Companies today operate in a global environment whether they source from, produce in, or distribute to markets around the world. For business leaders in this environment, political, economic, historical, and cultural frameworks are critical to understand and navigate. This course will provide classroom and applied experiences in global business related to the discipline of supply chain management.
In this course/program, we will focus on the energy industry and its supply chain, beginning with the scientific, political, and economic aspects of exploration. We will then review the entities involved and the processes of extraction/generation, distribution and marketing of products, as well as the governmental and university/educational sectors that support the industry. Our focus will include oil, gas, and renewables such as hydro, solar, wind.
The corresponding global trip will include the Norwegian cities/regions of Stavanger and Oslo. Stavanger is the center of the energy industry on the Norwegian sector of the North Sea; Oslo is the Norwegian capital and largest business, governmental, and cultural center. Norway is a critical supplier of energy to the global market; it is currently the third largest exporter of natural gas and the fourteenth largest exporter of oil in the world (source: Norwegian Petroleum Institute). Norway is also a leader in climate change policy and in the development and production of renewable energy resources.
Learning outcomes include:
Apply supply chain management theory and practice in a global and industry-specific context
Analyze how cultural, political, economic, and historical factors impact global business generally and industry-specific
Develop cultural awareness and appreciation through interactions with students, faculty, and business professionals from other countries
More program information is available below
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
This program is limited to Wisconsin BBA students enrolled in the Supply Chain Management major. Applicants must have completed or be enrolled in MKT/OTM 421 – Fundamentals of SCM by the spring term to be considered.
3.0 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
Supply Chain Management
Classroom Language
English
Housing
Hotels
Program Duration
Spring short course on-campus + spring break travel
Students will earn a total of 2 credits on the program, split into two parts:
OTM/MARKETNG 429 (1 credit): Students will enroll in this course for the spring term (next session TBD). Enrollment in this course is required for participation in the travel. Permission to enroll will be given to students after their acceptance into the program.
The on-campus spring course will provide academic, cultural, and logistical preparation prior to the Spring Break travel experience. A detailed syllabus will be distributed on the first class day.
MARKETNG 349 (1 credit): Students will automatically be awarded this credit after completion of the program's international component during Spring Break (next session TBD).
The Spring Break travel component will include a variety of meetings with business professionals, educators, and students in addition to a number of cultural and social activities. Samples of the program activities are provided below.
Site Visits (tentative/sample)
Business Site Visits (tentative/examples)
Petroleum Safety Authority (government agency)
AkerBP and Equinor – energy producers
Schlumberger and SubSea7 - suppliers
Norsk Vind Energy – wind producer and wind farm
Nysnø – sustainable/renewable investing
Educational/Academic (tentative/examples)
University of Stavanger – business school and student exchange
University of Stavanger - Ullrig Drilling Research Center
Norwegian Energy Museum
Cultural Experiences (tentative/examples)
Fjord cruise (Stavanger)
Sirdal region tour (Stavanger)
Viking Ship Museum (Oslo)
Akershus Fortress (Oslo)
Opera House (Oslo)
Royal Palace/Parliament (Oslo)
Vigeland Park (Oslo)
Olympic Park (Oslo)
Nobel Peace Prize Center (Oslo)
Program Leader
Verda Blythe
Distinguished Teaching Faculty III, Marketing
Program leader Verda Blythe is a faculty associate in the Marketing Department and affiliated with the Grainger Center for Supplly Chain Management, where she served in a director role for 12 years. Verda's teaching portfolio includes serveral courses in the undergraduate and full-time MBA program including Fundamentals of Supply Chain Management; Marketing Channels; Global Experience in Supply Chain Management; Personal and Professional Foundations in Business; Business and Society: History, Politics, Globalization; and Ethical Ledership.
She brings extensive industry experience to her position and has worked in a variety of supply chain roles including procurement and sourcing, manufacturing, and logistics. In her business career she has worked for Ruan Transportation Management Systems, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, and IBM. Verda is an advocate for and has participated in several conferences and programs related to attracting and advancing women in the supply chain profession.
Location
The travel component of the course during spring break will include visits to multiple Norweigian cities. Sample itinerary:
Day 1 Departure from Madison Day 2-7 Stavanger, Norway Day 8-9 Oslo, Norway Day 10 Return to Madison
Cost of living varies widely by location. Be sure to consult a variety of resources when researching cost of living.
