University of Wisconsin–Madison
Back to Top

UW in Türkiye: Crossroads of Civilizations

Sunset view of Istanbul's Galata Bridge, bustling with people. The New Mosque stands prominently in the background.

Six $2000 scholarships are available thanks to the generosity of the Karpat Center for Turkish Studies. Students who meet the eligibility requirements will automatically be considered for the scholarship. Students who receive those additional scholarships will be notified at the same time as they receive acceptance to the program. 

As a UW faculty-led program that is running for the first time, participants on this program for Summer 2027 will be provided with a guaranteed scholarship of $1000.

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

Türkiye, Istanbul

This Study Abroad program in Istanbul offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural, historical, and social tapestry of one of the world’s most iconic cities. You will be introduced to the diverse cultures, histories, and peoples who have shaped Istanbul and the surrounding region over millennia. The program emphasizes Istanbul’s status as a global hub for commerce, religion, and culture, exploring how the city has evolved as a crossroads of civilizations. The course integrates these themes across a variety of subjects, appealing to students with interests in Business, Political Science, International Studies, History, Classical and Ancient Near Eastern Studies, History of Islamic Art, Architecture and Museums, and Religious Studies. By engaging with the city’s vibrant past and present, students will gain a deeper understanding of its role on the world stage and the interconnectedness of global cultures.

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:

  • Understand the major historical events that led to the formation of modern Türkiye.
  • Analyze and articulate arguments about historical and cultural change in Türkiye over time.
  • Find, interpret, and utilize resources relevant to law and society.
  • Recognize how Türkiye impacts and is impacted by current global politics.
  • Construct clear and persuasive arguments about historical, social and cultural change in Türkiye.

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.

Request Information

Join our email list to receive program updates-including application notices, scholarship information, and more!

Eligibility

  • 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

UW Signature

Subjects

-History
-Classical and Ancient Near Eastern Studies
-History of Islamic Art
-Architecture and Museums
-Political Science
-International Studies
-Religious Studies

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Hotels

Program Duration

Summer: 3 Weeks, Mid/late May - Early June

Application Deadline(s)

Summer 2026 - [Cancelled] 2/6/2026 Cost Details
Summer 2027 1/15/2027 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

You will receive 3 credits upon completion of the program. You can choose from HISTORY 200: Historical Studies or INTL ST 503: Study Abroad Topics in Culture in the Age of Globalization.

The program will utilize field trips, guest lectures by Turkish scholars whose works are on the syllabus, activities with local students, and professional site visits to supplement classroom readings and discussions. Students will be educated in the discipline of cultural studies using a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach, covering topics such as Music, Cuisine, Arts, Entrepreneurship, Religion, History, Sports, Urban Planning, Sociology, and Gender Studies.

This program is led by Dr. Karl Shoemaker from the History Department.

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

Dr. Karl Shoemaker

Professor of History and Law, History Department

Dr. Shoemaker has taught undergraduates, graduates, and law students at UW-Madison and has led multiple UW Madison study abroad programs. He has experience in Türkiye and is proficient in Turkish.