This program will not be offered in 2026 but will be offered in 2027.
India, Multiple
This 3-week summer program will introduce you to the history, politics, and contemporary issues of South Asia through the unique lens of language, human rights, and the environment.
You will arrive in Delhi and will spend the first week exploring the city while learning about the role of language in the social context of gender, class, caste, religion, and nation. For the next two weeks of the program, you will travel to the Himalayan towns of Shimla, Manali, Keylong and Jispa. A variety of minoritized tribal languages are spoken in these small villages, and for reasons you will come to learn, have been designated as critically endangered. Through cultural engagement and experiential programming, you will grow to understand the historical and cultural context of language and the environment and how language use shifts and adapts to accommodate modern political and cultural influences. Through discussions with local experts and opportunities for reflection, you will develop an understanding of the importance of language rights as human rights, critical to sustainability and global security.
Your Program Leader will be Associate Director of the Center for South Asia and Academic Director of the South Asia Summer Language Institute, Sarah Beckham.
Analyze key topics related to language, human rights, and the environment in South Asia and their relevance to contemporary global issues (CLO1)
Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary language issues in South Asia and their complex relationship to global security (CLO2)
Evaluate peers’ arguments on topics relevant to the course based on evidence and appropriate disciplinary frameworks and theories (CLO3)
Synthesize knowledge and insight to produce original research or a public product of value to relevant communities of practice (CLO4)
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
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
Advising Location
Program Structure
UW Signature
Subjects
International Studies, Linguistics, Asian Languages and Cultures
Throughout the program you will have opportunities to learn through many different activity types. Your Program Leader will give lectures and share readings on the subject matter, and you will consolidate your knowledge with presentations and discussions with various local experts. You will also spend learning time out in the community on excursions to sites of historical, cultural, and religious importance. You will be completing project-based learning activities that are intended to support human rights, linguistic heritage and the environment in the community with whom you are studying.
You will choose either 3 credits of International Studies 401, Linguistics 213, or Ed Pol 247 upon completion of the 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
Program Leader
Sarah Beckham
Associate Director of the Center for South Asia, International Studies
The 400-year-old capital city of Delhi is a vibrant city that is filled with contrasts between the old and the new. The narrow alleys of Old Delhi are filled with ancient mosques, temples, markets, and palaces of cultural significance while New Delhi is a bustling cosmopolitan city with access to modern luxuries and pockets of extreme wealth.
The towns of Shimla, Manala, Keylong and Jispa are located in Himachal Pradesh, India which is located in the Himalayan mountains.
Housing
You will be staying in small hotels and lodges throughout your time on the program. Sometimes you will be sharing a room with another program participant, and other times you may have your own room. This program involves quite a bit of traveling, so you will get to experience different types of lodging throughout your time in India. You will have breakfast each morning at your hotel. Some lunches and dinners are also provided throughout the program.
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
In Delhi you will visit Old Delhi, India Gate, Humayun Tomb, Qutub Minar, Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah as well as a variety of historical and cultural museums in the city. As you travel into the Himalayas, you will spend time in 4 smaller towns visiting Himal Pradesh University, local temples and monasteries and NGOs.
You will also have opportunities to explore the local markets and visit with locals.
On-Site Support
The UW-Madison Program Leader leads the program and is responsible for teaching the course.
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.
Upon arrival to India participants will be met by the UW instructor and partner staff. An on-site orientation will cover information related to student housing, cultural considerations, health and safety, and local logistics.
Visa
U.S. citizens will apply for a One Month e-Tourist Visa before departing for India. 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.
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 arranging round-trip transportation to the program site but will be given guidelines on arrival and departure times.
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
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 completes a review of all applications to determine if students meet minimum eligibility requirements.
Session
Application Status
Summer 2026 - [Suspended]
Application Closed
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.
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.
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.
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
Description
This grant provides approximately $1800 for undergraduate students interning in India or Nepal in summer thanks to the generous support of the Center for South Asia. Award Amount
~$1800
Eligibility Criteria
Applied for or accepted on a summer internship in India or Nepal and getting credit through the Worldwide Internship Program online course with IIP. How to Apply Apply via WiSH
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.
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).
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
This scholarship is available for degree-seeking UW-Madison undergraduate students attending an IAP study abroad program. Applicants must demonstrate financial need (to be determined by FAFSA submission) and maintain Minnesota or Non-Resident residency. Scholarship will be awarded to students participating on a fall, spring, or year-long program. Scholarship award can range from $200-$2,000.
This scholarship was established by International Academic Programs (IAP) in order to provide assistance to students looking to expand their educational opportunities abroad.
Award Amount
Varies
Eligibility Criteria
This scholarship is available for degree-seeking UW-Madison undergraduate students attending an IAP study abroad program. Applicants must demonstrate financial need (to be determined by FAFSA submission) and maintain Minnesota or Non-Resident residency. Scholarship will be awarded to students participating on a fall, spring, or year-long program.
How to Apply
Students accepted to an approved IAP study abroad program for a semester or year are automatically considered for this scholarship if they have completed a FAFSA and submitted all necessary supplemental forms to the Office of Student Financial Aid Office. Students should submit a FAFSA as soon as possible. Funds are disbursed until exhaused for the term.
Study Abroad Promise Scholarship
Description
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.
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.
Grants available for undergraduate students attending an approved UW-Madison study abroad program who demonstrate financial need. Maximum award is $2,000 for semester or year long program durations.
Award Amount
$200 - $2,000
How to Apply
Students accepted to an approved UW-Madison study abroad program for a semester or year are automatically considered for this grant if they have completed a FAFSA and submitted all necessary supplemental forms to the Office of Student Financial Aid Office.
