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.
Are you interested in health, movement, and exercise? Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to travel to New Zealand over winter break with a group of Badgers! This unique program focuses on specific differences in the physiology of physical activity among New Zealanders. With an emphasis on the physiology of exercise responses, this program is open to students of all majors, but especially those particularly interested in the physiology of health.
Offered through IFSA, this is a UW signature program. You will be working closely with both IAP and IFSA on this program.
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
Required prerequisite: Anatomy and Physiology 235 or 335
Preference is given to students in the School of Education (all majors). Further preference is given to students with a declared Kinesiology or Physical Education major. Preference may be given to students with a declared Kinesiology certificate.
School of Education majors who graduate in December are not eligible for this program.
2.0 cumulative GPA
Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior
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
While on-site, you'll spend time in several cities on both the North & South islands of New Zealand. The program itinerary includes an overnight stay at a Maori village - this unique opportunity will allow you to learn more about the crossroads of culture and health.
This program will challenge the ways you think about health and physical activity. You will learn about the physiological challenges and responses during exercise in the extremes of the physical environment. Through class discussions and visits from guest speakers, you’ll begin to understand the role that cultural environments play in our view of the physiological effects of exercise and our view of exercise as a healthy activity. The program also includes a variety of academic site visits, which will allow you to develop a culturally responsive understanding of benefits and barriers to exercise in New Zealand’s native Maori population. After fully engaging in classroom conversations and program activities, you will begin to identify the similarities and differences in extreme health that built environments produce and how culturally responsive physical activity can be used to promote health in indigenous populations.
The program will offer a variety of cultural activities and excursions that allow you to explore New Zealand's diverse and unique natural environment while also developing community among your fellow program participants. You’ll experience the similarities and differences between educational environments at UW-Madison and the University of Otago (the oldest University in the southern hemisphere). You’ll experience firsthand and come to appreciate the unique facilities for conducting environmental research in New Zealand. You’ll develop an appreciation for the differences in the relationship between the indigenous Maori and European colonizers in New Zealand compared to other colonized countries/people.
This course will include 3 weeks of instruction, broken into two components:
• Online: 5 days of asynchronous learning (online course materials will be available prior to departure) • On-Site: January 3-17, 2027 ***these dates are tentative, do not make travel plans until instructed to do so
You will receive 3 credits upon completion of the program. This credit will be included in your spring semester enrollment amount.
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
Bill Schrage
Professor, Kinesiology
Location
While on-site, students will spend time in various cities in New Zealand: Auckland (The North Island), Te Hana (North Island), Te Anau (South Island), Queenstown (South Island), and Dunedin (South Island).
Students will travel to/from each location as a group, either by flight (arranged by IFSA) or private coach (bus).
Housing
In Auckland, TeAnau, and Queenstown, students will stay in shared dorm rooms.
The program also includes an overnight stay at a Maori village where all participants will stay in a shared sleeping house called wharenui.
In Dunedin, all participants will stay in single-occupancy rooms at University of Otago (bathrooms are shared).
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
The program includes a variety of cultural excursions and activities.
On-Site Support
You will be supported by on-site staff from IFSA as well as faculty Program Leaders from UW-Madison.
Orientation
IAP expects you to be an active participant in preparing yourself for your study abroad experience. As a participant on an IAP program, you will receive a pre-departure orientation, either in-person or online. The type and format of this orientation will vary by program and will be provided to you upon acceptance to the program.
Once on-site, IFSA will provide an orientation that includes information about health, safety, and how to respond in an emergency. This is a great time for students to ask questions and make sure everyone is comfortable in their new environment.
Visa
US citizens must have a US passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of the program. Non US passport holders may have different visa requirements. Contact us if you have questions.
US citizens will need to secure a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) prior to entering New Zealand. The ETA is an electronic label-free visa and can be obtained at the ETA website for a small service fee ($17 NZD). You will receive instructions for this process once you are officially accepted to the program.
Getting to Your Program
You are responsible for making your own travel arrangements to New Zealand (there is no group flight). You should wait to book a plane ticket until your program dates and acceptance to the program have been confirmed. Review the Study Abroad Handbook for more info about booking flights & airport logistics.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Undergraduate students who are part of a UW-Madison Promise Program (Bucky's Tuition Promise, Bucky's Pell Pathway, BANNER, Wisconsin Tribal Education Promise, and Badger Promise) are eligible for this scholarship of up to $6000 towards a faculty-led program during winter or summer. Review full eligibility on our Study Abroad Promise page.
