International Education & Engagement

Student organizations are a great way to get involved with the UWL campus. You can search for and join student organizations by using UWL MyOrgs.

Global Buddy Program

The Global Buddy Program matches domestic students, faculty and staff with international students and visiting scholars to create long-lasting international friendships. This group offers opportunities for domestic and International students and scholars to share interests, language, culture, and friendship on the UW-La Crosse campus, in the La Crosse community, and beyond. Members meet with their global buddy one-on-one or during our organized events.

Some past group events include: trips to cities in Wisconsin and surrounding states, picnics, game nights, bowling outings, cultural food nights, camping and hiking trips, football games, and more! 

To sign up please complete the online application. Interested in learning more please contact international@uwlax.edu.

Cultural Coffee Hour

Here is the link to sign up to be a presenter/facilitator: https://goo.gl/forms/BsxgT37anK34Klkh2 

La Crosse Friends of International Students (LFIS)

LFIS is an organization founded in 1987 to promote social interaction between international students and the La Crosse community. LFIS is here to help make the transition to the USA fun and interesting.

The mission of La Crosse Friends of International Students friendship families is to relate to their student(s) in order to help them and provide a window to American culture and values. Families occasionally invite the students into their homes for dinner; they might give a tour of La Crosse or take the students to a concert, county fair or any typical American event. Activities with students are entirely up to host families. The frequency of meetings is dependent on both parties' schedules.

International Students interested in being matched with a LFIS Friendship download an application and please return it to Miranda Panzer, mpanzer@uwlax.edu. 

Quote from a student in the program:

"I have two families: one at home and one here in the U.S. and I love both of my families. They are always there for me and I love spending time with them!" ~UWL student from China

Community members/families interested in learning more about becoming an LFIS Friendship Family please download an application to apply and learn more.

Quote from a current LFIS Friendship Family:

We have been a friendship family for over twenty years, and we have grown so much from what we have learned from our students. Where else can you find friends from all over the world, and share experiences with right in your own home and city? From German students cooking spaetzle in our kitchen, to Japanese students reading Hello Kitty in their own language to our children, to our five Albanian students who shared stories of their country over a three hour dinner. There has been no end to the cultural enrichment our family has gained through partnering with LFIS, and we have formed lifelong friendships with many wonderful international students.  - Kimberlee Chavalas 

For more information, contact:

Miranda Panzer, International Student Advisor, 608.785.8016, mpanzer@uwlax.edu

Lisbeth Reynertson, usdk@centurytel.net

International Student Organizations

Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA)
CSSA provides social networking for its members at UWL and helpful information for Chinese students and scholars related to language help, study skills, campus jobs, and volunteer, traveling, and other study abroad experiences.

International Student Organization (ISO)
ISO is dedicated to helping international students at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with their academic, social, and cultural development. The organization provides opportunities for students to expand their insight on different cultures of the world by participating in educating and strengthening UWL campus students and La Crosse community members.

Additional Programs/Volunteer Opportunities

• More information coming soon!