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 more.
This event was organized by the UW–Madison Language Institute and made possible through the generous support of several IRIS co-sponsors, including the African Studies Program (ASP), Center for East Asian Studies (CEAS), Center for Russia, East Europe, and Central Asia (CREECA), European Studies, IRIS NRC, Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies Program (LACIS), and the Wisconsin International Resource Consortium (WIRC).
The opening program featured speakers such as Dianna Murphy, director of the Language Institute; Grant Nelsestuen, associate dean of arts and humanities, College of Letters & Science; Lesley Bartlett, associate dean of regional, international, and language studies, International Division; and Lucas Parana, a current student and International Peer Mentor at UW–Madison.
The high schoolers connected with Parana’s personal story of immigrating to America at age eight and his experiences with foreign languages and studying abroad.
“I was in your shoes five years ago. Being in high school is not easy,” Parana shared. “But foreign language has granted me these opportunities and has opened doors in my life I did not know could be opened. It acted as a lens through which I can see the world and my life in ways I never could have imagined before. And I know, with dedication, it can do the same for you all as well.”
Following the opening program, students participated in smaller language lessons and hands-on workshops, fostering connections with peers from across the state. Throughout the lunch hour, students interacted with various program tables, learning about the Wisconsin Intensive Summer Language Institutes (WISLI), WIRC, UW–Madison study abroad opportunities, and even had the chance to meet Bucky Badger.
“Overall, the event was a very cool experience that I will never forget,” shared one participating student. “Learning about many different cultures opens your mind and allows you to learn more about different parts of the world.”
The day concluded in Varsity Hall at Union South with a lively trivia game, testing the students’ newfound knowledge from the day’s sessions. Waukesha South High School won first place, claiming both a prize and bragging rights.
To learn more about this annual event and participating Wisconsin high schools, click here. Visit the Language Institute’s website and the study abroad website for more information on their extensive program offerings.
Story by Kayla Daum