University of Wisconsin–Madison

Tag: International

LACIS Partnership Brings the Wisconsin Idea to Communities in Guatemala

For the past several years, an ongoing partnership spearheaded by the Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies Program (LACIS) has proven that high school classrooms can have a global footprint. Through LACIS, a center within the Institute for Regional and International Studies (IRIS) at UW–Madison, advanced Spanish students at Oconomowoc High School undertake a creative …

LACIS Hosts Cuban American Author for Wisconsin Residency

As the author of acclaimed novels like The Only Road and Farewell Cuba, Mi Isla, Alexandra Diaz has dedicated her career to telling stories of resilience and empowerment. The Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies Program (LACIS) recently hosted Diaz for a week-long residency centered on writing and community engagement. Throughout the week of April …

A Look Inside the 2026 Middle East Studies Conference

On April 17, the Middle East Studies Program (MESP) convened its annual conference at the UW-Madison Memorial Library. Free and open to the public, this day-long event served as a forum for scholars, students, and community members to navigate the political, ecological, and cultural currents defining the Middle East and its global diasporas. The conference …

2026 World Cinema Day: Connecting K-12 Students to Global Narratives

For over two decades, a collaboration between the Wisconsin Film Festival and UW-Madison’s Institute for Regional and International Studies (IRIS) has connected Wisconsin students with global cultures through the big screen. This year, World Cinema Day saw its reach expand even further. While last year’s screening brought 250 students to the theater, the event on …

Diplomacy in Action at the 54th Annual Wisconsin High School Model UN

High school delegates from across the region filled the halls at UW–Madison on March 19 and 20 for the 54th annual Wisconsin High School Model United Nations (WHSMUN) conference. As the only Model UN event hosted within the UW System, WHSMUN continues its legacy as one of the most respected student-led conferences in the Midwest. …

IRIS Welcomes New Cohort of Incoming Graduate Student Award Recipients

The Institute for Regional and International Studies (IRIS) is proud to announce the six scholars receiving an IRIS Area and International Studies Award for Incoming Graduate Students. The selected scholars will receive $5,000 each to support international fieldwork, language immersion, or the development of cultural competence away from the UW–Madison campus. Since its inception, this …

Children’s International Story Hour Brings Global Culture to Wisconsin Libraries

An exciting new series called Children’s International Story Hour (CISH) brought the world to Wisconsin’s public libraries this past semester. The Wisconsin International Resource Consortium (WIRC), a collaboration among the nine UW–Madison area studies centers, partnered with Wisconsin Public Libraries to give children and their caregivers an engaging way to explore global arts, cultures, and …

Design, Consumption, and Connection at the Latest Wisconsin International Resource Consortium Workshop

The Wisconsin International Resource Consortium (WIRC), a collaboration among the nine UW–Madison area studies centers, recently hosted a workshop titled “Design and Consumption: Mechanisms of Conveying Information.” This interdisciplinary workshop for K-12 and community college educators explored the historical roots of artistic expression and its influence on today’s digital information landscape. The workshop featured speakers …

CSEAS Announces Large-Scale Initiative for Sustainable Southeast Asian Language Education

The Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS), part of the Institute for Regional and International Studies (IRIS) at UW–Madison, is launching the next phase of its significant, long-standing efforts in sustainable Southeast Asian language education. This four-year project, led by Principal Investigator Erlin Barnard in the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures, is generously supported …

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 …