Award Amount
$6000
Eligibility Criteria
This scholarship is open to undergraduate students who:
Will participate on a short-term faculty-led program*
Are part of a Promise Program (Bucky’s Tuition Promise, Bucky’s Pell Pathway, BANNER)
are full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students at UW-Madison.
Students participating on Global Gateway programs or have previously participated on any UW study abroad program are not eligible.
How to Apply
Eligible students will be automatically reviewed and notified of award amount prior to acceptance to program.
IAP Early Bird Scholarship
Description
Undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need are encouraged to apply for the Early Bird Scholarship from International Academic Programs (IAP). You apply to this scholarship earlier than others, and also find out if you got it earlier – which is why we call it the “Early Bird.”
This $2000 scholarship is intended to:
Provide assurance of some funding earlier in the study abroad process and encourage early financial planning.
Ease some of the financial barriers of study abroad.
This award does not cover pre-departure costs. Instead it is applied to your account during the term you receive your program bill.
Award Amount
$2000
Eligibility Criteria
This scholarship is open to students who:
are in the process of applying, or have already applied, to an approved study abroad, intern abroad, or domestic study away program (find and apply to approved programs at www.studyabroad.wisc.edu);
have a Student Aid Index of $8,000 or less (as determined by FAFSA) or are a part of Bucky’s Pell Pathway; and
are full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students at UW-Madison.
Additional consideration is given to students who have the following attributes:
First time traveling abroad
First generation college student
Have not been awarded a scholarship from UW-Madison study abroad offices or participated on a Global Gateway program
Description
This scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison undergraduate students studying abroad on any UW-Madison study abroad program. Preferences for this scholarship include a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA, financial need, first generation college student, and first time abroad.
The Bryan Davia Scholarship was created in his honor to commemorate his life and to continue to share his gift of enriching the lives of everyone around him. As someone who loved to explore the world and everything life had to offer, Bryan would want nothing more than to help others do the same. Bryan was a compassionate, outgoing, hard working alumni of UW-Madison who cherished his time studying abroad in Barcelona. During his time abroad, Bryan set out to discover everything his new home had to offer. Bryan possessed the ability to extract the energy of a city through the exploration of its music, nightlife, and food allowing him to fully integrate himself within his environment and it’s culture. Bryan understood the value of knowledge gained from experiences and social interactions, rather than just in a classroom. We hope the recipient of this scholarship shares his devotion to balancing hard work with an unrelenting desire to explore, discover, and enjoy every moment in their new city.
Pending annual renewal, this scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison undergraduate students studying abroad on an IAP study abroad program, in partnership with CALS, Engineering, and Business.
This award was established by Mrs. Paull in 1984 and is awarded to students to promote world peace via participation in study abroad programs.
Award Amount
Varies
Eligibility Criteria
This scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison undergraduate students studying aborad on an IAP study abroad program.
This scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison undergraduate students studying abroad on an IAP study abroad program, in partnership with CALS, Engineering, and Business. This scholarship aims to ensure that undergraduates with financial need can realize their dream of studying abroad. The Great People-International Studies Scholarship makes study abroad accessible and affordable, just as the UW Foundation’s Great People Scholarship helps to ensure that no student accepted to the university on outstanding merits will be turned away for want of money.
Award Amount
Varies
Eligibility Criteria
This scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison undergraduate students studying abroad on an IAP study abroad program.
This scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison undergraduates participating on an IAP study abroad program. Preference is given to Evans Scholars with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Awards range from $500 - $1,000 depending on program duration.
This award is made possible by generous donation from Julie and Michael Gerend to help provide financial support to students who wish to study abroad since their own study abroad opportunities profoundly influenced their lives.
Award Amount
$500 - $1,000
Eligibility Criteria
Degree-seeking UW-Madison undergraduate participating on an IAP program. Preference is given to Evans Scholars with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
How to Apply
This scholarship is an auto-match application. Students who submit an application for the IAP Study Abroad Conditional Application in the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH) will be automatically considered if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Morton and Lena Wax Scholarship
Description
This scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison undergraduate students studying abroad on an IAP program.
This scholarship is made possible through the generous donation of the children of Morton and Lena Wax as a tribute to their parents and to express their appreciation for the excellent education family members have received at UW-Madison.
Award Amount
$500
Eligibility Criteria
This scholarships is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison students studying abroad on an IAP program.
How to Apply
This scholarship is an auto-match application. Students who submit an application for the IAP Study Abroad Conditional Application in the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH) will be automatically considered if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Rothschild Study Abroad Scholarship
Description
This scholarship is open to enrolled UW-Madison Students from the greater Chicagoland area (as defined by Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties) or a current recipient of one of the WAA Chicago Chapter Scholarships.
