UW Global Gateway in Estonia (College of Engineering)

The Summer 2027 Global Gateway in Estonia (College of Engineering) program is funded through the generous donations of College of Engineering Alumni.

This program is for College of Engineering students only. Students of the Biological Systems Engineering major are not eligible.

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

Estonia, Tallinn

Limited Capacity Program: This program can accept a limited number of students each term. In the past we have received more qualified applications than available spots. Review of applicants is based on 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.

Join a small group cohort of College of Engineering Badgers on this fully-funded summer program to Estonia! Led by UW Program Leader Nathan Jung, Global Gateway is a unique, engaging experience designed specially for UW-Madison College of Engineering students.

Through classroom learning, guided visits in Tallinn, activities and excursions, students will discover Estonia, a small country in northern Europe and a global leader in digital governance, to see how its engineers, policymakers, and companies translate ethical considerations into concrete design decisions for artificial intelligence. There is no language pre-requisite for this program.

Each student selected for the program will receive a Global Gateway scholarship covering the program fee, including airfare!

Select applicants are invited for an interview before final decisions are made. Accepted students will demonstrate a strong commitment to the program and its learning objectives, be an active participant while on the program, and help promote international education upon their return to UW-Madison. Both need and merit-based criteria will be taken into consideration.

This program is offered by UW-Madison in cooperation with CIEE and is funded in partnership with the UW-Madison College of Engineering.

Please note that participation in this program fulfills one of the course requirements for the Applications of AI in Engineering Certificate. To learn more, please visit Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Engineering Certificate.

Global Gateway Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:

Academic
Learn about, with, and from the communities in which they live and study
Ask culturally relevant questions
Make connections between academic content learned on campus and ideas generated on program
Engage with the course content and explore connections to their major

Professional
Explore career interests or goals for future planning
Develop and strengthen adaptability and flexibility
Expand worldview to engage in a globalized, interconnected world
Articulate how the soft skills they developed on their program experience helps shape future goals

Personal
Cultivate empathy and cultural humility
Understand and navigate cultural and geographical differences
Reflect on personal values and assumptions
Build community with others

Explore additional UW Global Gateway Initiatives

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 UW-Madison degree-seeking College of Engineering students only.

Students must have met progression into the major by the application deadline and not be graduating within the next year. Preference will be given to students who are earlier in their academic curriculum.

After applications have been reviewed, selected applicants will be asked to complete a virtual interview. Both application materials and interviews will be considered in acceptance decisions.

Must have a Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. The Office of Student Financial Aid has information on how to complete your FAFSA.

Preference will be given to students with a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $8,000 or less or being part of Bucky’s Pell Pathway program for the past or current academic year.

Preference given to students who have not previously participated on a UW Study Abroad program.

Students who have previously participated on a UW Global Gateway Program or received a UW Global Gateway Fellowship are not eligible to receive a second UW Global Gateway award.
Academic standing eligibility requirements are based on year in school and not on academic credits. Transfer students’ years of study are calculated by adding the years of study at previous institutions and total years at UW-Madison.
2.5 cumulative GPA
Sophomore, Junior
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

Engineering

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Hotels

Program Duration

Summer 2027: Mid May – Early June

Application Deadline(s)

Summer 2027

1/22/2027

Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

You will take one course while on the UW Global Gateway Program in Estonia (College of Engineering).

AI, Ethics, and Engineering in Estonia (3 credits)

This course will be taught by Nathan Jung.

Anchored in Estonia’s globally recognized digital society, this course offers engineering students an international perspective on how different cultures use applied ethics to develop, deploy, and regulate emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. More specifically, students will explore how Estonian engineers, policymakers, companies, and citizens translate ethical considerations in areas like fairness, accountability, transparency, privacy, and safety into concrete design decisions surrounding artificial intelligence and its implementation. Through site visits to public institutions and private companies, meetings with local experts, and cross-cultural reflection activities, students will ask what Estonia’s commitment to e-governance, digital identity systems, and public policy in technology says about the broader, global relationship between cultural values, applied ethics, and artificial intelligence, while also practicing key engineering skills like ethical reasoning, technical decision-making, and public-facing communication.

Please note that participation in this program fulfills one of the course requirements for the Applications of AI in Engineering Certificate. To learn more, please visit Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Engineering Certificate.

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

Nathan Jung

Teaching Faculty , Program for Engineering Communication & Applied Ethics, College of Engineering

Location

Check out where Tallinn is on a map!

Tallinn is known as the “Gem of the Baltic” and is considered one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. This historic city is famed for its historic gates, defensive towers, cobblestone streets, and walls. Additionally, the city is affectionately called the “Silicon Valley of Europe,” as Tallinn is nearly 100% digital. Discover firsthand how many entrepreneurs, tech startups, and students flock here to experience the local commitment to digital innovation and the city’s thriving tech scene.

Cost of living varies widely by location. Consult a variety of resources when researching cost of living.

