The solid foundation I received at UW has opened many doors for me. I think it is important to give while you are ‘alive and taking nourishment,’ and it will be such a joy to see the new building on its completion.

Mary Behrens (’64 BS Nurs)

Division of International Studies

Make a Gift to the Division of International StudiesInternational Studies provides a variety of giving opportunities in support of international studies.

Study Abroad Scholarships

Study abroad offers students the opportunity to experience a new culture through coursework, exploration, and personal growth. A study abroad experience is a life-changing event that helps expand a student's worldview, deepens language competence, increases self-reliance, shapes character, develops professional interests, and advances personal and professional maturity. UW's study abroad programs are ranked among the top ten nationally. Almost 50 percent of incoming students express an interest in studying abroad, yet only 20 per cent of the current graduating class will be able to do so.

Wisconsin International Scholars (WISC) program

This honors-type, four year program provides an opportunity for a small, select group of undergraduates to participate in an internationally focused enrichment program while they pursue any of 145 undergraduate majors offered on campus. The program integrates study abroad opportunities by providing travel grants, and fosters international leadership through mentoring by faculty and staff. The program has a commitment to participation of disadvantaged groups.

Diplomat-in-Residence Program

Eight diplomats have visited the UW within the last two years. Each visit, whether short- or long-term, brings the world's professionals to campus and offers a unique perspective on global affairs. These opportunities have made for a richer intellectual experience for our campus and community. Diplomats-in-residence engage in teaching, research, and outreach on international public affairs. The program encourages students to reach for innovative careers in international studies and foreign affairs. There are 250 International Studies majors at UW. In addition, several thousand students take international courses offered by the International Institute.

Innovation Fund for International Education

Accelerating internationalization is a main objective of UW-Madison's strategic plan. Internationalizing the curriculum campus-wide through the Innovation Fund increases the global competence of UW-Madison graduates by expanding and deepening international content in all academic disciplines.

Fund for Strategic Faculty Hiring

A hallmark of UW-Madison is an exceptional faculty whose research and teaching are both interdisciplinary and collaborative. The Fund for Strategic Faculty Hiring makes it possible to secure seed-funding for key internationally focused faculty positions in emerging areas of inquiry, including:
  • Global marketing
  • International relations and security
  • International population health and epidemiology
  • Development and environment