UW Undergraduate Internship Credit Program

Four individuals sitting at a table. Two are reading, and two are looking at a large paper poster.

The UW Undergraduate Internship Credit Program is designed for enrolled UW-Madison undergraduate students who obtain their own internships abroad. This is not an internship placement program. If you have questions, contact our team at internships@international.wisc.edu or make an appointment with an Intern Abroad Advisor.

Worldwide, Any City

This is your opportunity to get UW-Madison academic credit for an internship abroad you find on your own! This program is open to undergraduate students from any major who are undertaking an internship experience abroad. This opportunity is coordinated by the Intern Abroad team at International Academic Programs (IAP), the central study abroad office at UW-Madison. Students accepted into this program will be enrolled in the 3-credit IS-523 Culture and the Global Workplace course.

If you would like to use the IS-523 course for an internship or field experience requirement in your major or certificate (e.g. Global Health, SOHE, Rehab Psych) you should discuss this with your academic or career advisors and us as soon as possible to allow time for the review and approval process from them and Intern Abroad Advisors before your internship.

Eligibility

Internships must meet the following criteria:

At least 4 weeks in duration and at least 100 hours of work with an organization
Clear position description with learning goals and a connection to your studies or career interests
A supervisor who will guide you throughout the internship and complete an evaluation of your work at the end of your internship
You may also apply to this program if you have applied to a fee-based internship placement program that will help you secure an internship in your field

Application Process

Please submit your application for review even if you are still exploring at the time of the deadline. We work with students through the process so submit what you have and we will set a timeline to finalize details. Intern Abroad Advisors will review your internship plans to be sure they meet the requirements listed above and help explore other questions.

Intern Abroad staff offers advising appointments for finding internships abroad. Please come in for advising early since internships often take several months to coordinate and currently the review and approval process requires additional coordination.

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

Participate in an internship abroad that allows you to build upon your academic coursework.
Develop relevant cross-cultural and linguistic (if applicable) skills while interning and living abroad.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

Have obtained, or are in the process of obtaining, an external internship abroad
2.5 cumulative GPA
Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior
Good academic and disciplinary standing
At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

UW Signature

Subjects

The UW Undergraduate Internship Credit Progarm is open to student in all majors

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Responsible for arranging your own housing

Program Duration

Minimum 4 weeks for the internship. The online course is 10-12 weeks long.

Application Deadline(s)

Spring 2026-27	10/5/2026	Cost Details
Summer 2027	2/22/2027	Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

Students are enrolled in International Studies 523: Culture & the Global Workplace, a 3-credit online course that includes internship reflection and academic consideration of culture and cross-cultural relations in the global workforce. You will interact with a UW-Madison instructor and other UW-Madison students doing internships in various fields around the world. More information is here.

In the spring and the fall, students have the option to add 1-3 credits of directed/independent study with a UW-Madison faculty member. Students identify and set this up on their own , and it must follow campus policy for directed study.

When adding a directed study or other coursework, it is important to consider the many responsibilities you will have while abroad: a full-time internship, IS-523 online course, independent travel, etc. Intern Abroad staff strongly discourages enrolling in more than six credits.

Location

The internship you find can be in any country or city outside of the continental United States.

Note: If you are hoping to do an internship in a country that currently has a U.S. State Department Travel Warning (Level 3 or 4), you will need to have approval from the University International Travel Committee (UITC) before you can participate in the UW Undergraduate Internship Credit Program. Please contact us at least 3 months before your start date so we can help you initiate this process.

Program Considerations

In a physical sense, the on-site experience may be very different from life on the UW campus. You may walk or take public transportation more than you are used to in Madison. The physical activity level will vary by program, but in general you should be prepared for extended periods of time walking, potentially on uneven terrain.

For many students, discovering and experiencing new foods is a part of the experience. It is important to consider any dietary restrictions, whether they are due to health conditions, religious beliefs, or individual needs, and look into whether you can get the foods you need locally.

How you identify yourself in Madison may differ from how people will view you on-site. Consider exploring our Identity Resources to reflect on how your identities may impact your experience. Students with disabilities should keep in mind that attitudes and laws related to disabilities vary by country, and these differences may impact the level of accommodation available in a particular location. More details are available on our page on Study Abroad for Students with Disabilities.

