During this program you will draw on your experiential knowledge gained from your initial access to Ugandan schools, as well as your US educational experiences, to think collaboratively with Ugandan graduate students. Discussions will take place around themes of research questions worth asking in diverse contexts, and how to apply research approaches and practices.
Pre-departure you will be assigned some readings to prepare you for the experience and will be expected to complete a final paper/project at the culmination of the program.
You will receive 3 credits of Curiculum and Instruction 675 after completion of this program.
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 Kampala is? See it on a map here.
Kampala is Uganda's capital city and a bustling metropolis with an estimated population of 1.2 million people. The city was originally built on seven hills, but now encompasses twenty hills. English is the official and most widely spoken language in Uganda. However, there are twenty tribes whose members speak more than sixty dialects. Luganda is the major language in the Kampala district and the most widely used after English.
Other features of the area include Jinja (source of the Nile), the Ssezibwa Falls, Ugandan National Theatre, St. Balikuddembe Market (formerly Owino Market) and Nakasero Market. Entebbe International Airport is located at Entebbe, twenty-two miles away.
Housing
In the center of campus, Makarere University has a Guest House where you will stay. You will share a double room, and the Guest House has a restaurant. Additionally, there are a number of other restaurants on campus and nearby. Breakfast is included in the program and is served at the hotel.
The Education Building is an easy walk from the Guest House, as are sites of interest in the city itself.
In Mukono you will stay at a Guest House near the school. Breakfast is provided, and other meals will be prepared communally at the house. There are stalls, an open market, and shops where food may be purchased.
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
You will have the opportunity to visit the rural community of Mukono while visiting a government school in the community. You will also have the opportunity to visit various sites around Kampala as well as participate in a city tour as a part of the program.
The program will also include a safari at Ssezibwa Falls, a visit to the Jinja (the source of the Nile river) as well as a performance by the cultural dance group, Ndere Troupe.
On-Site Support
UW-Madison Program Leader
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.
Visa
U.S. citizens must have a U.S. passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of the program. You need a visa to enter Uganda. Information about the process for obtaining this visa will be provided to you upon acceptance into the program.
Getting to Your Program
You are responsible for arranging your own transportation to Entebbe airport within designated arrival window.
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.
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.
National Scholarships
Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants
Going Abroad Scholarship
Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship
Fund for Education Abroad
UW-Madison
Claire Shaffer Study Abroad Award
History Department Global Perspectives Scholarship
IAP Administered
Bryan Davia Scholarship
IAP Study Abroad Travel Grant for Non-Residents
UW-Madison Study Abroad Scholarships
State of Wisconsin Study Abroad Travel Grant
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.
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Application Status |
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.