Division of International Studies
 

 

Reasons for Giving


Building a better future and a more peaceful world through learning is a collaborative effort. It is a process sustained through contributions from many individuals and institutions, including UW alumni and friends. Your help is integral to the success of UW-Madison students and the strength of international studies programs on campus. We hope you will consider among several opportunities to give and make a difference. A gift can make all the difference in the world.

Opportunities for Giving

International 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

How to Give

To discuss particular giving opportunities, please contact: Cynthia Williams, Director of External Relations 265 Bascom Hall 500 Lincoln Drive Madison, WI 53706 (608) 262-3929 cwilliam@wisc.edu

The University of Wisconsin Foundation is the official fund-raising and gift-receiving organization for UW-Madison. For information, go to http://www.uwfoundation.wisc.edu or contact Betsy Liotus, Director of Development at 608-265-9955.