Established in 1848, The University of Wisconsin–Madison is one of the largest and most-respected universities in the United States, with more than 40,000 students and some 330,000 alumni living around the world. As the flagship campus of Wisconsin's state university system, UW–Madison has deep connections with its home state, but also a proud tradition of thinking and acting globally. Few institutions anywhere are more widely recognized as leaders in research, teaching, and public service. There are 70 programs considered in the top 10 nationally. Some highlights include education, agriculture, communications, biological sciences, and social studies.

Often cited as one of the most picturesque university settings in the country, the campus is strikingly cosmopolitan, representing every state in the nation and more than 100 countries. The university has extended welcome to people of all backgrounds and cultures, offering them a place to explore and express their creativity. Its extracurricular activities include some 600 clubs and organizations.

Language of Instruction: English

Course Restrictions:

• Participating university-wide exchange schools are: Engineering, Human Ecology, Letters and Science. See http://www.wisc.edu/wiscinfo/academics/fields.html for course offerings.
• The Business school has a separate faculty-level exchange.
• Real Estate courses are closed to exchange students.

Course Descriptions: http://www.wisc.edu/pubs/ug/courses.html

Academic Calendar:

• Fall Term: late August to late December
• Spring Term: mid January to late May
• Summer Term: mid May to mid August

Application Deadlines:
Please obtain information on deadlines and application procedures from your faculty’s Student Exchange Program (SEP) Administrator.

Exchange students can arrange to live on campus or off campus in an apartment.

University Residence Halls (www.housing.wisc.edu): UW-Madison has two types of residence halls: undergraduate or graduate. You may apply to either type of hall, regardless of your status. Undergraduate halls have fully-furnished double rooms, while in graduate housing you may choose to have your own bedroom or to share a room. If you sign a contract for university housing, you are committed to the cost of the room for the full academic year

Fall applicants must inform International Academic Programs of their intention to apply for undergraduate and graduate halls by March 1. Space might open for spring semester, although this is not guaranteed. For housing information, costs, and an application, contact Barbara Burchfield, University Housing (barbara.burchfield@housing.wisc.edu).

Apartments: Relatively more expensive but in ample supply. Refer to the UW Off-Campus Housing Listing at http://housing.civc.wisc.edu/

Co-ops: A popular low-cost housing alternative in a local housing cooperative or “co-op”. The expectation is that you will share in household chores like cooking and cleaning. Every house has its own flavor and personality; you may want to visit several to find one that fits your style. More information can be found in (http://www.madisoncommunity.coop/index.cfm)

Useful Links:

• University Homepage: http://www.wisc.edu/
• International Student Services: http://www.intstudents.wisc.edu/
• International Academic Programs – Exchange Students: http://www.studyabroad.wisc.edu/students/exchange/
• Student Organizations: http://soo.studentorg.wisc.edu/
• Exchange handbook: http://www.studyabroad.wisc.edu/students/exchange/Exchange_Handbook.pdf

Student Newspapers:

• The Badger Herald Online: http://www.badgerherald.com/
• The Daily Cardinal: http://www.dailycardinal.com/

Health Insurance:
All students who attend US universities on exchange are required to purchase the health insurance recommended by their host university as part of the registration process. In addition, they can also purchase additional optional insurance from a private insurer for their term of study overseas. These short term optional insurance plans cover events such as personal accident, accidental medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation etc. For more information, please go to http://www.uhs.wisc.edu/home.jsp?cat_id=116.

Estimated Cost of Living: