University of Wisconsin–Madison
From classroom stories in local libraries to policy discussions at the heart of campus, International Education Week (IEW) at UW–Madison was a celebration of the Wisconsin Idea without borders. With more than 20 events spanning academic departments, student services, and public venues, the week highlighted how international education strengthens our broader Madison community, connects local …
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 …
With a record-breaking 3,336 Badgers studying abroad through International Academic Programs (IAP) this past year, global learning at UW–Madison is reaching new heights—a trajectory Dan Gold has helped shape as he approaches his 15th year as director of IAP. Gold is quick to emphasize that the office’s growth isn’t a solo effort. Having managed summer …
From exploring sustainability in Chile to examining geopolitics in Estonia and development in Ghana, the Global Gateway Initiative immerses students in world issues through hands-on, faculty-led experiences abroad. Designed for students from across disciplines, Global Gateway combines academics, global engagement, and cohort-based learning to push students beyond campus and into new cultural and intellectual environments. …
For Michael Cavey, a proud alumnus of UW–Madison, the path from a lecture hall on Bascom Hill to a prestigious diplomatic role in Tokyo wasn’t a straight line—it was a journey that took him to the heart of Central Asia and back again, driven by a desire for international service. His initial interest in international …
At UW–Madison, global engagement is embedded in the academic experience, and it is reflected in the number of students studying abroad and in the many countries represented by our international community. The 2025 Open Doors report, released by the Institute of International Education in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and …
The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Global Gateway Initiative has been offering students one-of-a-kind study abroad opportunities for over a decade. Since its start in China in 2014, the faculty-led program has expanded to multiple locations, including Brazil, India, Botswana, Ghana, Singapore, and Washington, D.C. Faculty rotate regularly, designing courses that reflect their academic expertise and the …
For over two decades, Jolanda Vanderwal Taylor has been a foundational pillar of the Wisconsin International Scholars (WISc) Program, which cultivates a small cohort of undergraduates with mentorship, language study, unique course opportunities, and study abroad grants. As she steps down from her role as faculty chair after 21 years, we reflect on her remarkable …
For many University of Wisconsin–Madison students, college isn’t just about listening to lectures in a packed lecture hall or late-night study sessions at College Library – it’s about stepping into the unknown and unfamiliar. UW–Madison is one of the nation’s top schools with study abroad participation, with 2,986 students participating in international programs in the …
November is here, and with it comes one of my favorite times of the year: International Education Week (IEW)! The week is a time to celebrate achievements in international education and exchange, and the activities highlighted on the IEW website showcase the ways that the International Division and our campus partners connect Wisconsin to the …