UW Global Gateway in Washington DC

A group of students wearing matching red "Badgers Abroad" shirts sit on the steps of the United States Capitol

The Summer 2026 program in Washington, DC is funded in partnership with the UW-Madison Office of Student Financial Aid.

The Office of Experiential Learning, through the generous donations of their donors, provides funding for additional spaces for students in SESP and HIPs programs to participate in Summer 2026.

USA, Washington D.C.

Limited Capacity Program: This program can accept a limited number of students each term. In the past we have received more qualified applications than available spots. Review of applicants is based on these criteria. You may only have one application per term, however, please have an alternate program in mind in the event that you are not accepted to this program.

Join a small group cohort of other Badgers on this fully-funded summer program in Washington, DC Led by UW Professor Amy Gangl, Global Gateway is a unique, engaging experience designed for first- and second-year UW students. Through classroom learning, guided tours, group visits and activities, you will explore the psychology of political polarization in Washington, DC.

Each student selected for the program will receive a Global Gateway scholarship covering the program fee, including airfare!

Select applicants will be invited for an interview before final decisions are made. Accepted students will demonstrate a strong commitment to the program and its learning objectives, be an active participant while on the program, and help promote international education upon their return to UW-Madison. Both need and merit-based criteria will be taken into consideration.

This program is funded in partnership with the UW-Madison Office of Student Financial Aid.

Global Gateway Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
Academic

Learn about, with, and from the communities in which they live and study
Ask culturally relevant questions
Make connections between academic content learned on campus and ideas generated on program
Engage with the course content and explore connections to their major

Professional

Explore career interests or goals for future planning
Develop and strengthen adaptability and flexibility
Expand worldview to engage in a globalized, interconnected world
Articulate how the soft skills they developed on their program experience helps shapes future goals

Personal

Cultivate empathy and cultural humility
Understand and navigate cultural and geographical differences
Reflect on personal values and assumptions
Build community with others

Explore additional UW Global Gateway Initiatives

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

After applications have been reviewed, selected applicants will be asked to complete a virtual interview. Both application materials and interviews will be considered in acceptance decisions.

Must have a Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. The Office of Student Financial Aid has information on how to complete your FAFSA.

Preference will be given to students with a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $8,000 or less or being part of Bucky’s Pell Pathway program for the past or current academic year.

Preference given to students who have not previously participated on a UW Study Abroad program.

Students who have previously participated on a UW Global Gateway Program or received a UW Global Gateway Fellowship are not eligible to receive a second UW Global Gateway award.
Academic standing eligibility requirements are based on year in school (first or second year) and not on academic credits. Transfer students’ years of study are calculated by adding the years of study at previous institutions and total years at UW-Madison
2.0 cumulative GPA
Freshman, Sophomore
Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
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

Psychology, Political Science

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Hotels

Program Duration

Summer: Late May - Mid June 2026

Application Deadline(s)

Summer 2026

2/6/2026

Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

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You will take one course for 3 credits while on the UW Global Gateway Program in Washington, DC.

Divided We Stand: Polarization, Populism, and Democratic Erosion (3 credits)

This course will be taught by UW Madison professor Amy Gangl.

This course will take a deep dive into the increasing challenges of political polarization, the rise of populism, and the threats to democracy in the US and around the world. As political divisions deepen and trust in democratic institutions erodes, we’ll explore big questions: Why are people more polarized than ever? What makes populist leaders so appealing? How do democratic institutions weaken, and what can be done to protect them? Through readings, discussions, guest lectures, site visits, and meetings with policymakers and journalists, students will get firsthand insight into how these issues play out in real time. The course will tackle key topics like media influence, misinformation, political rhetoric, social identity politics, and the erosion of democratic norms, using real-world case studies to explore how democracies falter—and how they can be rebuilt. Drawing from political science, history, and media studies, students will sharpen their ability to think critically about the current political climate.

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents

Program Leader

Amy Gangl

Director of Undergraduate Studies, Senior Faculty Associate, Department of Political Science

Location

See Washington, DC on a map.

The Global Gateway in Washington DC program takes place in the heart of political culture in the United States. Explore DC's many free, national museums, like the Smithsonian, or take a break from your day on the National Mall. Swing by the White House, visit Arlington National Cemetery or enjoy a long hike in Rock Creek Park, nestled in the heart of DC.

Washington, DC is a diverse community of people from all over the United States and the world. You can learn about different people and cultures by attending festivals and events, and even by sampling the many international culinary options DC has to offer.

Your classroom space in Capitol Hill is located in the political epicenter of Washington, DC. You will attend class within steps of the Capitol Building, Congressional offices, the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court. Nearby Metro stations put the rest of the city within easy reach.

Cost of living varies widely by location. Consult a variety of resources when researching cost of living.

Housing

Your housing will be arranged for you through the program. You will live in a hotel in the Washington Navy Yard with other UW-Madison program participants. Each room will house two participants. Daily breakfast is included as are several other group lunches and dinners.

