University of Wisconsin–Madison
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UW Undergraduate Internship Credit Program

Four individuals sitting at a table. Two are reading, and two are looking at a large paper poster.

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

Worldwide, Worldwide

You must apply through the International Internship Database

The Worldwide Internship Program (WIP) allows UW-Madison undergraduates to earn academic credit for an internship located outside the USA. This program is open to students from any major. Internships are located in many countries and types of organizations (companies, non-profit organizations, government agencies, research centers, etc). 

You can enroll in WIP for the 2 following types of internships:

UW Signature: These are internships created specifically for UW-Madison undergraduates. Internships and applications are posted in the International Internship Database. If you are accepted to one of these internships you’ll automatically be enrolled in the WIP course for credit upon acceptance. 

External: For an internship you find on your own, you must submit a separate WIP application to earn credit and receive international health and travel insurance and support from UW-Madison. You should apply if you are in the process of applying for an internship, even if all the internship details are not yet finalized.

Internships must meet the following criteria:

  • At least 4 weeks in duration and at least 100 hours of work with an organization
  • Clear position description with learning goals and a connection to your studies or career interests
  • A supervisor who will guide you throughout the internship and complete an evaluation of your work at the end of your internship

Intern Abroad Advisors offer advising appointments for any students interested in international internships, and can advise on both UW Signature and external internship opportunities. Please come in for advising early since internships often take several months to coordinate. Intern Abroad Advisors can also help you explore whether an international internship can meet degree requirements such as Global Health field experience or SoHE internships.

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:

  • Participate in an internship abroad that allows you to build upon your academic coursework.
  • Develop relevant cross-cultural and linguistic (if applicable) skills while interning and 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

  • Eligibility requirements vary depending on the internship opportunity. 

  • 2.5 cumulative GPA
  • Variable language requirements depending on the internship opportunity.

  • Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Freshman
  • 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

Various, open to UW-Madison undergraduates of all majors.

 

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Responsible for arranging your own housing

Program Duration

Available Summer, Fall and Spring terms. The course will run for set dates during the term you're abroad. Your internship dates will be arranged between you and your supervisor (minimum 4 weeks and 100 hours).

Application Deadline(s)

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

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Students are enrolled in International Studies 523: Culture & the Global Workplace, 3-credit virtual course that includes internship reflection and academic consideration of culture and cross-cultural relations in the global workforce. You will interact with a UW-Madison instructor and other UW-Madison students doing internships in various fields around the world.
 
Students have the option to add 1-credits of directed/independent study with a UW-Madison faculty member. Students identify and set this up on their own and it must followcampus policy for directed study.  

When adding a directed study or other coursework it is important to consider the many responsibilities you will have while abroad: a full-time internship, IS-523 online course, independent travel, etc. We strongly discourage enrolling in more than six credits. 

Program Web Pages

International Internships