New grant allows more students to study abroad in Germany

Undergraduate students studying the life sciences at UW–Madison will have a new opportunity to pursue their work overseas through a grant from the German American Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

Ten German universities received DAAD funding for the new programs, which will be launched next year. UW–Madison and Harvard University will work with the University of Bonn to develop eight to 10 weeks of summer curriculum. Instruction will be in English, but German language instruction and cultural excursions also will be provided.

“This program will provide an opportunity for UW–Madison life sciences students to get laboratory experience overseas and also an introduction to German culture,” says Joan Raducha, UW–Madison associate dean for international studies and programs and director of international academic programs.

Raducha says that about 40 UW–Madison undergraduates study abroad in Germany each year. “The largest number go to the Albert Ludwig’s University in Freiburg, but typically we have between five and fifteen going to Bonn. UW–Madison has been sending students to the University of Bonn since the early 1960s,” she says.

Under the new grant, the University of Bonn will develop the curriculum, consulting with UW–Madison and Harvard. “We will have an opportunity to provide feedback about what our students need,” Raducha says.

For information about other recipients, visit the DAAD Web site: http://www.daad.org. For more on UW–Madison’s study abroad program, visit http://www.studyabroad.wisc.edu.