IFSA Biosciences and Health Sciences Career Accelerators

Collage of four photos highlighting the iconic landmarks of London and the student life of London.

England, London

Gain career-readiness in the biosciences or health sciences in one of the world's top study abroad destinations!

IFSA's Career Accelerator programs in London help students build professional skills through group experiential learning, company visits, guest speakers, cocurricular activities, and challenge projects—a required component of the program where students work in small groups and are paired with a locally based company/industry partner to advance innovation and problem-solve. Learn more about IFSA's unique Career Accelerator model here.

IFSA Biosciences Career Accelerator
Get ready to approach a fulfilling career in biosciences with insider’s knowledge and in-demand skills. From researchers to the range of team players that support their breakthroughs by managing projects, marketing, finance, and more, employers in this exciting sector seek talented candidates who can think critically, communicate, and collaborate effectively with a diverse group of teammates.

This unique program combines professional skill development with an in-depth look at how the industry operates, and delivers thoughtfully designed opportunities to put learning into practice. Lessons come to life with group projects, visits to industry companies and organizations, talks from experts who are driving industry change, and networking events—each enriched by immersion in London’s globally recognized bioscience ecosystem.

When you finish this program, you’ll have a complete understanding of career options that build on your love of science, as well as valuable global connections and a deeper understanding of your personal strengths.

IFSA Health Sciences Career Accelerator
Health Sciences is a sector that manifests in often unique, variable, and context dependent circumstances that directly contribute to our longevity and quality of life. As the demand for health sciences and health care professionals increases around the world with higher life expectancy rates, increasing health care tourism, and complex financing, legislation, and litigation parameters in different countries and regions, students pursuing careers in the health sciences will require critically comparative knowledge, the capacity and creativity to solve problems and innovate, and the professional competencies to be essential and compassionate contributors and leaders in a rapidly evolving field.

This program is designed for students pursuing a career in the health services or health care fields, as patient facing practitioners, health system administrators, and policy makers, and are interested in enhancing their academic and professional opportunities beyond traditional classroom boundaries through a curriculum combining integrated professional competencies and skills development, concurrent with an in-depth examination of the health sciences and services through curated opportunities for active, applied, and authentic learning assessment.

From challenge-based group projects to company and health care provider visits, panel discussions, expert talks, and networking events, the robust dual socialized and corporate health care sector in the greater London area will serve as an extension of the classroom and provide access to the leaders and companies that are driving change in health sciences.

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:

Biosciences Career Accelerator

Examine and explain the expansive role of the biosciences sector, identifying key employment pathways in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and biomedical research.
Integrate and apply scientific knowledge and research methodologies in real-world biosciences settings, developing technical and analytical skills necessary for laboratory, industry, and regulatory careers.
Assess the significance of intercultural collaboration in biosciences research and innovation, evaluating how diverse perspectives influence scientific discovery and technological advancements.
Design a strategic career plan tailored to individual goals in biosciences, incorporating leadership development, professional networking, and ethical considerations in scientific practice.

Health Sciences Career Accelerator

Analyze and articulate the interdisciplinary nature of the health sciences sector, including its evolving career opportunities and the impact of technological advancements on patient care and healthcare systems.
Apply and demonstrate classroom learning through hands-on experiences in health sciences, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical skills in clinical, research, and public health settings.
Evaluate and critique the role of intercultural competence in healthcare delivery, considering its impact on patient outcomes, workplace dynamics, and global health challenges.
Develop a personalized leadership plan that reflects professional aspirations in the health sciences field, incorporating ethical decision-making, teamwork, and career development strategies.

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
2.0 cumulative GPA
Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Freshman
At the time of participation, students must have completed one semester at a US college or university.
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

Biosciences, Health Sciences

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Apartments

Program Duration

Fall: Early September - Mid-December
Spring: Mid-January - Early May

Application Deadline(s)

Spring 2025-26 - [Biosciences Career Accelerator]	9/19/2025	Cost Details
Spring 2025-26 - [Health Sciences Career Accelerator]	9/19/2025	Cost Details
Fall 2026-27 - [Biosciences Career Accelerator]	4/3/2026	Cost Details
Fall 2026-27 - [Health Sciences Career Accelerator]	4/3/2026	Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 - [Biosciences Career Accelerator]	9/18/2026	Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 - [Health Sciences Career Accelerator]	9/18/2026	Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

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Depending on their chosen track, students will either take the required Leadership Development for the Health Sciences Sector or Leadership Development for the Biosciences Sector core course. Students then select three or four elective courses from within their track, or from the selection of other course topics offered at IFSA's London location below:

- Arts and Humanities
- Biosciences
- Black History and Influence in the UK
- Business
- Health Sciences
- Computer Science
- Psychology

The Health Science Career Accelerator program is approved to meet the Undergraduate Certificate in Global Health field experience requirement.

