Get involved
UWL officials continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation worldwide. We are following the travel notices and advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State and the Center for Disease Control.
(last updated, 2/26/2020)
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
- February 25 - Art & Literature
- March 10 - Education - USA vs. Japan
- March 24 - Sports & Athletics
- April 7 - Environment
- April 21 - Communication
Here is the link to sign up to be a presenter/facilitator: https://uwlax.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6E7g9LcS9yyZIB7
International Banquet
2020 marks the 55th anniversary of the International Banquet. The UW-La Crosse International Engagement & Education (IEE) invites the La Crosse community to attend the 2020 International Banquet!
The International Banquet began as a celebration and an opportunity to share the rich diversity and culture the international students & scholars bring to UW-La Crosse and the community and is now a celebration of all our international connections. The Banquet includes entertainment performed by international students/staff/faculty/community members and an internationally themed menu. A variety of meat and vegetarian options are provided as a buffet.
For more information please visit - https://www.uwlax.edu/conted/international-banquet/
Now accepting performance applications - https://uwlax.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dc0UpD2xLxCkKlD
Now accepting Global Citizenship Showcase proposals - https://uwlax.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7O08rRq2Tfkcw2p
Now accepting Altman and Wimberly Award nominations - https://uwlax.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3lMIUHBD6ohxVNb
Now accepting International Student Academic Excellence/Internationalization Award Nominations - https://uwlax.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b1NwA1nnzOqp3Nj
Want to volunteer? - https://uwlax.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e4MIRidcmnCFZd3
School/Class Presentations
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!