International Division
University of Wisconsin–Madison

Study Abroad Fair: Let Your Wisconsin Experience Take You Far

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Students come to the University of Wisconsin–Madison for the “Wisconsin Experience” – an undergraduate education that happens both in and out of the classroom, preparing them to positively impact the world.

For many Badgers, the Wisconsin Experience includes leaving campus, for a few weeks up to a year, to explore the world.

“I now consider myself much more of a global citizen,” says Cassidy Sandoval, who studied in Aix-en-Provence, France, earlier this year. “I’m from a small town in Wisconsin (Baraboo), but there’s so much more outside city limits and state borders. Adapting to a new culture and learning from its people was the experience of a lifetime.”

Cassidy, who is majoring in French and Community Service and Nonprofit Leadership, is among the more than 2,000 Badgers who studied abroad last academic year. Now, as a Peer Advisor for International Academic Programs (IAP), she helps students explore the world of study abroad opportunities through UW-Madison.

Students seeking to internationalize their Wisconsin Experience or simply curious about the possibilities can begin exploring the opportunities at this year’s UW–Madison Study Abroad Fair, on September 17, noon – 6:00 PM in Varsity Hall, at Union South.

Organized by International Academic Programs, the Study Abroad Fair offers more than 90 exhibits, featuring more than over 200 programs on six continents.

At the fair, people – returned students like Cassidy Sandoval, along with faculty and study abroad advisors – are available to help students consider these key questions and help to put them on track for a great study abroad experience:

  • Where do I want to go? Programs are available in 60 countries, from the United Kingdom to China and beyond.
  • What do I want to study? The fair features programs that offer in-residence credit, so anyone can meet breadth and depth requirements while abroad.
  • Do I speak a foreign language? Choose a language-immersion program, or explore more than 140 programs taught primarily in English.
  • When should I study abroad, and for how long? You can study abroad for just a few weeks, a semester, and even a full year.
  • How will I fund study abroad? Financial resources, including scholarships, are available to help students make their study abroad plans a reality.

In addition, IAP will also be offering helpful information sessions, including Study Abroad 101, Funding Study Abroad, Talking to Your Parents About Study Abroad, and Application Tips.

Study Abroad Fair 2013 010Photo of the 2013 Study Abroad Fair. (Click here to see more photos)

Learn more: In addition to the fair, IAP advisors are available throughout the year to assist students through every step of the study abroad process. Stop by IAP’s Study Abroad Resource Center, 106 Red Gym, or visit studyabroad.wisc.edu.

To help you get started thinking about study abroad, here are some featured experiences (with application deadlines):