Contacts: Steve Smith, Global Studies, sksmith@wisc.edu, (608) 262-0646;
Marilee Sushoreba, International Student Services, sushoreba@odos.wisc.edu, (608) 262-9716
What if the world were in your hands? Over 150 students will have the chance to answer that question on Saturday, March 3, 2007, during the International Experiment, a role-playing simulation developed by students at UW-Madison, and sponsored by several UW-Madison organizations. The event will be held from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm in the Great Hall, Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St.
UW-Madison’s International Experiment provides an opportunity for students from widely varying units on campus to interact and learn from a diverse group of people. The simulation creates a broader awareness of the interconnectedness of the world and fosters the concept of considering global ramifications of individual and regional actions.
Although a game cannot mimic reality completely, the UW-Madison International Experiment incorporates several important aspects that could be transfered to real life. It teaches participants about the complexity of global issues and the interdependency of global players. An important element of the simulation will be a debriefing to discuss real-world implications of decisions and actions.
Participants in the simulation represent almost every UW-Madison college. Approximately one third of the participants are international students; about 20% are graduate students. Players will be divided into fifteen geographical regions, five fictional multinational corporations, and four non-profit organizations representing health, human rights, education and the environment. They will negotiate, trade, and compete for assets such as natural resources and money, while trying to solve regional and global challenges.
The 2007 International Experiment (IX ’07) is sponsored by International Student Services, International Learning Community, Global Studies, School of Business International Programs, International Agriculture, Model United Nations, WUD-Global Connections, and Center for International Business Education and Research.