UW–Madison is making sure its students are ready to pursue opportunities across the globe. That was the goal of Wednesday’s Passport Drive, held as part of International Education Week (IEW). Students were able to stop by locations across campus for tips on the passport application process and receive coupons for passport photos. Students and staff, were on-hand to share their own experiences and chat about global travel opportunities.
“The passport drive was offered this year as an effort to increase the number of students who are ‘travel ready,’” said Maj Fischer, chair of the IEW Planning Committee and director of the International Internship Program (IIP) unit. “The most recent data for UW-Madison undergraduate’s post-graduate plans indicated that 16 percent of respondents did not have a passport at the time of graduation.”
Given the numerous study abroad, internship, volunteer, and travel opportunities offered on campus, having a passport can open doors to options that add a global dimension to students’ UW–Madison experience. In addition, having their passport will enable students to take advantage of international career opportunities following graduation.
“If we can help students get a passport, or renew their passport, it will not only streamline the process once they find a program,” Fischer said. “It will hopefully put them in the mindset of looking for international opportunities to begin with.”
Learn more about International Education Week events, brown bag lectures, and partner events. Share your own UW–Madison international experience with us by tagging your photos, videos, and posts with #uwinternational.