We encourage you to contact your Study Abroad Advisor and share your accommodation needs with us as early as possible. This will allow us to help you explore your options in advance.

On-Site Support

On-site support will vary widely based on the internship program you choose. IAP requires that you have a supervisor and an English-speaking emergency contact in your internship location.

Orientation

Intern Abroad staff expect you to be an active participant in preparing yourself for your internship abroad. You are required to attend an International Internship pre-departure orientation. Intern Abroad staff will provide additional information on the orientation session upon acceptance to the program.

Visa

You must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of your time abroad. You are responsible for obtaining your own visa, if required, for the time you are abroad. Visa requirements may vary based on your internship location and your citizenship.

You may incur additional fees to expedite a visa application or to re-apply if your original visa application is rejected for any reason.  You may also incur additional fees if your visa is delayed and you need to change your flight departure date. 

Getting to Your Program

You are responsible for making your own travel arrangements.

Insurance

You will be enrolled in the UW-Madison required health insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) and the cost of the insurance coverage is included in program fees.

If you are a citizen of a country other than the United States and will remain/study in, or travel to your country of record (the location of your permanent residence), the insurance provided for you is the same as the “study away” insurance provided to U.S. citizens studying on domestic U.S. programs. You may want to explore alternative or additional international health and medical insurance that will cover your needs both while in and during any period of transit to/from your country of record. This may include participation in a national healthcare plan or coverage provided under a personal healthcare plan in your country of record. If you have questions about the coverage of the “study away” plan, please speak with your Study Abroad Advisor.

All other students participating on an international program will automatically be enrolled in Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI), the university's international health, medical and repatriation insurance policy.

Program cost information includes program fees, as well as out-of-pocket expenses with notes to help explain costs. Program fees are estimated and can be adjusted at any time. Once accepted, you will receive a cost sheet that includes confirmed program fees and additional out-of-pocket expenses. "The IAP Program Fee" and all processes and policies stated on this cost sheet apply to all participants on programs managed by International Academic Programs (IAP) and in partnership with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the College of Engineering, and Wisconsin School of Business. All students participating on approved programs are all eligible to apply for scholarships administered through IAP when they meet the scholarship eligibility and selection criteria.

Spring 2026-27 Cost Details Summer 2027 Cost Details

Financial Aid

UW–Madison students can typically use their financial aid on UW–Madison study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programs. You need to complete a FAFSA if you want to be eligible to receive federal and state financial aid.

Beginning in 2026-27, the Office of Student Financial Aid will require all incoming undergraduate students to submit a CSS profile.

Review our financial aid and funding your experiences pages for more information.

Scholarships

Check out our scholarships page to find:

A scholarship chart listing internal and external opportunities, with descriptions, deadlines, and amounts.
Timelines of when UW-Madison study abroad scholarship applications open and close.
Tips for writing scholarship essays.

Find scholarships

Program Scholarships

This scholarship list includes scholarships we know are relevant to this program. It is not an exhaustive list of all available scholarship opportunities for study abroad. Although we make our best effort to ensure the list is up-to-date, this information changes frequently, and it is the responsibility of the applicant to verify information. For additional scholarship information, please visit our scholarship page.

IIP
Promega International Scientific Internship Scholarship

UW-Madison
L&S SuccessWorks Summer Internship Scholarship
CALS Study Abroad Scholarships
SoHE Summer Internship Scholarship

UW-Madison Study Abroad Scholarships
IAP Scholarships (UW Undergraduate Internship Credit Program)

National
Social, Environmental, and Economic Development (SEED) Scholarship

Featured Scholarships

Internships may be paid, unpaid, or have a fee for participating based on the program selected by student.

Students in the UW Undergraduate Internship Credit Program are eligible for study abroad, campus and national scholarships. See our scholarship page for more information. Note that deadlines to apply for scholarships are often prior to the deadline for the program application.