Students may also opt to take one or two of their elective courses at one of IFSA's local partner universities for an additional fee (note: there are different GPA requirements in order to take classes a partner institution):

Queen Mary: A leading UK, research-focused university. High-caliber academics, including strong business and science. Located in the historic East End district. 3.0 GPA requirement.
Westminster: A full range of options from art to business, on four campuses. Known for its diverse student population. 2.6 GPA requirement; 2.7 GPA requirement for media, arts, and design classes (“MAD” classes).

See IFSA's website for a full list of courses that are offered each semester at their London center, and links to their partner universitites' course offerings.

Students on this program take 12–17 UW credits.

Program Web Pages

IFSA Biosciences Career Accelerator IFSA Health Sciences Career Accelerator

Foreign Courses

IFSA London Biosciences Courses IFSA London Health Sciences Courses

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

Location

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

More than 7 million people live in this world-famous city, which is home to some of the world's best-known monuments, buildings, museums, galleries, sports clubs, restaurants, clubs, shopping and theatres. You will be able to explore famous attractions like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the British Museum, and the Houses of Parliament, as well as discover the many fascinating qualities that characterize London's variety of village-like neighborhoods such as Notting Hill, Islington, Chelsea, Shepherd's Bush or Kensington.

Students on this program take classes with fellow IFSA study abroad students, taught by London-based faculty at the IFSA Program Center in Mayfair, located in Central London.

Housing

Students live in furnished flats (apartments) selected by IFSA, with IFSA students as flatmates.

Location: Lewisham, an area in southeast London undergoing substantial regeneration, particularly following its tenure as London Borough of Culture in 2022. Lewisham Shopping Centre, a five-minute walk away, is home to over 70 stores. Across the street is Glass Mill Leisure Centre, with gym, pool, sauna, and steam room. Two-minute walk to Lewisham train station.

Commute: 40 minutes by train/Tube to the IFSA Program Center in Mayfair. 40 minutes by Docklands Light Railway/foot to Queen Mary, University of London.

Single rooms: Rooms include one double bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, and TV. Bed linens provided. Studio rooms include private kitchen with oven, stove, refrigerator, and microwave. Other rooms are part of cluster flats: six single rooms with private bathrooms, a shared kitchen, and living space. Kitchenware provided.

Meals: No meal plan. Students purchase meals or prepare food in shared kitchens. Breakfast available in the reception area on weekday mornings. Free coffee 24/7.

Common spaces: Three private dining rooms, a bar, study spaces, a gym with dance studio, and a games room.

Other details: Unlimited Wi-Fi, staff and security on site 24/7. Laundry facilities on-site. Cleaning provided every two weeks. The residence runs a full social calendar.

Nearby: The bustling Greenwich area, home to Greenwich Market, renowned museums, and Greenwich Park (where the Eastern and Western Hemispheres meet)—five minutes away via Docklands Light Railway. (Watch for celebrities: Greenwich frequently stands in as London and occasionally Paris in film and television productions.) Central London is 15 minutes away via train, so it’s easy to get to London Bridge and Charing Cross, the historic center of London.

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

Activities and excursions on the IFSA Career Accelerator programs in London are designed to pull you into the communities you visit and encourage cultural connections of every kind. There’s no extra fee to participate in these optional outings—everything is included in your program fee.

Below are a selection of activities and excursions from previous terms; options may vary for your program. Due to the seasonal nature of many of program activities, IFSA cannot guarantee a specific activity or excursion will be available in a given term or program.

Activities

The Great British Bake Off Experience: Step into the famous white tent and don your apron for this immersive baking experience. Perfect for fans of The Great British Bake Off, you’ll work in pairs and bake a dessert against the clock that will be judged by the head baker. You’ll even be able to take home your creation at the end!
West End Theatre Performance: No time in the UK would be complete without a trip to the West End, London’s famous theatre district. Shows are chosen that provide context or different perspectives on London/the UK/Europe. Recent examples include Operation Mincemeat and Cabaret.
Sustainability Garden: Visit a community garden started to rewild urban space and respond to the challenges of urban sustainable food production in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. By speaking to gardeners, learn more about the impact of sustainable practices on the biodiversity of urban areas and how they’re trying to widen participation in their local community. Make sure to dress appropriately because we’ll be getting our hands dirty!