Housing
Students will stay in double occupancy hotel rooms for the duration of the program.
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.
On-Site Support
A UW-Madison program leader provides on-site support, and the program provider will provide additional support in country.
Orientation
Before the in-country experience, students will enroll in MKT/OTM 429 Global Experience in Supply Chain Management. This course will provide an academic, cultural, and logistical orientation.
Visa
Starting in late 2026, US citizens must secure an electronic travel authorisation (ETIAS) to enter Norway and have a US passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of the program. 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 be traveling on a group flight for the program. Because of the duration of the program and the program activities, travel on the group flight is required. More details about the flight and confirming your reservation will be shared with program participants at a later date.
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
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 and Wisconsin School of Business Financial Resources page for more information regarding study abroad scholarships specific to business study abroad programs.
Grainger Center Funding All students participating in this global experience benefit from funding from the Grainger Center for Supply Chain Management. There is no application needed for this funding, as it is already calculated into the listed program costs. This sponsorship is meant to bring costs down for all students in order to alleviate the financial burden of studying abroad.
“The Norway trip through the Grainger Center was an unforgettable experience I am so thankful to have been a part of. I learned so much about how different countries approach economical and environmental issues, such as the energy crisis, which has shaped how I view current events and problem solving in my everyday life. I also was immersed into a culture I had little exposure to prior to this trip, and bonded with a great group of people that I am lucky to call my friends. I cannot recommend pursuing this opportunity enough!” Kelsey Theisen (BBA ’23)
“The Norway Global Experience trip was an incredible opportunity that I gained so much from, personally and professionally. I learned about how supply chain and sustainability is interpreted by companies abroad and got unique opportunities to see their strategies firsthand. That global perspective has stuck with me and has had a direct impact on my work in both school and my career. The cultural immersion on tours and activities was an amazing experience as well. I met some of my closest friends on this trek while we explored beautiful mountains, fjords, museums, and other adventures. I became so much closer to the people within my major and this community persisted even when we returned to campus. This was a truly special trip that I will appreciate and remember forever.” Lily Peterson (BBA ’25)
“About the Location: On this trip, you will have the opportunity to visit two different cities in Norway, Stavanger and Oslo. Stavanger is a beautiful town right on the North Sea. The hotel is directly on the water which is steps away from the cobblestone streets and historic buildings that create a beautiful area to explore while always feeling safe. The food in Stavanger is something I still think about as the freshness of the food is very evident and incredibly memorable. As for Oslo, this is more of a larger city within Norway that is also on the North Sea. You stay in a downtown area which is a prime location to see the variety of museums, architecture and natural beauty that Oslo offers.
About the Program: The short term program is a very immersive and application based learning style. The course you take while on campus at UW-Madison is presentation based as you focus on researching the country, the sustainability of oil and gas, and global implications. When you are in Norway, the structure of the course is all based upon doing site visits and getting first hand experience from partnered companies and universities. Students are able to fully immerse themselves within the culture of Norway and ask questions to a variety of companies, professors and Norwegians.
As for the people on the trip, the trip is typically around 16-18 students. This was one of the most impactful parts of the trip as the people you travel with end up becoming some of your closest friends. You get to learn about one another, while also having some of the most fun experiences like going on a Fjord cruise, Skiing in the mountains and experiencing the Norwegian nightlife. As for the professors and chaperones, the trip would not be possible without them. The overall experience they help provide is one of the coolest trips you have taken in your life.” Peter Freye (BBA ’25)
This program is limited to no more than 18 Wisconsin BBA students enrolled in the Supply Chain Management major. Applicants must have completed or be enrolled in MKT/OTM 421 – Fundamentals of SCM by the spring term to be considered.
In order to apply, students must submit a short essay answering the following prompt:
As a participant in the Grainger Center for Supply Chain Management Global Experience Program to Norway, please describe the reasons for your interest in this program and what you hope to gain from participating. (2 paragraph maximum)
Session
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.
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 Wisconsin School of Business. 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.
Description
This scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison undergraduate students studying abroad on any UW-Madison study abroad program. Preferences for this scholarship include a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA, financial need, first generation college student, and first time abroad.
