University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
In achievement and prestige, the University of Wisconsin-Madison has long been recognised as one of America's great universities. Founded in 1848, UW-Madison offers a complete spectrum of liberal arts studies, professional programmes and student activities. Many of its programmes are hailed as world leaders in instruction, research and public service. UW-Madison also boasts an impressive alumnus - Frank Lloyd Wright, Joyce Carol Oates, and Charles Lindbergh, to name but a few. Over 43,000 students attend UW-Madison each year.
Spanning 936 acres along the shore of Lake Mendota, the campus is located in the city of Madison, the state capital of Wisconsin. Madison offers a fantastic combination of natural beauty, stimulating cultural offerings, outdoor recreation, distinctive restaurants, unique shops and vibrant nightlife. Wisconsin's location on the northern border of the United States makes it a great location for students who want to experience a true and proper winter of snow and outdoor cold-weather activities. Its proximity to Chicago makes it easy to get down to explore a major U.S. city.
Exchange Student Travel Grant
New Zealand citizens and permanent residents who apply to go on exchange to UW-Madison are automatically considered for a Massey University Exchange Student Travel Grant. No additional paperwork needs to be submitted.
Credit system
Students should take 15 semester credits. This should equate to 60 Massey credits.
Course codes
Courses numbered 100-299 at UW-Madison equate to 100-level at Massey. 300-499 courses equate to 200 or 300-level courses at Massey.
Academic calendar
UW-Madison's academic calendar runs from September to December for their first (Fall) semester, and from January to May for their second (Spring) semester.
Courses
UW-Madison offers a huge amount of academic areas. The Social Sciences, including Psychology, History, Political Science, Sociology, Biology, Philosophy, and Anthropology, are particularly strong. Other areas of interest to Massey students are Agricultural Sciences, Business, Engineering, Communications, Education, Social Work, Foreign Languages, Literature, and Theatre. 300 and 400 level Journalism courses are not available to exchange students. Business and economics courses have very limited enrolment. We highly recommended you consider another university if you need to take any courses in these subjects.
Student life
It is easy to get involved in campus life at UW-Madison. The university offers over 800 student organisations and provides numerous opportunities to volunteer your talents. It is also a great destination for students who love sport. The university has excellent recreational facilities and classes, a wide range of intramural leagues, a number of Club Sports, an outdoor adventure club that organises numerous events throughout the year, and all of the large-scale national level athletics that come with being a NCAA Division I and Big Ten Conference university.
Health insurance
Adequate health insurance is required by law for all exchange students going to the USA. Travel insurance alone will not provide the appropriate coverage. Health insurance plans in the USA are typically more expensive than plans in New Zealand.
Be sure you check the university’s insurance requirements and enrol in the appropriate plan.
Visas
You will need to have a J-1 exchange visitor visa to enter the U.S. You cannot study full-time at the university on either a B-2 tourist visa or the visa waiver program.