University of Wisconsin–Madison
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UW Introduction to Biological Sciences Research in Japan

On the left, a modern building surrounded by trees with mountains in the background, and the right, a student, sitting on a stool and hunching over a countertop filled with papers, samples, and equipment.

Biochemistry Scholarships
Biochemistry majors who participate on this program will receive an automatic $1,000 scholarship from the Biochemistry department

Talk to a representative for this program at the Study Abroad Fair.

Japan, Hiroshima

Limited Capacity Program: This program can accept a limited number of students each term. We anticipate that it will receive more qualified applications than available spots. Review of applicants is based on the posted Eligibility Requirements (see top right side of this webpage) and 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.

Dive into an introduction to biological sciences research using cutting-edge methodologies in biochemistry on this immersive three week program in Japan. Students will engage in a comprehensive combination of lectures, discussions, fieldwork, and laboratory work focused on a central research question on gene regulation. In teams of two to three, students will conduct fieldwork, perform laboratory experiments, and analyze data under the instruction of a Program Leader representing UW-Madison and a Japanese researcher based at Hiroshima University. Participants will be empowered to tackle life science challenges in intercultural settings, getting a jump start into future undergraduate research endeavors. Students will also build their knowledge of the Japanese cultural context by immersing themselves in Japanese traditions, history, and daily life. Cultural activities include excursions to the Kyosenji Temple, Senseki Garden, Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Hiroshima Castle, Hiroshima Botanical Garden, Mount Misen, the Museum of History, Itsukushima Shrine, Daisho-in Temple, and a local brewery.

Please review Eligibility Requirements on top right of this program page.

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:

  • Develop scientific techniques to conduct effective research in biological sciences
  • Expose to different modes of doing research and thinking about science
  • Demonstrate critical thinking and comparative perspectives with respect to experiences as well as scientific and cultural approaches to societal and international challenges
  • Evaluate opportunities for professional careers in the international scientific research fields
  • Cultivate cultural competency and personal growth from the invaluable experience of living abroad

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

  • Open to students in all schools and colleges, with preference given to students in the Biochemistry major and students in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS)
  • Preference given to students with Freshman and Sophomore standing
  • 2.5 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

Biological & Physical Science

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Residence Hall

Program Duration

Summer: Mid-June to Early July (3 weeks)

Application Deadline(s)

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

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Participants will receive 3 credits of Biochemistry 307 - Stucy Abroad: Introduction to Biological Sciences Research in Japan upon successful completion of the three-week program in Japan. This program offers a comprehensive approach that combines research-centered hands-on learning and academic exploration within a single framework. Students will be embedded in a biochemistry lab at Hiroshima University, where they will collaborate in teams of two to three to conduct fieldwork, perform laboratory experiments, and analyze data under the instruction of Dr. Katsura Asano and Dr. Erica Shu.

This program is approved to fulfill the CALS International Comparisons requirement.

Affiliate Institution(s)

Hiroshima University

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

Erica Shu

Program Leader, Biochemistry

Dr. Erica Shu has extensive experience developing and teaching laboratory-based and lecture-based biochemistry courses to students at all undergraduate levels here at UW-Madison and at Cornell University. She has previously worked as a visitoring research professor at Hiroshima University.

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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).

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:

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.

Bryan Davia Scholarship

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.

Award Amount
Varies

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.

CALS Study Abroad Scholarships

Description

Students must have their primary academic program in CALS are eligible to apply for scholarships specifically for CALS majors. Students must apply for the Study Abroad Scholars scholarship through IAP to be considered for these awards.  Students must have also completed/submitted their study abroad application in order to be considered for a CALS study abroad scholarship.

Students who are completing the Global Health Certificate, but whose majors are outside of CALS (such as L&S) are not eligible. 

Award Amount
Varies ($1000-$2500)

Eligibility Criteria

Students must have their primary academic program in CALS to be eligible to apply. Students who are completing the Global Health Certificate, but whose majors are outside of CALS (such as L&S) are not eligible. Students must have also completed/submitted their study abroad application in order to be considered for a CALS scholarship. 

How to Apply

Students must apply for Study Abroad Scholars to be considered for this award through the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH).

Questions may be directed to studyabroad@cals.wisc.edu.