The Bryan Davia Scholarship was created in his honor to commemorate his life and to continue to share his gift of enriching the lives of everyone around him. As someone who loved to explore the world and everything life had to offer, Bryan would want nothing more than to help others do the same. Bryan was a compassionate, outgoing, hard working alumni of UW-Madison who cherished his time studying abroad in Barcelona. During his time abroad, Bryan set out to discover everything his new home had to offer. Bryan possessed the ability to extract the energy of a city through the exploration of its music, nightlife, and food allowing him to fully integrate himself within his environment and it’s culture. Bryan understood the value of knowledge gained from experiences and social interactions, rather than just in a classroom. We hope the recipient of this scholarship shares his devotion to balancing hard work with an unrelenting desire to explore, discover, and enjoy every moment in their new city.
This scholarship is available for degree-seeking UW-Madison undergraduate students attending an IAP study abroad program. Applicants must demonstrate financial need (to be determined by FAFSA submission) and maintain Minnesota or Non-Resident residency. Scholarship will be awarded to students participating on a fall, spring, or year-long program. Scholarship award can range from $200-$2,000.
This scholarship was established by International Academic Programs (IAP) in order to provide assistance to students looking to expand their educational opportunities abroad.
Award Amount
Varies
Eligibility Criteria
This scholarship is available for degree-seeking UW-Madison undergraduate students attending an IAP study abroad program. Applicants must demonstrate financial need (to be determined by FAFSA submission) and maintain Minnesota or Non-Resident residency. Scholarship will be awarded to students participating on a fall, spring, or year-long program.
How to Apply
Students accepted to an approved IAP study abroad program for a semester or year are automatically considered for this scholarship if they have completed a FAFSA and submitted all necessary supplemental forms to the Office of Student Financial Aid Office. Students should submit a FAFSA as soon as possible. Funds are disbursed until exhaused for the term.
Study Abroad Alumni & Friends Scholarship
Description
This scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison students participating on an IAP study abroad program. This award is made possible through generous donations from UW-Madison alumni and friends of study abroad programs. These donors value the benefits of study abroad and are committed to making this opportunity available to UW-Madison students.
Award Amount
Varies
Eligibility Criteria
This scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison students participating on an IAP study abroad program.
How to Apply
This scholarship is an auto-match application. Students who submit an application for the IAP Study Abroad Conditional Application in the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH) will be automatically considered if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Study Abroad Scholars
Description
This competitive scholarship provides students with financial awards starting at $1,500 towards the eligible study abroad program of your choice, and the chance to share your experience with the UW-Madison community upon return. Students attending any program, except the funded Global Gateway programs, in IAP, CALS, ENGR, or WSB are encouraged to apply to become a Study Abroad Scholar. Please read full scholarship details, including eligibility requirements, and considerations on the Study Abroad Scholars page.
CALS majors must apply for Study Abroad Scholars to be considered for CALS donor scholarships. Award Amount
$1,500-$8,000
Eligibility Criteria
In order to be considered for the Study Abroad Scholars scholarship for this application round, an applicant must:
Be in the process of applying, or have already applied, to an IAP study abroad program (UW Global Gateway Programs are not eligible)
Be a full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate UW-Madison student
Academic merit and financial need will be considered
Submit completed application materials online by the posted deadline
Description This funding comes from Sarah Perry, who having studied abroad for a year, wishes to support the same opportunity for students. Recipients may attend the University’s Approved Study Abroad Program of their choice (of any duration, international location, or subject matter), but may lack the necessary financial resources to do so.Award Amount
$5000
How to Apply
This scholarship is an auto-match application. Students who submit an application for the IAP Study Abroad Conditional Application in the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH) will be automatically considered if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Dorothy E. Paull Fund
Description
Pending annual renewal, this scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison undergraduate students studying abroad on an IAP study abroad program, in partnership with CALS, Engineering, and Business.
This award was established by Mrs. Paull in 1984 and is awarded to students to promote world peace via participation in study abroad programs.
Award Amount
Varies
Eligibility Criteria
This scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison undergraduate students studying aborad on an IAP study abroad program.
This scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison undergraduate students studying abroad on an IAP study abroad program, in partnership with CALS, Engineering, and Business. This scholarship aims to ensure that undergraduates with financial need can realize their dream of studying abroad. The Great People-International Studies Scholarship makes study abroad accessible and affordable, just as the UW Foundation’s Great People Scholarship helps to ensure that no student accepted to the university on outstanding merits will be turned away for want of money.
