In a world that becomes more interconnected by the day, cultivating cross-cultural understanding and global awareness can be as simple as a conversation. International Reach, a program run by International Student Services (ISS), proves just that.
The International Reach program, originally started by an international student and Madison Friends of International Students (MFIS) in 1989, brings together international student volunteers and local organizations, schools, and community programs for presentations and discussions. Known as “International Reach Ambassadors,” these students offer insights into their home countries and their experiences as international students in the U.S. The program’s goal is to enrich the international student experience while promoting global awareness and fostering cross-cultural understanding through cultural exchange.
The 2024–2025 cohort is made up of 25 students representing 17 countries and diverse academic backgrounds.
Meet some of the 2024–2025 International Reach Ambassadors:
KeLing “Lin” Liu, Chengdu, China
KeLing “Lin” Liu, a senior studying political science and philosophy, joined the International Reach program to explore different cultures. “One of my motivations in joining Reach is because of curiosity—I like to learn about the different cultures and practices from people,” Liu explained. “I am also genuinely passionate about my own culture and where I belong, so I wanted to share my culture with other people.”
Liu had the chance to participate in one of International Reach’s biggest presentations, the Sun Prairie Multicultural Fair. There, she and another International Reach Ambassador presented on Chinese culture, specifically exploring China’s 12 Zodiac animals. She also shared background about her country’s culture and diversity, noting the 56 ethnic groups that make up the nation.
“It is not about the one-time contribution to the community, but it’s kind of a longstanding endeavor you can make through talking to a single person, and maybe that person can pass down this kind of energy and passion to other people,” Liu said. Through events like the Multicultural Fair, Liu expressed that we can gradually create awareness of the multicultural community.
Eduardo Martínez Villegas, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México
Eduardo Martínez Villegas, a second-year International Reach Ambassador and senior studying landscape and urban studies, first experienced UW–Madison through a summer program—an experience that ultimately led him to transfer from a college in his home country of Mexico. Since his move to Madison, he has become involved in programs like International Reach, one of his highlights at UW.
“I’ve always had fun talking about my culture and my country,” Martínez Villegas said, explaining his motivation to become an ambassador.
Through International Reach, Martínez Villegas has been able to offer a glimpse into his culture by participating in events such as the Sun Prairie Multicultural Fair and engaging with local middle school students, one of his most memorable moments thus far.
He also credits the program with introducing him to other multicultural opportunities on campus and sharpening his public speaking skills, which he explained have helped him grow personally and academically.
Martínez Villegas believes that programs like International Reach foster deeper connections between international and domestic populations, helping to “strengthen connections and to give the opportunity to learn.”
Patricia Haberkorn, Pülfringen, Germany
Patricia Haberkorn, a fourth-year PhD candidate in second language acquisition and German and a fourth-year International Reach Ambassador, has found her role with the program to be a very fulfilling part of her academic journey at UW. Haberkorn noted that she joined the program to give back to the campus community that welcomed her. “Everyone had been so welcoming. I thought, ok, what can I do to give something back?”
Through International Reach she’s been able to present her culture to a number of audiences. One of her favorite moments is presenting at Edgewood Middle School, where she has been able to engage with students through fun, interactive presentations. “It’s been really amazing to get to know so many different people.”
The program has also helped Haberkorn develop skills related to public speaking and cross-cultural communication. She noted that she has found great value in connecting with other ambassadors and greater Madison community members.
“I think it’s an amazing program. It’s a great opportunity for international students, but also the community, to share and to learn about other people and their backgrounds,” Haberkorn said. “And to support global awareness and intercultural communication, because in our globalized world, I think it’s key that we have that.”
Reach celebrated during International Education Week
As part of the 2024 International Education Week celebration, International Reach hosted a presentation featuring three student ambassadors. The event was a unique opportunity for UW–Madison staff, students, and even other International Reach Ambassadors to watch the presentations that are usually given to select audiences through the presentation request process.
International Reach Coordinator Kacha Fischer opened the event with a background on the program including its history and goals and welcomed the event’s attendees before introducing the evening’s three speakers—Eduardo Martínez Villegas from Mexico, Dina Cianca from Panama, and Clara Sainz Prats from Spain.
Each presenter focused on a unique aspect of their home country with presentations covering iconic and natural attractions in Monterrey, Mexico, “Fiestas Patrias” (“national holidays”) in Panama, which is celebrated during the month of November, and Festa Major in Barcelona, Spain.
By sharing their unique stories and lived experiences, the ambassadors are helping to bridge the gap between international students and the Madison community.
“We share more [similarities] than we have things we are different for,” said Cianca, a first-year International Reach ambassador and King-Morgridge Scholar.
The program only continues to grow, playing an important role in fostering global awareness, and showing that in today’s world, community building can start with just a conversation.