Excursions

Stonehenge and Bath Visit: Stonehenge has stood on Salisbury Plain for around 5,000 years and it’s still unknown how the prehistoric monument came to rest there! Make up your own mind during this visit and discover the fascinating theories behind these rocks. You’ll learn about Stonehenge from the fascinating exhibits and be able to enjoy a virtual sunrise as it rises over the prehistoric stones! Afterward, travel to the Roman city of Bath for a walking tour of this World Heritage city once home to Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Gainsborough, Lord Nelson, and Beau Nash. Then prepare to travel back 2,000 years to the Roman era with a visit to the Roman Baths.
Piers and Queers Brighton Trip: Since the 18th century, Brighton has become a cosmopolitan place of recreation, escape, and freedom. A destination for people who didn’t conform. With an LGBTQ+ population now estimated at 15%, Brighton celebrated England’s first civil partnerships, and hosts the UK’s largest Pride event as well as Europe’s first Trans Pride, rightly earning its title as the LGBTQ+ Capital of Britain. Piers and Queers is a tour of Brighton from LGBTQ+ perspective. This colorful 90-minute walk along the beach and historic city center takes in more than 200 years of history including Regency Dandies, 1950s lesbian and gay life, and political activism. Afterward, there’s time for a walk on the pier and fish and chips, just watch out for seagulls!
Big Welsh Weekend: Delve into the rich history of Wales and explore its unique culture and its complex relationship with the rest of the UK on a weekend that takes in the famous Tintern Abbey, the historic Raglan Castle, the Blaenavon coal mines, and St Fagan’s, a museum that has preserved buildings and cultural practices from Welsh history. Spend the night in Cardiff, the Welsh capital, and discover the Cardiff Bay area, home of the Welsh Parliament.
Yorkshire Adventure: Explore the vibrant and historic county of Yorkshire on a weekend trip where you’ll discover how this English region has contributed to the UK’s cultural landscape. Highlights may include the Bronte Parsonage in Haworth, the Piece Hall in Halifax, the Victorian model village of Saltaire, or the imposing Harewood House in Leeds.
Bristol Visit: Explore the Bristol Medical Simulation Centre, an education facility providing clinical spaces for training exercises. Through scenarios, students can gain “practical” experience with patient care on the “Ward” and in the surgical “Theatre and Anaesthetic Room.”

On-Site Support

IFSA Resident Director and Staff

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.

IFSA London staff conducts a pre-arrival seminar online to cover topics to prepare for your semester in London. Upon arrival there will be an orientation that covers additional topics, and includes team-building and local tours.

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 are responsible for arranging round-trip transportation to the program site. Airport pick up is arranged when arriving within a designated arrival window. An IFSA staff member will meet you at the airport and transport you to your accommodation. If you arrive outside this window, you will receive specific instructions on how to make your own way to your accommodation.

Insurance

IFSA-Butler offers mandatory international health insurance for education abroad opportunities provided through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). Students on IFSA-Butler sponsored programs are covered by this policy. The cost of this insurance is included in the program fee. IFSA-Butler will send you instructions on how to access your policy and insurance card.

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.

Spring 2025-26 - [Biosciences Career Accelerator] Cost Details Spring 2025-26 - [Health Sciences Career Accelerator] Cost Details Fall 2026-27 - [Biosciences Career Accelerator] Cost Details Fall 2026-27 - [Health Sciences Career Accelerator] Cost Details Spring 2026-27 - [Biosciences Career Accelerator] Cost Details Spring 2026-27 - [Health Sciences Career Accelerator] Cost Details

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 Administered
IAP Gilman Incentive
IAP WISc Scholarship

Returned Student Network

View the Returned Student Network to contact a returned student

Student Reflections

Check out blogs and reflections of current or recently returned program students and alumni! Read student experiences on this program

Student Quotes

Video Description and Transcript: In his takeover, Akanimo talks about his classes, transportation, free time, London culture and more! Read the full transcript of the takeover.

Photos

Program photo album

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.

Session	Application Status
Spring 2025-26 - [Biosciences Career Accelerator]	Application Closed
Spring 2025-26 - [Health Sciences Career Accelerator]	Application Closed
Fall 2026-27 - [Biosciences Career Accelerator]	Application Closed
Fall 2026-27 - [Health Sciences Career Accelerator]	Application Closed
Spring 2026-27 - [Biosciences Career Accelerator]	Apply Now
Spring 2026-27 - [Health Sciences Career Accelerator]	Apply Now

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 the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. 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.

Brett Schieve (brett.schieve@wisc.edu)

Study Abroad Advisor

For questions on program experience, academics, housing, visa, health safety, student identity, funding and scholarships, returned student resources.

Brett Schieve (brett.schieve@wisc.edu)

Financial Specialist

For questions on billing, funding and scholarships, financial policies.

Alison Bailey (alison.bailey@wisc.edu)

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