Undergraduate Domestic & International Immersions

Expect the Unexpected!

The School of Nursing offers clinical immersion opportunities in the United States (domestic) and abroad (international) for students between years one and two of the Traditional undergraduate nursing program. Immersion programs vary by year.

In partnership with the UW-Madison International Academic Programs Office (IAP), the School of Nursing offers a research immersion opportunity in Dublin, Ireland.

The Summer 2025 immersion info session took place in October 2024. View the 2025 Summer Immersion Info Session Presentation here (deadline has been extended to January 24).

Applying for Immersions

Domestic Immersion Application for Summer 2025 is open November 1, 2024 – January 24, 2025 (extended from Jan. 10). Apply for Summer 2025 Domestic Immersions HERE.

Each International Immersion has it’s own application through Study Abroad/International Academic Programs (IAP). See the individual immersions below for additional information.

Scholarships for Immersions

School of Nursing Scholarship: The School of Nursing Immersion Scholarship Application is open November 1, 2024 – January 24, 2025 (extended from Jan. 10). Apply for Summer 2025 School of Nursing Immersion Scholarships HERE.

Campus Scholarship: UW–Madison Undergraduate Scholarship for Summer Study

See below for more information on individual immersion opportunities. If you have ideas or connections for future domestic or international immersions, please reach out to Dr. Katie Collins at kacollins5@wisc.edu.

International Immersion Opportunities

Malawi (Global Health)

Students learn about nursing care for diverse populations in international settings during this four-week clinical immersion experience in Malawi. Topics such as epidemiology, environmental health, health promotion, disease prevention and management, and individual, family, and population-centered nursing will be covered. The program usually lasts four weeks throughout the month of June. There is a one-week preparatory session prior to traveling abroad that provides an introduction to global health topics and an overview of community and public health in these international communities. Following the two-week immersion, there will be a one-week debrief. Completion of the summer immersion experiences satisfies the clinical portion of N436, Community Health Nursing Practicum in the undergraduate curriculum. You will then enroll in a 1-credit course in the fall semester to satisfy the lab and simulation portion of the N436 course.

For more information and to apply, go to the International Academic Programs website.

Dublin, Ireland (Research)

This study abroad experience takes place at the School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health Systems at University College Dublin. Students learn more about evidence-based practice, the nursing research process, and Irish society and culture. Program length varies from two to four weeks in June. Completion of the summer experience satisfies N400 which awards 1-6 elective credits. Students will enroll in N442 in the spring semester of their second year.

For more information and to apply, go to the International Academic Programs website.

Guatemala (Global Health)*

*Not offered in Summer 2025

In this immersion experience, students learn about nursing care for diverse populations in San Lucas Tolimán, which is two hours outside of Guatemala City. There is a two-week preparatory session prior to traveling abroad that provides an introduction to global health topics and an overview of community and public health in these international communities. You will enroll in a 3-credit summer course that satisfies the clinical portion of N436, Community Health Nursing Practicum in the undergraduate curriculum. You will then enroll in a 1-credit course in the fall semester to satisfy the lab and simulation portion of the N436 course.

Click here to view the Guatemala Immersion Summer 2024 estimated cost breakdown.

Domestic Immersion Opportunities

Easter Seals Camp (Respite)

Easter Seals camps, the longest running camp in the nation since 1938, offer adults and children with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy traditional camp activities (archery, climbing wall, canoeing, swimming) in accessible ways. This also provides their caregivers a much-needed respite break. This program will allow students to learn how to work with adults and children with disabilities and gain an appreciation for the importance of respite care for caregivers. Students will work in teams to provide daily cares for campers and support nursing staff as needed. Students stay on the beautifully-wooded 400 acre camp while camp is in session, with lodging and meals provided, located in Wisconsin Dells just one hour north of Madison. You will enroll in and pay tuition for a 3-credit summer course that satisfies the clinical portion of N436, Community Health Nursing Practicum in the undergraduate curriculum. You will then enroll in a 1-credit course in the fall semester to satisfy the lab and simulation portion of the N436 course. To learn more, view this article.

Apply HERE for Summer 2025 Domestic Immersions!
Due end of day January 24, 2025

Girl Scout Camp (Pediatric)

Girl Scouts’ mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place and camp is a big part of that experience. Students will stay at camp in pairs for two weeks working with the Camp Nurse to provide care for girls in kindergarten through 8th grade. Expect the unexpected! You will provide medical care while immersing yourself in camp life by choosing your own camp name and participating in camp experiences. Students stay at camp while it is in session with meals and lodging provided. Camp Ehawee (E-how-E) is located near Mindoro, WI, 2.5 hours north of Madison near La Crosse. You will enroll in and pay tuition for a 3-credit summer course that satisfies the clinical portion of N436, Community Health Nursing Practicum in the undergraduate curriculum. You will then enroll in a 1-credit course in the fall semester to satisfy the lab and simulation portion of the N436 course.

Apply HERE for Summer 2025 Domestic Immersions!
Due end of day January 24, 2025

OB Immersion

The OB summer immersion program is an instructor led course that takes students who are interested in women’s health, obstetrical, and mother/baby specialties into the largest birth center in the state of Wisconsin. Rotating through opportunities in OB triage, antepartum, labor and delivery, postpartum care, and NICU, students spend time at the bedside working with their instructor, registered nurses, and other staff to provide care to mothers and babies. With a focus on patient advocacy, health equity, and the changing medicine within obstetrical and midwifery care of women in Dane county, nursing students experience firsthand the ever changing and high acuity role of a women’s health nurse. You will enroll in and pay tuition for a 3-credit summer course that satisfies the clinical portion of N436, Community Health Nursing Practicum in the undergraduate curriculum. You will then enroll in a 1-credit course in the fall semester to satisfy the lab and simulation portion of the N436 course.

Apply HERE for Summer 2025 Domestic Immersions!
Due end of day January 24, 2025

Rural/Ho-Chunk House of Wellness

New for Summer 2025

The rural immersion is a 3-week, instructor-led experience. It takes place in the city of Baraboo and Sauk County, WI, located an hour north of Madison. The School of Nursing has partnered with the Ho-Chunk Nation. Students will spend time at the Ho-Chunk House of Wellness rotating through multiple departments while also experiencing the community of Sauk County through activities in the community. Students will gain an appreciation for the unique nature of providing health care in rural areas while getting to know the community. This experience primarily works within Community Health, Clinic, and Public Health at the Ho-Chunk House of Wellness, with shadowing opportunities in therapy, exercise physiology, optometry, dentistry, and environmental health. Working with the Nutrition department, students may take a forage hike, shop at farmer’s markets in Baraboo, or take a wellness hike at Devil’s Lake State Park. There are other opportunities to explore health care in a rural settings, such as riding along with the Baraboo Fire and EMS.

Apply HERE for Summer 2025 Domestic Immersions!
Due end of day January 24, 2025

Additional Immersion Experiences

International Opportunities

Additional summer international study abroad experiences are available through the
UW-Madison Global Health Institute.

*Additional summer experiences do not count towards BSN degree requirements or clinical time.

Domestic Opportunities

Additional summer experiences in the United States:

Joining Forces for Families – working with families in Dane County, Wisconsin.
AHEC Community Health Immersion – explore health care delivery in diverse communities and cultures throughout Wisconsin.

*Additional summer experiences do not count towards BSN degree requirements or clinical time.