Get involved

LIFE Bowling Event

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.

Cultural Coffee Hour - Cancelled Fall 2025

International Education & Engagement wants to welcome international students and study abroad alum to be a presenter of a Cultural Coffee Hour! For those who have not heard of Cultural Coffee Hour, it is an event that helps create awareness of international topics and issues while generating respect and appreciation of different cultures. All are welcome to attend.

Cultural Coffee Hour will be held on the following dates: There will be no Cultural Coffee Hour scheduled this Fall 2025. 

International students/study abroad alum, here is the link to sign up to be a presenter/facilitator: 

If you do not want to present but wish to still attend, you are more than welcome!! We at IEE would very much appreciate your participation! ​For more information or have questions please email Miranda Panzer, mpanzer@uwlax.edu

Global Buddy Program

The Global Buddy Program matches 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 https://uwlax.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8c9LCLUEmoAOuwe 

International Banquet

International Engagement & Education (IEE) invites the La Crosse community to attend the 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/international-education/international-banquet/ 

School/Class Presentations

Faculty/staff/organizations interested in a panel/presentation by IEE should complete the following form - https://uwlax.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1RZVrZiLGXs6ZQV

Additional questions please contact IEE at international@uwlax.edu or 608-785-8016. 

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. This collaboration between the LFIS, UW-La Crosse, Viterbo University and Western Technical College. 

The mission of La Crosse Friends of International Students (LFIS) 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. For more information about the program, please visit their website. 

Want to sign up: 

• International Students interested in being matched with a LFIS Friendship submit an application
• Community members/families interested in learning more about becoming an LFIS Friendship Family please download an application to apply and learn more.

For more information, contact:

• Miranda Panzer, International Student & Scholar Advisor, 608.785.8016, mpanzer@uwlax.edu
• Lisbeth Reynertson, LFIS President, 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.