Get involved

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

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. Participating in this activity would be a great activity for a scholarship application.

Cultural Coffee Hour will be held on the following dates:

February 13 - Holidays & Traditions
March 26 - Language
April 16 - Food Culture

Here is the link to sign up to be a presenter/facilitator: https://uwlax.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0OPZDyYXeT6rKoC

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

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.

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.

International Students interested in being matched with a LFIS Friendship submit an application https://uwlax.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0jLB0XzfMwWutHE.

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

"I came to UWL in 2019 on the Global UGRAD-Pakistan Exchange Program. This was my first time traveling abroad, and being away from my family and friends for a period that long. Among the first few people I got to know after arriving in the US were my host parents and the host parents of a friend of mine, whom I met through the LFIS Friendship Family Program. Little did we know, that semester was going to be full of meeting wonderful, new people from around the world in La Cross' community, and hearing their exciting stories over lots of delicious home-cooked meals! I still remember the first time I met them and how warmly they welcomed us that cold Wisconsin January. They would tell us about their experiences and be excited to hear about ours. I felt a sense of belonging and truly cared for in so many ways. I remember how my host parents took me to an orchestra performance because they remembered that I had mentioned I enjoy music and how my host mom baked and brought warm cookies when picking us up at the train station after a long trip. They would often check up on me and help me get involved in activities to make friends and engage with the community. To be able to have that trust and support system meant a lot. I have so many wonderful memories with them that I hold dear, which made saying good-bye all the more difficult once the exchange ended. But we stayed in touch and I can't wait to visit them soon! I am grateful to LFIS for making it possible for me befriend and build a connection with such kind and wonderful people, who helped me feel so welcome and home." - UWL Alum Zoya

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 & 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.