University of Wisconsin–Madison
Study Abroad
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IFSA Tech Career Accelerator

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If you are not a US or EU citizen you may need to submit background checks as part of your visa application. This can take up to two additional months, so you will need to apply for this program earlier than the posted deadline. Please contact your Study Abroad Advisor for more information.

Czech Republic, Prague

One of Europe's most beautiful cities, this program in Prague offers Computer Science and related majors the opportunity to fulfill degree requirements while also learning about the tech industry and trends in Europe. On this program, you will take courses at the IFSA Prague Program Center for either the fall or spring semester. Offered through the Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA), the Tech Career Accelerator program is an approved UW affiliate program.

You will be working closely with both IAP and IFSA on this program.  You can access the program's main information page through IFSA's website to learn about the academics, housing, excursions, activities, and the location.

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:

  • Identify, describing and acquire knowledge about the pervasiveness of the tech sector and the complex structure of the sector’s employment opportunities;
  • Develop and demonstrate classroom learning in “real-world” applicable tech sector;
  • Critique the impact of intercultural knowledge on worker output within the tech sector;
  • Design personal leadership plan;
  • Explain the basic components of the tech sector and the trends that are shaping it in Czechia, Europe and around the world;
  • Develop and apply increased fluency using business terminology related to strategy, operations, and finance to complement participants' technical and academic backgrounds;
  • Learn and practice strategies that will enable particpants to work effectively with peers and professionals from other backgrounds and cultures;
  • Analyze the importance of organizational vision, core values, and ethics in strategic decision making;
  • Understand, develop, and articulate how newly acquired knowledge, skills, and reflective self-assessment can impact one's lifelong learning and career readiness goals

Check out the IFSA YouTube stream for videos on various aspects of the 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

  • Must be 18 years of age or older by the start of the program
  • Students must have completed 1 year (2 semesters) of study at UW-Madison before the beginning of the term.
  • 2.0 cumulative GPA
  • 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

Advising Location

Program Structure

Provider

Subjects

Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Information Science

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Apartments

Program Duration

Fall: Early September - Late December

Spring: Late January - Mid-May

Application Deadline(s)

Spring 2025-26 9/5/2025 Cost Details
Fall 2026-27 3/6/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 9/4/2026 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

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Students can choose from a number of courses, all taught in English, which are offered at the IFSA Program Center. All students are required to take the core course Leading Innovation in the Global Tech Sector and can then choose from three or four additional course offerings for a total of 12-16 UW credits for the semester. This program regularly offers Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, Algorithms, and Principles of Operating Systems, though course offerings are subject to vary each semester. Courses and syllabi can be found here.

You may also elect to take one local university class offered by IFSA's partner institution, Charles University, for an additional fee.

There is the option of doing an internship for credit on this program.

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

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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:

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:

Additional consideration is given to students who have the following attributes:

How to Apply
Students can apply for this award at Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH).

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

 

How to Apply

Students can apply for this award at Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH).

UW Global Gateway Fellowships

Description

UW Global Gateway Fellowships for Semester and Year-long Study Abroad are designed to provide undergraduate students the access to the UW-Madison approved semester or year-long study abroad program of their choice, including the semester-long domestic study away program, UW Wisconsin in Washington, DC Internship Program, which best meets their academic and professional goals. 

The Global Gateway Initiative is based on the following values:

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
up to $10,000

How to Apply

Students can apply for this award at Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH).

IAP Gilman Incentive

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.

How to Apply

Students apply through the WISc Scholar Travel Grant application.

IFSA Scholarships

Description

Students participating on an IFSA study abroad program are eligible to apply for scholarships through IFSA.  Scholarship eligibility criteria varies, but has included: need and identity-based scholarships.

Award Amount
Varies ($500-$2,500)

Eligibility Criteria

 

How to Apply

For more information and to apply, visit the IFSA website.

Benjamin A. Gilman Int'l Scholarship Prgm

Description

The U.S. Department of State's Benjamin A. Gilman Internatonal Scholarship is a grant program that enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, thereby gaining skills critical to our national security and economic competitiveness.  The Gilman Scholarship Program is open to U.S. citizen undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study and intern abroad programs worldwide.

Award Amount
Varies (up to $5,000)

Eligibility Criteria

Scholarships available for undergraduate students who receive federal Pell Grant funding. Scholarships up to $5,000 for a semester/year in addition to a possible $3,000 Critical Need Language Supplement.

The Gilman Scholarship Program aims to support a diverse range of students who have been traditionally under-represented in study abroad, including but not limited to:
1. Students with high financial need
2. Students studying in non-traditional countries, especially those outside of Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand (Note: Students may not study in a country currently on the Department of State's travel warning list)
3. Students with diverse ethnic backgrounds
4. All recipients are required to carry out a Follow-on Service Project that promotes international education and the Gilman Scholarship Program at the students' home institution or in their home community.

How to Apply

For more information and to apply, visit the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship website.

All applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their Study Abroad Advisor for assistance with the application essays.

Fund for Education Abroad

Description

The FEA is committed to increasing the opportunities for dedicated American students to participate in high-quality, rigorous education abroad programs by reducing financial restrictions through the provision of grants and scholarships.  This scholarship is great for students who are early in the planning process of their study abroad experience as the deadline is early.

Award Amount
Varies

Eligibility Criteria

1. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.
2. Must plan to study abroad for a minimum of 4 weeks in country
3. Is committed to supporting education abroad in his/her campus community through work with the FEA and his/her campus education abroad staff upon return

 

 

How to Apply

For more information and to apply, visit the FEA website.

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

For more information and to apply, visit the scholarship website.

Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship

Description

Young people deserve to experience the world beyond their college campuses, but not everyone can afford to travel, especially if you're on a student budget. The Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship is awarded biannually to passionate students who want to explore the world. At Tortuga Backpacks, our mission is to help people take amazing trips, including students studying abroad. When customers purchase luggage from us for their trips, they are "paying it forward" by funding scholarships for students like you.

Award Amount
Varies

How to Apply

For more information and to apply, visit the Tortuga Backpacks website.

Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants

Description

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.

How to Apply

For more information and to apply visit the scholarship website.

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).