IRIS Workshop Explores AI’s Future in Education, Business, and Beyond

A collaboration of UW–Madison’s IRIS centers hosted a workshop at the Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club last week. Titled “AI and Society: Community Impacts and New Directions,” the event drew over 55 educators, business leaders, and community partners from across the state. Supported by the International Division and co-sponsored by the Latin American, Caribbean, …

Meet Our 2025 International Division Pre-Dissertation Scholars

The International Division Pre-Dissertation Travel Scholarships support overseas travel to potential field research sites for doctoral students. The impact of these scholarships is significant, enabling groundbreaking research and fostering global leadership. This year, the International Division is proud to support eight outstanding PhD candidates who embody the spirit of this award. Their planned fieldwork promises …

UW–Madison Graduate Scholars Receive 2025 IRIS Fieldwork Awards

The Institute for Regional and International Studies (IRIS) Graduate Student Summer Fieldwork Award offers financial support for UW–Madison graduate students across all disciplines and career stages. This award enables them to conduct critical field research or other work abroad, underscoring the expansive nature of the IRIS community.  Every year, the International Division offers seven IRIS Graduate …

How Boren Scholarships Launch Careers in U.S. National Security

What if your study abroad experience could not only expand your global outlook, but also introduce a career dedicated to U.S. national security and public service? For several cohorts of UW–Madison students, the Boren Awards make that a reality. Boren Scholarships and Fellowships provide significant funding for undergraduates and graduates to immerse themselves in critical …

A Legacy in LACIS: Reflecting on the Influential Career of Alberto Vargas

The University of Wisconsin–Madison community and the Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies (LACIS) Program are preparing to bid farewell to Alberto Vargas, a cornerstone figure on campus. As LACIS’s long-serving associate director, Vargas’s impact has been immeasurable, shaping the program and inspiring countless students and staff. This was vividly evident at his retirement party …

Global Scholars: Celebrating UW–Madison’s 2024-25 FLAS Fellows

The Institute for Regional and International Studies (IRIS) is proud to recognize the exceptional achievements of our 2024-2025 Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) fellows. These students have demonstrated a strong commitment to language acquisition and international studies, embodying the spirit of global engagement that UW–Madison cultivates. The FLAS fellowship, funded by the U.S. Department …

World Cinema Day: Middle and High School Students Explore Global Cinema at the Barrymore Theatre

On April 4, Madison’s historic Barrymore Theatre came alive with the magic of international storytelling as over 250 students from across Wisconsin gathered for the annual World Cinema Day. This event, sponsored by the Wisconsin International Resource Consortium (WIRC) and held in conjunction with the Wisconsin Film Festival, offered a unique cinematic experience with the …

IRIS Supports Libraries and K-12 Schools Across Wisconsin

The Institute for Regional and International Studies (IRIS) at UW–Madison stands at the forefront of cultural competency and outreach, directly affecting the lives of thousands of K-12 students, educators, and community members across Wisconsin. UW–Madison’s eight National Resource Centers (NRCs), all housed under IRIS and established between 1961 and 1997, host signature events and outreach …

High School Students Attend 53rd Annual Model United Nations Conference

Last week, the 53rd Session of the Wisconsin High School Model United Nations Conference (WHSMUN) convened at UW–Madison for the annual two day event. Co-sponsored by the IRIS NRC, the conference featured newly introduced committees, including the Special Political and Decolonization Fourth Main Committee, the re-established Council of the European Union, and the inaugural Historic …

Wisconsin High Schoolers Explore Global Languages at UW–Madison

UW–Madison’s Union South buzzed with linguistic energy on March 5, 2025, as more than 450 high school students from across Wisconsin attended the annual Languages of the World Day. Through introductory lessons and hands-on workshops led by more than 60 UW–Madison experts, students experienced firsthand the power of language learning through music, dance, film, and …