Award Amount
Varies
Eligibility Criteria
This scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison undergraduate students studying abroad on an IAP study abroad program.
This scholarship is open to enrolled UW-Madison Students from the greater Chicagoland area (as defined by Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties) or a current recipient of one of the WAA Chicago Chapter Scholarships.
WAA Chicago Chapter created this fund circa 2005 with the estate gift from Robert Rothschild in efforts to support study abroad participants.
Award Amount
Varies
Eligibility Criteria
Must be from greater Chicago Area (as defined by Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties) or a current recipient of one of the WAA Chicago Chapter Scholarships.
Description
IAP will provide a guaranteed $1000 scholarship to students applying to the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for the first time and meet the Gilman's scholarship eligibility requirements and application deadlines.
Students can only receive the IAP Gilman Incentive one time in their academic career. No additional application to IAP is needed and our staff will notify recipients after the Gilman scholarship deadline. Award Amount
$1000
How to Apply
For more information and to apply, visit the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship website. No additional application is needed for the IAP Gilman Incentive award. Students can only receive the IAP Gilman Incentive one time.
IAP WISc Scholarship
Description
This scholarship was established by International Academic Programs (IAP) to assist undergraduate student participants in the Wisconsin International Scholars (WISc) Program with building their global competence and citizenship skills, which is the core goal of the WISc Program. Each WISc Scholar is eligible to receive scholarships as follows:
1) 1 scholarship of $2500 toward participation on a short-term study abroad program duration (winter intersession, spring break, or summer), and
2) 1 scholarship of $4000 toward participation on a semester program OR 1 $6000 towards a year long program.
These scholarships can be used for students attending any approved UW-Madison study abroad program.
Award Amount
$2500-$6000
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible for student participants of the Wisconsin International Scholars (WISc) Program at UW-Madison.
The U.S. Department of State's Benjamin A. Gilman Internatonal Scholarship is a grant program that enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, thereby gaining skills critical to our national security and economic competitiveness. The Gilman Scholarship Program is open to U.S. citizen undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study and intern abroad programs worldwide.
Award Amount
Varies (up to $5,000)
Eligibility Criteria
Scholarships available for undergraduate students who receive federal Pell Grant funding. Scholarships up to $5,000 for a semester/year in addition to a possible $3,000 Critical Need Language Supplement.
The Gilman Scholarship Program aims to support a diverse range of students who have been traditionally under-represented in study abroad, including but not limited to: 1. Students with high financial need 2. Students studying in non-traditional countries, especially those outside of Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand (Note: Students may not study in a country currently on the Department of State's travel warning list) 3. Students with diverse ethnic backgrounds 4. All recipients are required to carry out a Follow-on Service Project that promotes international education and the Gilman Scholarship Program at the students' home institution or in their home community.
All applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their Study Abroad Advisor for assistance with the application essays.
Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants
Description
Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants are designed to help support undergraduates as they seek knowledge and experience in their academic fields by studying abroad. Fifty $1,000 grants are awarded each year. Students do not have to be a member of Phi Kappa Phi to apply.
Award Amount
$1,000
Eligibility Criteria
1. The competition is open to Phi Kappa Phi members and nonmembers in all fields of study. 2. You must be enrolled as an undergraduate student at an institiution that has an active Phi Kappa Phi chapter. 4. You must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least a 3.75 on a 4.0 scale (3.74 GPA does not qualify). 5. You must be accepted into an accredited study abroad program before the date provided and provide the letter of acceptance as part of your application. 6. Your study abroad plan should relate directly to your academic preparation, potential career choice, or commitment to the welfare of others.
The Foundation supports Silver or Gold Award Girl Scouts undergrads who plan to study abroad, regardless of their major/minor. It is not necessary to be an Academic Scholarship recipient to apply; nor are Academic Scholarship recipients excluded from applying. Study abroad may occur during first/second/summer semester, or the full academic year.
Award Amount
$1000
Eligibility Criteria
Provide proof verifying receipt of the Silver and/or Gold Award. Submit a letter of recommendation from a Girl Scout volunteer or staff member who is not a relative. The letter of recommendation MUST be written within the past six months, specifically for this scholarship. Provide proof of acceptance to study in an accredited “study abroad” program. Show proof that the cumulative grade point is at least a “B”. ----------------------- How to Apply
Follow instructions on website for application details
