Programs

Capitol Reception is held in January or February at the State Capitol to welcome new students arriving for the spring semester.  Students enjoy meeting other students and community members, snacks, an address by a state legislator and a tour of the Capitol building.

The Global Friends program pairs a local resident with an international student or scholar for a semester.  The interaction is informal and guided by the participants.

We offer online sessions to international students, scholars and their families that emphasize conversation and include practical help for everyday life in Madison. 

Temporary Homestay is a program where international students stay in the homes of local volunteers for up to three nights when they first arrive in Madison.  The program provides hospitality, rest and orientation for the incoming students.

We collect, store, and distribute gently used furniture to visiting international students when they arrive in Madison to help make their residence feel more like a home. 

Local resident volunteers open their homes to share their Thanksgiving food, family and traditions with one or more international students.

We host a picnic in a Madison park shelter in late August or early September to welcome incoming students and scholars. In addition to typical Wisconsin food, students enjoy interaction with local residents and other students, stories about Madison, and UW cheer with Bucky Badger.