International Dean Frances Vavrus: A message of support following the disaster in Libya

To the entire UW–Madison community, The past week has been devastating for the people of Northern Africa. Morocco experienced a powerful earthquake just days ago, and now torrential rain and the collapse of two dams in Libya has led to tremendous destruction and loss of life. We share our profound sadness for the people of …

Q&A: New International Division Dean Frances Vavrus

Frances Vavrus joined the International Division as vice provost and dean on July 31, bringing with her a wealth of experience as a leader, scholar, and global citizen. Vavrus is no stranger to UW–Madison nor to the division, having completed her PhD at the university while taking part in global programming available to students and scholars.  Her research, teaching, and service are in the fields of international education and African studies. She shared her perspectives on returning to UW–Madison, the qualifications she brings to the role, and plans for growing the university’s global reputation.

International Dean Frances Vavrus: A message of support following the Morocco earthquake

To the UW–Madison community, In the wake of disasters such as the earthquake that has devastated Morocco, words seem insufficient to convey the sadness we feel for those impacted. As the people of the region grieve the loss of life, homes, and livelihoods, we see how far the damage is felt. Within our own community, …

A Zeal for Zambia

Lend Nelson Institute PhD student Colleen Henegan your ear, and she’ll tell you all about her time in Zambia, a landlocked country in the south of Africa. As Henegan recounts the months she spent researching, surveying, and living alongside the people of Zambia, it’s easy to see the passion she has for her work. “I …

International Services Suite Now Open!

We are excited to announce the opening of the new “International Services” suite in the Pyle Center. This space brings together the International Student Services (ISS) and International Faculty and Staff Services (IFSS) teams into a beautifully designed, shared location. In addition to office and professional collaborative space, the suite is home to the International …

UW students take on summer internships worldwide, from Colombia to South Africa

As a part of the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s expansive International Academic Programs (IAP), Badger students traveled across the world over the 2023 summer term to learn, intern and develop their professional skills. IAP offers experiences in 67 countries for UW–Madison students from all majors and academic levels. Through the IAP website, Wisconsin students can explore …

Internships in Vietnam become unforgettable experience

This summer, two Human Ecology seniors traveled to Vietnam to learn about and work on product design and marketing with Zó Project. Established in 2013 in Suoi Co (Suối Cò), Zó Project supports papermaking families in Vietnam who are threatened by industrialization in their region. The families’ product, Dó paper, is a traditional handmade paper that …

Boots on the Sand

Nicole Leotaud has dedicated her career to conserving her Caribbean home by relying on its greatest resource: people. On the north coast of Trinidad, there’s a long, remote stretch of beach. Unlike most of island’s beaches — taken over by resorts — this one lies pristine, undeveloped. Behind the white sands and the sparkling blue …

UW welcomes Frances Vavrus as International Division vice provost and dean

On July 31, Frances Vavrus officially began her tenure as vice provost and dean of UW–Madison’s International Division. Vavrus was announced for the position in April following a nationwide search. The International Division dean provides leadership to more than 130 faculty and staff across six pillar units, including the Institute for Regional and International Studies, …

Nelson Around the World

Although the Nelson Institute is housed within Science Hall at 550 North Park Street, our faculty, students, and alumni are sharing our mission and conducting research internationally. From partnering with world-renowned organizations to helping small tribal communities, the institute makes an impact all across the globe. Read the full story.