As the fall 2024 semester comes to a close, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the programs and events that enriched our campus and community. From dynamic student activities to community outreach events, these moments fostered global understanding and meaningful connections.
Congratulations to all the Badgers who graduated this semester—your achievements inspire us!
Check out some of our favorite highlights, and here’s to an exciting new year and spring semester ahead. On to 2025!
In August, International Student Services welcomed more than 800 new students to campus at the International Student Welcome and Information Fair. This event provided valuable information about academic resources and student organizations. It was also a special day for me as I always look forward to welcoming our global Badgers to campus.
More than 1,500 students attended the annual Study Abroad Fair organized by International Academic Programs. The fair was an opportunity for students to explore a wide variety of programs, including semester- and year-long study abroad, study away in the U.S., short-term faculty-led programs, international internships, and field research.
The Annual Conference on South Asia gathered more than 1,200 participants from around the globe—a record for this conference, which is the longest-running of its kind in the U.S. The conference theme, “Democracy and Authoritarianism,” spurred many interesting discussions among experts and leaders in the field.
The university was proud to be recognized among the top U.S. institutions for study abroad participation in the annual Open Doors Report. UW–Madison ranked #8 for overall participation and #2 for semester-long participation. The report also highlighted the university at #18 for international student enrollment. Pictured is the first-place winner of the annual Study Abroad Photo Contest, with all winners announced in November. Learn more about this stunning image and explore other fantastic submissions!
As part of the 2024 International Education Week celebration, International Reach Ambassadors hosted a special presentation for UW–Madison staff and students to experience the engaging presentations typically shared with select campus and community audiences. The International Reach Program is a unique way for the campus and local community to learn from these outstanding young scholars.
The Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies (LACIS) program, in partnership with the Mexican Consulate in Milwaukee, hosted more than 150 middle and high school students for a screening of Home is Somewhere Else at the Marquee Theatre in Union South. The event was followed by a Q&A with the documentary director and a workshop. We’re inspired by these students as they engage with global topics, and I look forward to seeing the many ways that their academic and professional journeys incorporate an international dimension!