Want credit for your internship? The Worldwide Internship Program (WIP), or IS-523, can help! Interns in UW Signature Internships are automatically enrolled in the WIP course. UW-Madison students who have found an internship outside the U.S. can apply for this online academic program.
The online course includes internship reflection and academic consideration of cross-cultural relations in the global workforce. You will interact with other UW-Madison students doing internships in various fields around the world.
This program is not available for virtual international internships; students are encouraged to seek credit for virtual internships through their school/college. International students may require employment authorization for virtual internships.
We will offer IS-523/WIP for in-person internships abroad in Summer 2023.
Course(s)
IS-523: Culture & The Global Workplace (3 credits)
Independent Study: You can also add 1-3 credits of directed/independent study with a faculty member. It is up to you to set this up and it must follow campus policy.
When adding a directed study or other coursework you should consider all responsibilities while abroad: a full-time internship, IS–523 online course, independent travel, etc. The Intern Abroad team strongly discourages enrolling in more than six credits.
Sample Syllabus
WIP FOR DEGREE REQUIREMENT
The WIP/IS-523 course will appear on your UW transcript. If you would like to use this course for an internship or field experience requirement in your major or certificate (e.g. Global Health, SOHE, Rehab Psych) you should discuss this with your Intern Abroad Advisor and your academic or career advisor as soon as possible to allow enough time for the review and approval process before your internship begins. Please talk to your academic advisor to inquire if the course may fulfill other requirements.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
In addition to the course WIP also includes:
- Enrollment in international health & travel insurance
- 24/7 emergency support through IAP
- In-person components through a pre-departure orientation, check-in with an Intern Abroad advisor while abroad and re-entry meeting
- Continuous enrollment at UW-Madison
- Eligibility for many internship, study abroad, campus and national scholarships
ELIGIBILITY
- Accepted for an UW Signature internship, internship placement program or independent internship outside the U.S.
- Sophomore, Junior, Senior standing
- 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Minimum internship length of 4 weeks, 100 hours
- Good academic and disciplinary standing
Students interning while on a UW study abroad program may also be able to enroll.
WHY GET CREDIT?
Internships are an extension of the classroom. There is great benefit to integrating academic work and reflection into your experience. An internship course will offer you additional guidance through your experience and help you connect it to your academic goals, professional development and career exploration. Our course connects you to peers interning around the world to share experiences and explore working across cultures.
Credit may be required by your host organization or for you to be eligible for the appropriate visa. For students interning in the semester, WIP will maintain your student status so that you keep your position for registration, your UW email active and any student loans you have from going into repayment. Many scholarships require enrollment so it may expand your funding options, including financial aid depending on credit number and duration.
DEADLINES
To propose your own independent internship for credit:
Summer or Fall: early March
Spring: early October
**We accept WIP applications on a case-by-case basis after our deadlines. Contact us for more information.**
Students applying for specific internship positions cultivated/coordinated by IIP do not need to apply separately for credit. Enrollment in WIP is required and is part of the position acceptance process.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Click on the appropriate term under deadlines. More details and application requirements are available on the listings.
Even if you are still in the early planning stage or your internship isn’t finalized yet, please submit what you do know at the deadline.
After submitting you will meet with an Intern Abroad advisor to review your plans. Please come in for advising so we can help you with the process.
PROGRAM COST
The program fees are based on residency for the cost of 3 credit online course, administrative, and insurance fees.
Summer 2024 Fees:
Wisconsin Resident: $800
Minnesota Resident: $1050
Non-Resident: $1200
Semester 2023-24 Fees:
Wisconsin Resident: $850
Minnesota Resident: $1100
Non-Resident: $1250
FUNDING & BUDGETING
Both campus and national scholarships are available for international internships. It is important to think about and apply for scholarships early, even before your internship is confirmed. Estimated expenses will vary greatly depending on your internship, location and personal preferences. Start budgeting early.