We typically place students in rooms with others of the same sex. In some locations, this is necessary for legal or cultural reasons. We understand that not all students may identify as female or male, and we want to create a welcoming environment for you while you are abroad. We are happy to work with students who identify as transgender, genderqueer, gender non-conforming, and/or non-binary regarding life abroad. If you have questions or concerns regarding housing as it relates to your gender identity, please contact your Study Abroad Advisor.

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.

Excursions and Activities

Excursions that enhance the curriculum will be included as part of the program.

These may include visits to:

· Library of Congress

· National Museum of African American History and Culture

· United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

· National Museum of the American Indian

· Anacostia Community Museum

· Fredrick Douglass National Historic Site

Additional activities may include:

· Guest speakers

· Alumni events

· Volunteering activity

On-Site Support

The UW-Madison Program Leader, Amy Gangl, will be available for on-site assistance. A Program Director and Coordinator based in Washington, DC will also provide group support.

Handbooks

Use the links below to find out more information on academics, daily life and student impressions for this program.
2026 GG DC Handbook (2026)

Orientation

We expect you to be an active participant in preparing yourself for your study away experience.

You will receive a series of 3 required in-person orientation sessions in Madison before your departure. Once you arrive in Washington DC, you will attend a comprehensive on-site orientation. This will include key aspects of culture and information about the local area.

Getting to Your Program

You will be traveling on a group flight for the program. The Global Gateway scholarship fully covers the cost of this flight. Because of the duration of the program and the program activities, travel on the roundtrip group flight is required. More details about the flight will be shared with program participants after acceptance. An airport transfer in Washington, DC, from the airport to the housing, will also be provided.

Insurance

You will be enrolled in the UW System 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.

Summer 2026 Cost Details

Financial Aid

Sources of available funding for study abroad include scholarships, grants and loans. To increase your chances of receiving financial aid, we recommend filling out your FAFSA to begin the financial planning process early.

For detailed information on financial resources, visit our Funding Study Abroad.

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.

IAP Administered
UW Global Gateway Summer Programs
IAP Gilman Incentive
IAP WISc Scholarship

Returned Student Network

View the Returned Student Network to contact a returned student

Student Reflections

Check out blogs and reflections of current or recently returned program students and alumni! Kelsey Campbell (Washington, DC 2021) Student Spotlight Read student experiences on this program

Student Quotes

Video Description and Transcript: ⁠In their takeover, Misha walks through a day on the program, showing classes, food, and activities, while also talking about some previous highlights of Washington DC! Read the full transcript of the takeover here.

Video Description and Transcript: In her takeover, Alivia answers questions about the food, life, and experiences on the Global Gateway program, and shows her day of classes and activities in Washington, DC! Read the full transcript of the takeover here.

Photos

Program photo album

Blogs

Read about current & past students’ adventures. All Global Gateway Blogs Summer 2022 Washington, DC Participant Blogs Summer 2023 Washington, DC Participant Blogs Summer 2024 Washington, DC Participant Blogs Summer 2025 Washington, DC Participant Blogs

Video

Watch videos about the program. Wanwa Omot Instagram Stories Takeover

How to Apply

First, make sure you have reviewed the information for Prospective Students on the IAP website.

There is also specific Academic Planning information that you should review.

Next login to the IAP Online Application.

Wondering when applications will open for this program?

View our application schedule.

After the Deadline

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

Session	Application Status
Summer 2026	Application Not Available

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.

Emma Hetzel (Make an appointment with Emma Hetzel, or email emma.hetzel@wisc.edu)

Study Abroad Advisor

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

Carmen Pitz (Make an appointment with Carmen Pitz, or email carmen.pitz@wisc.edu)

Financial Specialist

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

Judy Humphrey (judy.humphrey@wisc.edu)

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UW Global Gateway Summer Programs

Description

This scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison undergraduate students who are admitted to the UW Global Gateway study abroad program.
For more information on program locations and details, visit the UW Global Gateway Initiative page.

Each program provides a full scholarship, including airfare, for 15 students with demonstrated financial need (preference give to students with EFC under $12,000).

This prestigious scholarship was established by International Academic Programs, in partnership with the Office of Student Financial Aid, to introduce students to the issues of globalization and prepare students for success in an increasingly interconnected world.

Award Amount
Full scholarship plus airfare

Eligibility Criteria

Must have a current Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. For information on how to complete your FAFSA, visit: https://financialaid.wisc.edu

Preference will be given to students with an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of $12,000 or less as determined by the FAFSA.
Students who have participated on a UW Global Gateway Program or received a UW Global Gateway Fellowship are not eligible to receive a second UW Global Gateway award.
2.0 cumulative GPA
Freshman, Sophomore standing
Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
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

How to Apply

Interested students should apply for the UW Global Gateway Program of their choice by the application deadline.