FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Masarah Van Eyck, Director of Communications, Division of International Studies, 608-262-5590, mvaneyck@international.wisc.edu
Whether through study abroad, international teaching and research collaborations, language study, or the thousands of students from around the world who enroll at our campus every year, the University of Wisconsin–Madison is truly a global university.
And the numbers prove it:
–Released today to coincide with International Education Week, the 2007 Open Doors report which surveys study abroad programs across the nation, ranks UW–Madison 5th and 6th respectively among other research institutions’ semester- and year-long programs in 2005-2006.
Overall, UW-Madison’s study abroad program ranks in the top 20 of U.S. research institutions. And for good reason: UW–Madison offers students over 150 overseas study and internship opportunities to every continent except Antarctica. In 2005-2006, it sent more than 1,600 students abroad.
But one need not leave the state to gain ample global knowledge. Given a choice to study more than 60 languages, study with experts about any part of the world, and the opportunity to live in language-specific housing through the International Learning Center, UW–Madison is devoted to preparing its students for the future.
“Giving students the global competence they need to be effective professionals and responsible global citizens is of the highest priority,” says dean of students Lori Berquam. “International research and teaching ensure that our students will help to shape the future of global relations.”
–What’s more, last year UW–Madison was home to more than 3,800 international students, ranking in the top 20 of research universities nationwide. The Open Doors report estimates that international students contributed just under $165,000,000 to Wisconsin’s economy in the form of tuition, fees, and living expenses.
Equally important, international students and their families bring to Wisconsin the diverse backgrounds and international collaborations that enhance our community in immeasurable ways.
Indeed, effective progress regarding environmental, health, and economic concerns hinges on international exchange and cooperation. That’s why the International Institute, comprised of 16 area studies programs, and centers on global health, law, and business are essential to this university.
“Today, education is the currency of the global knowledge economy,” says Gilles Bousquet, dean of international studies. “we’re preparing our students to navigate in an increasingly interdependent world.”
International Education Week Events
In recognition of the 8th annual International Education Week, a number of educational, provocative, and even tasty events will be free and open to the public. Below is just a sampling:
–The Division of International Studies’ International Academic Programs office will host daily workshops on everything you need to know about study abroad.
–The Department of Education Policy Studies will host a panel of doctoral students who—having lived in Japan, India, Jamaica, Kenya and Argentina—will offer global perspectives on education. “Schooling Around the World: Sights, Sounds Stories, and Travels,” will take place on November 14 at 7pm.
–And finally, everyone’s welcome to the Taste of Southeast Asia celebration on Thursday, November 15th, hosted by International Student Services.
For more information on these events and more, visit the Division of International Studies’ online calendar.