Story by Kayla Daum, Communications Specialist at the International Division
Three University of Wisconsin–Madison students are taking their Badger pride to the international stage, tackling everything from food waste in Thailand to environmental policy in Indonesia. As recipients of the NextGen Service Fellowship, Julia Vogel, Christopher Mitchell, and Sydney Radwin are gaining hands-on experience in global public service. Coordinated by the Institute of International Education (IIE) with support from the Rockefeller Foundation and the Outrider Foundation, the fellowship allows students to pursue careers in international development and provides them with opportunities to make a tangible impact while gaining critical skills for their future public service careers.
Julia Vogel: A Commitment to Environmental Sustainability in Indonesia
Julia Vogel, a UW–Madison student set to graduate in summer 2025, has found her passion for environmental sustainability and education during her time as an environmental outreach intern at Green Moluccas in Ambon, Indonesia. The environmental outreach internship with Green Moluccas is one of the UW Signature Internships offered through UW–Madison’s International Academic Programs office. Inspired by the grassroots approach of the organization, Vogel has been actively involved in programs that combat climate change and promote sustainability.
“The fellowship gave me the chance to learn directly from people doing this work on the ground and to see firsthand how environmental issues are addressed in another part of the world,” Vogel shared.
A highlight of her experience was contributing to Green Moluccas waste bank program, which collects and recycles plastic waste in a community without a formal recycling system. The project showed her the power of community-driven solutions and collaboration in creating a new culture of sustainability.
Looking ahead, Vogel is even more committed to her academic and career goals. She plans to pursue a graduate degree in environmental policy or sustainable development, with the long-term goal of helping communities create practical and lasting solutions to environmental challenges.
Christopher Mitchell: Tackling Food Waste in Thailand
Christopher Mitchell, who will graduate from UW–Madison in spring 2026, was drawn to the NextGen Service Fellowship by the opportunity to work internationally and immerse himself in a new culture. His fellowship focuses on environmental sustainability and food waste reduction at the Scholars of Sustenance foundation in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Mitchell’s work involves improving communication within the organization and increasing public awareness. One of his most rewarding experiences was delivering food collected from local businesses to a remote mountain community, which also happened to be a mountain elephant park. This interaction provided important insight into the organization’s process and allowed for an unforgettable experience with the elephants.
He says the fellowship has reinforced that there are professional pathways outside of traditional for-profit businesses.
“The daily motivation of this sort of work differs from a traditional for-profit business. It is more about the mission of the day rather than maximizing production or revenue,” Mitchell explained.
Grateful for the opportunity, he credits his UW–Madison IRIS NRC advisor for informing him of the fellowship, highlighting the value of the resources available to UW students. He also extends his sincere thanks to the Scholars of Sustenance, Institute of International Education (IIE), the Rockefeller Foundation, and the Outrider Foundation.
Sydney Radwin: Focusing on Youth-Centered Climate Resilience
A dual-degree student in the Master of International Public Affairs and Master of Public Health programs at UW–Madison, Sydney Radwin graduated with her undergraduate degree in May 2025 and is set to complete her graduate degrees in May 2028. She was drawn to the fellowship for the chance to volunteer abroad and learn about the culture in Thailand.
At Save the Children–Thailand, Radwin is focusing on youth-centered climate resilience and helping the Climate Action Team prepare for Bangkok Climate Action Week. Her work, which includes creating a Gantt chart to track milestones for the event, ties directly into her interests in policy design and community-driven climate resilience.
A rewarding interaction for Radwin was visiting an elephant sanctuary, where she learned about the ethical care of the animals.
“What stood out to me most was that each elephant had a dedicated caretaker who monitored its health 24/7,” she shared. “This experience reminded me and others the importance of respecting animals and the broader need to treat all living beings with care, respect, and compassion.”
The fellowship has reaffirmed Radwin’s interest in a public service career. “I got a clearer image of how policy and advocacy can be grounded in community voice and how international partnerships can support locally led change,” she said.
As Radwin continues her studies, she plans to deepen her focus on equitable climate and health policy. Her long-term goal is to contribute to international public service, designing programs and policies that center on equity, sustainability, and youth leadership.
To learn more about the NextGen Service Fellowship, including eligibility and application details, please visit the fellowship’s official webpage. For students interested in exploring a wider range of global opportunities, the International Division provides advising services to help navigate the many international fellowships, grants, internships, and study abroad options available at UW–Madison.