Returned Student Network

View the Returned Student Network to contact a returned student

Student Quotes

“Working with the Interntional Internships team for my internship this past summer was a really great decision! All of the Intern Abroad staff are knowledgeable, helpful, caring, and well-organized. Because their team, I was able to get a grant, travel insurance, pre-trip health and safety advising, academic credit, and more! Having such a thorough pre-internship plan and a great support system behind me I was able to focus on my internship and all the amazing experiences, learning, and growth that came with it.” (Ciara, Microbiology & African Studies Certificate - found her own internship in Uganda)

"My internship at the U.S. Consulate in Sydney, Australia made possible by the International Internships team will forever have a lasting impact on my life. The knowledge and experience I gained from working in a foreign country is invaluable and will greatly help me to achieve my future career goals. Intern Abroad Advisors provided me constant support and ensured I was well taken care of throughout the entirety of my internship. If you are on the fence about taking the plunge [...] I urge you to do so - I can promise you you won't regret it! " (Hannah, Finance & Investment Banking - found her own internship in Australia)

Photos

Program photo album

How to Apply

Priority deadlines: early October (for internships in spring); mid-February (for internships in summer or fall). Applications may be accepted on a case-by-case basis after the priority deadline leading up to the term of the internship. Please submit an application or contact Intern Abroad staff with questions.

After the Deadline

IAP completes a review of all applications to determine if students meet minimum eligibility requirements.

Session	Application Status
Spring 2026-27	Apply Now
Summer 2027	Apply Now

Disclosure

Students Requiring Accommodations: Consult and register with the McBurney Disability Resource Center McBurney Services if you will need academic, housing, and/or other disability-related accommodations or services abroad.

International Students: Talk with International Student Services about your visa status and study abroad.

Military-Connected Students with Veteran’s Benefits: Talk with University Veteran Services about how your benefits can be used for study abroad.

This program is offered by International Academic Programs. We have a team that works with each program. Each member of this program team is able to help students with different kinds of questions. Visit the advising webpage to learn how to schedule an appointment.

Enrollment Manager

For questions on application advising, program eligibility, course equivalency request process, grade processing.

Amani DeHolton (Make an appointment with Amani DeHolton, or email amani.deholton@wisc.edu)

Study Abroad Advisor

For questions on program experience, academics, housing, visa, health safety, student identity, funding and scholarships, returned student resources.

Amani DeHolton (Make an appointment with Amani DeHolton, or email amani.deholton@wisc.edu)

Financial Specialist

For questions on billing, funding and scholarships, financial policies.

Judy Humphrey (judy.humphrey@wisc.edu)

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SoHE Summer Internship Scholarship

Description
Human Ecology is proud to offer internship scholarships ranging in amount from $500 to $3500 to students engaging in unpaid and/or out-of-state internships for credit. Internships abroad are eligible if done for credit via UW Undergradute Internship Credit Program.

SoHE's Summer Internship Scholarship is guaranteed for participating SOHE interns enrolled through the UW Undergradute Internship Credit Program. Other scholarships and grants received will be considered when determining the exact scholarship amount.

Scholarship Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Student(s) must be enrolled in one of the six School of Human Ecology majors
Student(s) must have an offer for an unpaid and/or out-of-state summer internship prior to applying for the scholarship
Student(s) must have at least junior standing (54+ credits completed) at the time the internship begins
Student(s) must enroll in and complete the internship course within their major while engaged in the internship once they are given approval to do so
The internship must occur primarily in the months of June through August and provide a minimum of 150 on-site hours
The internship must reflect and enhance academic knowledge related to student’s major and discipline and meet the minimum criteria to be considered for credit
Student must not have already completed an internship-for-credit or otherwise satisfied the internship requirement within the School.

Once open, School of Human Ecology students can access the application on Wisconsin Scholarship Hub site. The scholarship application for Summer opens in March. If you have questions on the scholarship application, please contact the School’s Scholarship Coordinator at scholarships@sohe.wisc.edu. Award Amount
Varies ($1,000 - $3,500)

How to Apply
School of Human Ecology students can access the application on Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH) site. The scholarship application for summer opens in March, fall opens in August, and spring opens in December. There are two rounds per cycle to allow for students to apply based on when an internship is secured for the following term. Each cycle will offer an early deadline roughly 1 month prior to the start of the term, and another when internship verification forms are due, which is one week prior to the start of the term.