This summer, the Wisconsin Intensive Summer Language Institutes (WISLI) concluded a season of remarkable growth and renewed commitment to language education. Offering high-quality and proficiency-driven language courses, the program welcomed more than 200 students across 19 different languages. Students came from 84 home institutions, a testament to the program’s expanding national reach.
Students come to WISLI for a wide array of personal and professional reasons, and their individual stories are at the heart of the program. A community music PhD student sought to learn Arabic to better understand the stories of asylum seekers in Belgium. Another student was drawn to Urdu to engage with the original works of Pakistani women poets from the late 20th century. And for others, it’s a way to reconnect with their roots and family, like the student who chose to learn the Bengali their parents speak. Whether it’s for academic research, professional goals, or personal heritage, WISLI’s eight-week programs—equivalent to a full year of language study—provide a path for each student’s unique purpose.
Expanding access and opportunity through scholarships
Over 90% of students secured funding to participate in WISLI 2025. A major factor in this year’s success was the significant expansion of the WISLI Tuition Scholarship. While the WISLI Tuition Scholarship typically supports 20 students per year, this year WISLI offered more than 60 awards, which removed financial barriers for dozens of learners.
This support was a decisive factor for many, as one student shared: “The WISLI Tuition Scholarship was a major factor in my decision to join WISLI. Without this funding, I would not have been able to attend WISLI. The funding opportunities available to working professionals and other adult learners are really great.”
The power of collaborative learning
This year, WISLI successfully embraced a combination of online and in-person instruction. Conducting most classes online increased flexibility and access for students from around the world, and also enabled the program to recruit the best instructors.
The Vietnamese and Indonesian courses were held in person as part of the prestigious Southeast Asian Flagship Languages Initiative (SEAFLI). This summer, 14 students—nine in Indonesian and five in Vietnamese—participated in SEAFLI through WISLI. Administered by the UW–Madison Language Program Office (LPO), SEAFLI is a special initiative of the Boren Awards for International Study that requires a domestic component before the fellows and scholars head abroad for an immersive, in-country experience in the fall.
In both the virtual setting and the in-person instruction, many students reported a profound sense of community and collaborative learning. This was a consistent theme in their reflections, highlighting how the program’s intensive pace allowed for deep connection.
“I liked getting to know the other students in my cohort,” said a virtual student. “Everyone is patient, kind, and understanding…you feel comfortable to learn and make mistakes with a group who supports your learning process.”
This spirit of collaboration also extended to learning through cultural expression. One student reflected on how they connected with their classmates and teacher through a variety of media.
“We’ve watched plays, listened to songs, read classical and contemporary literature, news and essays and analyzed them,” they said. “And through that, we’ve learned so much about ourselves and each other – and that too in another language!”
Professional growth and academic excellence
WISLI is committed not only to students’ multilingual development but also to their professional growth. Less commonly taught languages (LCTLs) are critically important to international relations and the local communities whose cultures derive from them. Each summer, WISLI invites leaders and experts across sectors to share advice and opportunities for building multilingual professionals through the LCTL Career Fair and other events.
This year’s LCTL Career Fair was another huge success, sponsored by the Language Institute, Center for South Asia, and Institute for Regional and International Studies National Resource Center. The event featured a keynote address from L. J. Randolph Jr., assistant professor of world language education at UW-Madison, about leading with humanity as students navigate their multilingual lives.
The annual WISLI Student Conference also provided a platform for participants to network and present original research. The July 19 conference featured a range of presentations on diverse disciplines across the language regions represented at WISLI. Students showcased their work on a wide range of topics, including contemporary policy issues, philosophical thought, and cultural expression through art and literature. The keynote address was delivered by Yoshiko M. Herrera, a professor of political science at UW–Madison.
As this successful summer comes to a close, WISLI remains dedicated to providing an unparalleled experience in language education. The program’s success is a direct result of its close-knit community, intensive curriculum, and a commitment to making these opportunities accessible through scholarships. To learn more about the programs and how to apply for 2026, please visit the WISLI website or follow WISLI on Instagram.
Story by Kayla Daum