the program for the week
Application Deadline
To apply, please complete the Google form by the last Thursday in March.
Questions can be directed to Kate McCleary until March 11, 2026. From March 11, 2026 onward, please contact Angie Hubbard, Nordic Fellows Coordinator.
Observations from Fall 2025 Participants
“Learning about the Ho-Chunk Nation’s deep connection to the land added an important cultural dimension to the conservation, reminding me that sustainability is not only ecological but also about heritage,” Hans, Denmark.
“Getting to learn about Aldo Leopold’s ‘land ethic’ fits well with Danish values because both see nature as something we’re responsible for protecting and living in balance with, not just using as a resource,” Katrine, Denmark.
“[Having spent a semester in Copenhagen, I observed that] Denmark’s adoption of renewable energy is more centralized and government based/supported. In Wisconsin, it feels more localized, and therefore more fragmented,” Kari, U.S.