Housing

During your time in Estonia, you will stay in hotels with other UW-Madison program participants (you will share a room with one or more participants). Breakfast is included. Most other meals will also be included with the program.

We typically place students in rooms with others of the same sex. In some locations, this is necessary for legal or cultural reasons. We understand that not all students may identify as female or male, and we want to create a welcoming environment for you while you are abroad. We are happy to work with students who identify as transgender, genderqueer, gender non-conforming, and/or non-binary regarding life abroad. If you have questions or concerns regarding housing as it relates to your gender identity, please contact your Study Abroad Advisor.

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

Excursions that enhance the curriculum will be included as part of the program. These excursions will give you the opportunity to participate in local cultural activities with the community and further explore program themes in Estonia.

Tentative excursions in Tallinn:

Old Town tour

Eesti Meremuuseum

Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design

Cooking class

Vabamu Museum

Tallinn TV Tower

Telliskivi Creative City tour

NATO CCDCOE

Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications

E-Estonia

Estonian Data Protection Inspectorate

Estonian Human Rights Centre

Milrem Robotics

Additional company visits

Tartu visit
Overnight excursion to Helsinki, Finland

On-Site Support

The UW-Madison Program Leader, Nathan Jung, will be available for on-site assistance. The CIEE Resident Director and other CIEE staff will also be available to support you for the duration of the program.

Orientation

IAP expects you to be an active participant in preparing yourself for the study abroad experience.

You will participate in a series of 3 required orientation sessions in Madison before your departure.

Once you arrive in Estonia, you will attend a comprehensive on-site orientation. This will include key aspects of culture and information about the local area.

Visa

US citizens do not need a visa for entry as a tourist stay for 90 days or fewer. US citizens must have a US passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of the program. Estonia is a part of the Schengen Agreement.

Non US Passport holders may have different visa requirements. Ask your Study Abroad Advisor, if you have any questions.

Getting to Your Program

You will travel on a group flight for the program. The Global Gateway scholarship fully covers the cost of this flight. Because of the duration of the program and the program activities, travel on the roundtrip group flight is required. More details about the flight will be shared with program participants after acceptance. An airport transfer between Madison and Chicago O’Hare International Airport will be provided. An airport transfer on-site in Tallinn, from the airport to the housing, will also be provided.

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.

Summer 2027 Cost Details

Financial Aid

UW–Madison students can typically use their financial aid on UW–Madison study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programs. You need to complete a FAFSA if you want to be eligible to receive federal and state financial aid.

Beginning in 2026-27, the Office of Student Financial Aid will require all incoming undergraduate students to submit a CSS profile.

Review our financial aid and funding your experiences pages for more information.

Scholarships

Check out our scholarships page to find:

A scholarship chart listing internal and external opportunities, with descriptions, deadlines, and amounts.
Timelines of when UW-Madison study abroad scholarship applications open and close.
Tips for writing scholarship essays.

Find scholarships

Program 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
UW Global Gateway Summer Programs

National
Social, Environmental, and Economic Development (SEED) Scholarship

Session	Application Status
Summer 2027	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 Engineering. 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.

Joanna Poinsatte (Make an appointment with Joanna Poinsatte, or email joanna.poinsatte@wisc.edu)

Study Abroad Advisor

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

Carmen Pitz (Make an appointment with Carmen Pitz, or email carmen.pitz@wisc.edu)

Financial Specialist

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

Judy Humphrey (judy.humphrey@wisc.edu)

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UW Global Gateway Summer Programs

Description

This scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison undergraduate students who are admitted to the UW Global Gateway study abroad program.
For more information on program locations and details, visit the UW Global Gateway Initiative page.

Each program provides a full scholarship, including airfare, for 15 students with demonstrated financial need (preference give to students with EFC under $12,000).

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
Full scholarship plus airfare

Eligibility Criteria

Must have a current Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. For information on how to complete your FAFSA, visit: https://financialaid.wisc.edu

Preference will be given to students with an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of $12,000 or less as determined by the FAFSA.
Students who have participated on a UW Global Gateway Program or received a UW Global Gateway Fellowship are not eligible to receive a second UW Global Gateway award.
2.0 cumulative GPA
Freshman, Sophomore standing
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

How to Apply

Interested students should apply for the UW Global Gateway Program of their choice by the application deadline.

UW Global Gateway in Estonia (College of Engineering)

Estonia, Tallinn

Diversity & Inclusion

Sustainability

Request Information

Eligibility

Advising Location

Program Structure

Subjects

Classroom Language

Housing

Program Duration

Application Deadline(s)

Course Equivalents

Program Leader

Location

Housing

Program Considerations

Excursions and Activities

On-Site Support

Orientation

Visa

Getting to Your Program

Insurance

Financial Aid

Scholarships

Program Scholarships

Returned Student Network

Disclosure

Enrollment Manager

Study Abroad Advisor

Financial Specialist

Alumni And Friends

Internships