As part of its commitment to the Wisconsin Idea, the Institute for Regional and International Studies (IRIS) at UW–Madison provides K–14 educators and librarians with comprehensive virtual resources designed to bring global expertise into the classroom. The guide below outlines the digital tools offered through IRIS area studies centers to assist teachers in enriching their curricula with international perspectives and vetted content. Supported by Title VI National Resource Center grants from the U.S. Department of Education, these open-access materials ensure that high-quality global scholarship remains an accessible asset for K-14 instructional needs.
Virtual Instructional Resources
Center for Southeast Asian Studies
This center provides a deep dive into individual nations through their “Country Information and Resources” page. CSEAS also hosts a YouTube channel where educators can stream past workshops and events to stay up to date on Southeast Asian scholarship.
Access CSEAS virtual resources
African Studies Program
The African Studies Program provides educators with practical tools and materials that can support K-12 teaching of African-related content. Their portal includes specific teaching tips, general resource guides, and a collection of lesson plans tailored for various grade levels.
Access African Studies Program virtual resources
Center for East Asian Studies (CEAS)
CEAS offers a comprehensive suite of resources for exploring China, Japan, and Korea. Their website features dedicated sections for teacher-designed lesson plans, specialized materials to support language study, and curated research links to help students navigate their own projects on East Asian cultures.
European Studies
Through the “Bringing Europe into your classroom” initiative, the center provides a multimedia approach to European history and current events. Educators can find news articles, radio and podcast recommendations, and classroom simulations designed to help students understand the complexities of the European Union.
Access European Studies virtual resources
Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies (LACIS)
LACIS emphasizes visual and audio-visual learning to engage students with the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking world. Their virtual offerings include lesson plans, extensive film and video collections, a dedicated YouTube channel for educational content, and specialized instruction guides.
Access LACIS virtual resources
Center for Russian, East Europe, and Central Asia
CREECA provides historical and contemporary context for a critical region of the world. Educators can explore the Engaging Eurasia Teacher Fellowship, attend webinars, and access a prioritized list of resources specifically for teaching about Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Access CREECA virtual resources
IRIS NRC
IRIS NRC serves as a central hub for global themes that cross geographic borders. Educators can access recordings of past film and book clubs, explore curriculum for K-12 levels, and learn about the 9-12 Global Scholars Media Community to connect students with international media.
Access IRIS NRC virtual resources
Middle East Studies Program (MESP)
MESP supports international education through instructor resources and the International Reach Ambassadors program. Their digital collection includes a wide range of materials on Middle Eastern history and culture, along with specific tools to aid in language instruction.
Center for South Asia
The Center for South Asia offers various educator workshops and online resources covering the region’s rich heritage. They also provide a unique benefit for local teachers by offering discounts to Wisconsin educators on documentary costs to help bring South Asian stories to the classroom.
Access Center for South Asia virtual resources
To learn more about IRIS area studies centers and their impact, check out the Regional Centers Overview page, the Wisconsin International Resource Consortium page, and follow IRIS on Instagram.
Story by Kayla Daum