UW Global Gateway in Singapore

Location

Not sure where Singapore is? See it on a map here.

Singapore is located at the southern end of the Malay Peninsula in Asia. This is a vibrant region that is fast becoming a leader in the new millennium. Located at one of the crossroads of the world, Singapore's strategic position has helped it grow into a major center for trade, communications and tourism. Originally a British colony, Singapore is home to a diverse population of Chinese, Malays, Indians, Eurasians, and others who have chosen to make Singapore their home. The country's four official languages include Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, and English, with English as the most common language of business and everyday life. Singapore's Asian influences along with its location in the heart of Southeast Asia make Singapore the perfect place to experience the various cultures of Asia while in an English-friendly environment.

Cost of living varies widely by location. Be sure to consult a variety of resources when researching cost of living.

Housing

During your time in Singapore, you will stay in hotels with other UW-Madison program participants (you will share a room with another participant). Breakfast is included. Most other meals will also be included with the program.

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.

Review identity information for Singapore, Singapore

Excursions and Activities

Excursions that enhance the curriculum will be included as part of the program. These may include site visits to local green spaces, guest lecturers, and places of historical and cultural significance in and around Singapore. These excursions will give you the opportunity to participate in local cultural activities with the community and further explore climate change and sustainable living in Singapore.

On-Site Support

The UW-Madison Program Leader, Professor John Zumbrunnen, will be available for on-site assistance. The CIEE Resident Director and other CIEE staff will also be available to support you for the duration of the program.

Orientation

IAP expects you to be an active participant in preparing yourself for your study abroad experience.

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

Visa

A visa is not required for U.S. citizens for this program. U.S. citizens must have a U.S. passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of the program. Non U.S. Passport holders may have different visa requirements. Ask your Study Abroad Advisor, if you have any questions.

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 between Madison and Chicago O’Hare International Airport will be provided. An airport transfer on-site in Singapore, 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.

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.

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.

IAP Administered
UW Global Gateway Summer Programs

Returned Student Network

View the Returned Student Network to contact a returned student

Student Quotes

Photos

Program photo album

Blogs

Read about current & past students’ adventures. All Global Gateway Blogs

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.

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.

Joanna Poinsatte (Make an appointment with Joanna Poinsatte, or email joanna.poinsatte@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)