About
EducationUSA Academy Connects at UW-Madison provides international high school students the opportunity to explore life at a US university and prepare for the application process in an online environment. Using the university’s online tools, students will engage in activities and discussions with new friends from around the world!
Business Skills Development
The University of Wisconsin-Madison, home to a top ranked School of Business, is excited to offer you the opportunity to participate in a four-week Business Skills Development program. Learning from top faculty and instructors, you will participate in a range of courses focused on business and entrepreneurship, including marketing, branding, accounting, and risk management. You will also prepare for academic success at a US university by focusing on improving your communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills. At the end of the four-week program, you will build strong networks while developing your skills as a leader.
Develop an understanding of business concepts
- Learn the theories and practices of successful entrepreneurs
- Become familiar with concepts in finance and economics
- Develop a company mission statement to determine branding and marketing
- Collaborate with your team to create a business plan to address real-world problems
About Your Instructor
Julie Ann Wood is an entrepreneurial mindset teacher, author, employee, and business owner who is richly experienced in youth entrepreneurship, creating and running businesses, and productivity and time management. Find out more from her latest TEDx Talk Entrepreneurship Education – Save our communities From Turning Into Ghost Towns
Dates: February 22-March 19, 2021
Duration: 4 weeks
Cost: $360
Registration Deadline: February 17, 2021
Sample Schedule
Class/Activity |
Days |
Time |
Program Orientation |
February 22 (Monday) |
5-6:30 PM CST |
Business Skills Development Classes |
February 24 & March 3, 4, 10, 16 |
5-6:30 PM CST |
UW-Madison Admissions Presentation |
February 25 (Thursday) | 5-6:30 PM CST |
Academic English |
March 1, 8, 15 (Mondays) |
5-6 PM CST |
Admissions Information Session & Virtual University Tours |
March 2, 11 |
5-6 PM CST |
Final Presentations & Closing Reception |
March 17 (Wednesday) |
5-7 PM CST |
*Based on student interest, an additional session from 10AM-12PM CST will be made available to accommodate students in different time zones. Please email us at vispnoncredit@dcs.wisc.edu to submit your request today!
2021 EducationUSA Academy Connects Students
Julieta, from Chile
Ivana, from Paraguay
Maciek, from Poland
Grigory, from Armenia
Joyce, from Brazil



College Preparation
Recognized as one of the top 13 public universities in the country, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is an ideal institution for you to experience American culture and the US educational system. Throughout the 6-week program, you will participate in communication courses to help improve your English proficiency in speaking and writing. The virtual program also offers opportunities for you to interact with UW faculty and students, while learning about US culture by engaging in virtual tours and activities. We are excited to provide you with resources and guidance as you prepare for your international academic pursuits.
Prepare for the U.S. higher education system
- Develop presentation and writing skills
- Learn about the academic environment in a US university
- Understand the admissions process
- Connect with UW-Madison students and staff
- Interact with peers in exciting games and activities
Dates: January 11-February 19, 2021
Duration: 6 weeks
Cost: $360
Registration Deadline: December 28, 2020
Schedule
Class/Activity |
Days |
Time |
Program Orientation | January 11 (Monday) | 5-6 PM CST |
Speaking & Listening | January 18, 25 & February 1, 8, 15 (Mondays) | 5-6 PM CST |
Writing & Grammar | January 13, 20, 27 & February 3, 10, 17 (Wednesdays) | 5-6:30 PM CST |
UW-Madison Admissions Presentation | January 14 (Thursday) | 5-6:30 PM CST |
Admissions Information Sessions & Virtual University Tours | January 21, 28 (Thursdays) | 5-6 PM CST |
Personal Essay Writing Workshop | February 4 (Thursday) | 5-6:30 PM CST |
Student Panel | February 11 (Thursday) | 5-6:30 PM CST |
Final Presentations & Closing Reception | February 18 (Thursday) | 5-6:30 PM CST |



“I had so much fun talking with native speakers and people from different countries. I also liked the way the instructor taught us, especially by discussing points from the article and letting me express my own opinions.”
—Virtual Student Participant, Guadalajara, Mexico
Fundraising Options
Check out our fundraising page and video for tips on how to fundraise for the program.