WAA Chicago Chapter created this fund circa 2005 with the estate gift from Robert Rothschild in efforts to support study abroad participants.
Award Amount
Varies
Eligibility Criteria
Must be from greater Chicago Area (as defined by Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties) or a current recipient of one of the WAA Chicago Chapter Scholarships.
Description This funding comes from Sarah Perry, who having studied abroad for a year, wishes to support the same opportunity for students. Recipients may attend the University’s Approved Study Abroad Program of their choice (of any duration, international location, or subject matter), but may lack the necessary financial resources to do so.Award Amount
$5000
How to Apply
This scholarship is an auto-match application. Students who submit an application for the IAP Study Abroad Conditional Application in the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH) will be automatically considered if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Study Abroad Alumni & Friends Scholarship
Description
This scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison students participating on an IAP study abroad program. This award is made possible through generous donations from UW-Madison alumni and friends of study abroad programs. These donors value the benefits of study abroad and are committed to making this opportunity available to UW-Madison students.
Award Amount
Varies
Eligibility Criteria
This scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison students participating on an IAP study abroad program.
How to Apply
This scholarship is an auto-match application. Students who submit an application for the IAP Study Abroad Conditional Application in the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH) will be automatically considered if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Study Abroad Scholars
Description
This competitive scholarship provides students with financial awards starting at $1,500 towards the eligible study abroad program of your choice, and the chance to share your experience with the UW-Madison community upon return. Students attending any program, except the funded Global Gateway programs, in IAP, CALS, ENGR, or WSB are encouraged to apply to become a Study Abroad Scholar. Please read full scholarship details, including eligibility requirements, and considerations on the Study Abroad Scholars page.
CALS majors must apply for Study Abroad Scholars to be considered for CALS donor scholarships. Award Amount
$1,500-$8,000
Eligibility Criteria
In order to be considered for the Study Abroad Scholars scholarship for this application round, an applicant must:
Be in the process of applying, or have already applied, to an IAP study abroad program (UW Global Gateway Programs are not eligible)
Be a full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate UW-Madison student
Academic merit and financial need will be considered
Submit completed application materials online by the posted deadline
Description
IAP will provide a guaranteed $1000 scholarship to students applying to the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for the first time and meet the Gilman's scholarship eligibility requirements and application deadlines.
Students can only receive the IAP Gilman Incentive one time in their academic career. No additional application to IAP is needed and our staff will notify recipients after the Gilman scholarship deadline. Award Amount
$1000
How to Apply
For more information and to apply, visit the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship website. No additional application is needed for the IAP Gilman Incentive award. Students can only receive the IAP Gilman Incentive one time.
IAP WISc Scholarship
Description
This scholarship was established by International Academic Programs (IAP) to assist undergraduate student participants in the Wisconsin International Scholars (WISc) Program with building their global competence and citizenship skills, which is the core goal of the WISc Program. Each WISc Scholar is eligible to receive scholarships as follows:
1) 1 scholarship of $2500 toward participation on a short-term study abroad program duration (winter intersession, spring break, or summer), and
2) 1 scholarship of $4000 toward participation on a semester program OR 1 $6000 towards a year long program.
These scholarships can be used for students attending any approved UW-Madison study abroad program.
Award Amount
$2500-$6000
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible for student participants of the Wisconsin International Scholars (WISc) Program at UW-Madison.
Pending annual renewal, this scholarship is available to UW-Madison undergraduate students pursuing degrees in the School of Education who are studying abroad on an IAP program. Any School of Education undergraduate majors, including students in "pre" status (e.g., pre-Elementary Education, pre-Kinesiology) are eligible to apply. Certificate students are not eligible.
This award is made possible from Claire Shaffer who worked in the Dean's Office in the School of Education for 17 years. Claire believes that spending time overseas helps persons to more fully understand and appreciate the difference in our cultures and perspectives. Spending that much time involved in various capacities made her appreciate what UW-Madison stands for, and how it positively impacts the lives of all who study and work in the environment. She hopes that the recipient of the scholarship will fully embrace the experience the culture and opportunities that present themselves while overseas. And, hopefully, be able to travel, whenever, and wherever they get a chance.
Award Amount
$2,000
How to Apply
Students who are eligible are automatcially considered for this award.
