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Don’t
Just Talk, Do!
One important way to gain global knowledge
while adding experience to your resume is to participate in volunteer
programs, internships, and service learning opportunities. There are
many local opportunities working on international issues and with
international communities. Remember, you don’t need to go overseas
to gain international experience.
American students interested in
learning about other cultures and introducing international students
to life in America can volunteer to be a Bridge peer mentor. Peer
mentors will attend an intercultural leadership training workshop
and gain valuable intercultural and diversity leadership skills.
Application brochures are available in International Student Services,
217 Red Gym, and online at http://www.intstudents.wisc.edu/bridge/newamer.htm.
For more information contact: 265-5113, bridge@redgym.wisc.edu.
Application deadline for Fall 2005 has past.
The Madison
Friends of International Students (MFIS) offers a number
of services and guidance to the UW’s international student
community. Volunteers work in the MFIS office in the Red Gym with
international students in a host of different capacities. Volunteer
applications are accepted on an on-going basis.
“The Conversational English
program offers a rich cross-cultural learning experience for both
participants in the tutoring relationship. Through discussion and
informal outings, tutors help international students with both language
development and survival skills, easing their adjustment into university
life. Native English speakers can become Conversational English
tutors. There is no prior tutoring experience necessary.”
Local chapter of the
international “non-profit organization established in 2000 to
help developing areas worldwide with their engineering needs, while
involving and training a new kind of internationally responsible engineering
student.”
The International Academic
Internship (IAI) program places UW-Madison students with employers
outside of the United States for work experience and academic credit.
IAI is not limited to one academic discipline or profession. Virtually
any major is eligible to participate and the internships available
are in a wide variety of fields of work. Internships take place during
the summer and typically last from 8-10 weeks.
IBSA membership is open to any interested
student, both undergraduate and graduate. IBSA sponsors numerous
events and speakers every semester related to international work
and experience. Check the website for complete details or email
ibsa@mail.studentorg.wisc.edu.
IBSA’s broader mission is
“to provide a venue for students of all nationalities and backgrounds
to build friendships, exchange ideas, and promote personal development
through international awareness and humanitarian service projects.”
A housing option available
at the UW-Madison where domestic students interested in living with
and networking with international students (and vice versa) are given
that opportunity in on-campus housing. “The ILC living experience
would be ideal for students planning to study abroad or returning
from studying abroad; for international and exchange students; for
students studying foreign languages; and for any students interested
in world affairs.”
MESLS offers “language
partner program [which] pairs MESLS students with people from the community
who may be learning the student’s native language or who simply
enjoy conversation with people from around the world. MESLS is often
able to provide a volunteer tutor to students who are experiencing difficulties
with learning English, or free conversation classes taught by volunteer
instructors.” To volunteer, contact MESLS directly or click
here for more information.
The UW has a Registered Student Organization
Model United Nations Team. Additional information on the team can be
had by emailing wisconsinmun@hotmail.com.
The above is an abridged list
of national and international volunteer and service learning options
compiled by the Morgridge Center - the place to go on campus
for such information (located in the Red Gym). Click on the link
above for contact information.
The Morgridge Center
is also part of a community partnership which maintains a website
of local (Dane County, WI) volunteer opportunities called VolunteerYourTime.org.
Click for details.
There are also increasing opportunties
to volunteer “virtually” by delivering a service or your expertise
to an international initiative via the Internet. Here are two websites
that link to such opportunities:
WESLI offers a volunteer conversation
partner program for people interested in assisting WESLI students studying
English as a second language. Additional information on the program
- as well as an application which you can cut and paste into an email
message and send on to WESLI’s volunteer coordinator, Richard
Haskell - can be found by clicking
here.
And finally...
Though it’s not “local”
in the full sense of the word, if you are interested in getting overseas
during your time here at the UW, you might want to consider one of the
many study abroad options offered through UW-Madison’s Office of
International
Academic Programs.
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