Global Scholars Scholarship
Description
This scholarship is available to UW-Madison students participating in the following affiliated programs: Center for Educational Opportunity, Chancellor's & Powers Knapp Scholarship Program, First Wave, PEOPLE, or the Posse Program. The scholarship was designed to support Scholars who are engaging in study abroad or study away opportunities during the Winter Intersession and/or Summer; must be participating on an International Academic Programs (IAP) study abroad program, in partnership with CALS, Engineering, Business, & the International Internship Program (IIP).
History Department Global Perspectives Scholarship
Description
History majors at UW-Madison are eager to study and intern abroad and bring what they learn in the classroom to life. The Department of History’s Global Perspectives Scholarship hopes to make this possible for History Majors and those pursuing a Certificate in History. This scholarship provides students with financial awards starting with $1500 towards short term study abroad and intern abroad programs, $3000 towards semester programs, and $4000 towards year-long programs. The scholarship can be used toward the eligible study or intern abroad program of your choice. Award Amount
$1500-$4000
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Department of History Global Perspective Scholarship, an applicant must be: 1. a full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate student at UW-Madison in good academic and disciplinary standing 2. a History Major or pursuing a Certificate in History 3. Be in the process of applying, or have already applied, to a UW-Madison Study or Intern Abroad program for Summer, Fall, Winter Intersession Spring, or Academic Year. International Internship participants must be enrolled in the Worldwide Internship Program (WIP) online course. Additional consideration will be given to:
-Members of traditionally underrepresented groups in higher education: African American, Hispanic/Latinx, American Indian, and Southeast Asian (i.e., Cambodian, Hmong, Laotian, Vietnamese) -Students with financial need (EFC of $12,000 or lower preferred) -Students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds (educational or social disadvantage, such as coming from a low-income family, an underserved rural or farming community, attending a school with a limited college preparatory curriculum, or other family circumstances that have affected your educational opportunities) -First generation college students -Students traveling abroad for the first time -Additional funding may be available for students completing internships in Africa while enrolled in the Worldwide Internship Program (WIP).
How to Apply
This scholarship is an auto-match application. Students who submit an application for the IAP Study Abroad Conditional Application in the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH) will be automatically considered if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Lois E. Hack Study Abroad Scholarship
Description
Pending annual renewal, this scholarship is available to UW-Madison undergraduate students pursuing degrees in the School of Education who are studying abroad on an IAP program. Any School of Education undergraduate major is eligible to apply. Preference will be given to applicants for whom this would be their first study abroad experience, as well as for students on a program to Africa, Asia, or Latin America.
This award is made possible from alumni of the School of Education who share the school's value of international education.
Award Amount
$3,000
Eligibility Criteria
This scholarship is available to UW-Madison undergraduate students pursuing degrees in the School of Education who are studying abroad on an IAP program. Any School of Education undergraduate, including students in "pre" status (e.g., pre-Elementary Education, pre-Kinesiology), or students earning the Certificate in Educational Policy Studies or the Certificate in Education and Educational Services are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to applicants for whom this would be their first study abroad experience, as well as for students on a program to Africa, Asia, or Latin America.
How to Apply
Students who are eligible are automatcially considered for this award.
L&S Honors Study Abroad Grant
Description Each year, the L&S Honors Program supports Honors students intending to study abroad at a UW-Madison-approved academic study abroad program through the L&S Honors Study Abroad grants. Award Amount
$1250
Eligibility Criteria
L&S Honors student studying on an approved UW-Madison Study Abroad Program How to Apply Students can apply for this award at Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH).
Going Abroad Scholarship
Description
Our mission at Going is to help people travel and experience the world. Since 2017, we've helped young travelers get out there and get going. Twice a year, two outstanding students will win $1500 towards their study abroad programs. Students must be U.S. citizens or residents enrolled full-time at an accredited institution of higher learning.
Award Amount
$1,500
Eligibility Criteria
Students must be U.S. citizens or residents enrolled full-time at an accredited institution of higher learning. How to Apply
Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants are designed to help support undergraduates as they seek knowledge and experience in their academic fields by studying abroad. Fifty $1,000 grants are awarded each year. Students do not have to be a member of Phi Kappa Phi to apply.
Award Amount
$1,000
Eligibility Criteria
1. The competition is open to Phi Kappa Phi members and nonmembers in all fields of study. 2. You must be enrolled as an undergraduate student at an institiution that has an active Phi Kappa Phi chapter. 4. You must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least a 3.75 on a 4.0 scale (3.74 GPA does not qualify). 5. You must be accepted into an accredited study abroad program before the date provided and provide the letter of acceptance as part of your application. 6. Your study abroad plan should relate directly to your academic preparation, potential career choice, or commitment to the welfare of others.
