Fall, 2009

International Student Services (ISS) is committed to helping International Students make the most of their stay while on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus and to inspire them to live the Wisconsin Idea. To that end, the office hosts a variety of programs and activities throughout the year and collaborates with other groups to provide opportunities for service, out-of-classroom learning, cultural exchange, and recreation.

New Student Shopping Trip
Wednesday, August 26, 2-8PM
West Towne Shopping Mall, Madison
Stock up on all the items you’ll need for the upcoming school year…pens, papers, notebooks, bed linens, personal supplies, groceries and more!  Join International Student Services (ISS) as we take new students to West Towne Shopping Mall, about 20 minutes west of campus. Bus service will be free and will pick-up/drop off individuals in front of Memorial Union and the Eagle Heights Community Center on the following schedule: 

2:00pm pick up at Memorial Union
2:15pm pick up at Eagle Heights Community Center
2:45 arrive at West Towne Mall

4:00pm depart West Towne Mall
4:30pm pick up/drop off at Memorial Union
4:45pm pick up/drop off at Eagle Heights
5:15pm arrive at West Towne Mall

7:15pm depart West Towne Mall
7:45pm drop off at Eagle Heights
8:00pm drop off at Memorial Union

No reservations are needed. Just look for the ISS sign in the little orange school bus and be punctual. The bus will depart as close to the scheduled times as possible.

For more information on shopping options at the mall, visit the West Towne website at http://www.shopwesttowne-mall.com/shop/westtowne.nsf/index. General shopping trip questions may be directed to issprograms@odos.wisc.edu.

SEPTEMBER 2009

Getting Settled and Getting Involved
Tuesday, September 8, 5PM- 6:30PM
MSC Lounge, Red Gym and Armory
Arriving on a campus the size of UW-Madison and figuring things out can be unnerving. Attend this workshop and allow International Student Services to help ease your transition. Experienced students and staff will be available to socialize, answer questions, and provide tips for getting the most out of your stay on campus academically, professionally, and socially. Meet others, learn how to navigate campus successfully and discover exciting things to do.

Fall Tailgate and Badger Football Game
Saturday, Sept. 12, Tailgate: TBA; Game Time: 11:00am
Tailgate: TBA; Game Location: Camp Randall Stadium
Join the WI Alumni Association and ISS for a “Tailgate Party” prior to watching the UW-Madison Badgers play a game of American football against the Fresno Bulldogs. It’s sure to be a day of great food, football, and fun. Don’t miss this out on the opportunity to share in time-honored Badger traditions!

Managing Finances as a Student Studying Abroad
Tuesday, September 15, 3:30PM- 5PM
Media Room, Red Gym and Armory
Managing finances effectively while studying in the States can present special challenges. The world of money here may be different and confusing. Learn more about the US system and effective strategies for budgeting from financial experts so you won’t run short of money by mid-year. Ways to keep your money safe and even increase will also be covered. Bring all of your money-matter questions – credit, debit, interest, mortgages, opening accounts (and more!) – and get them answered.

LGBT Social: S’mores and More
Friday, September 18, 6:30PM- 8:30PM
Picnic Point, Fire Circle #2
Does an evening spent relaxing with nature walks, a bonfire by the lake, good company, guitar music, and a chance to roast hotdogs and s’mores sound good to you? Then join this inclusive ISS social event for all LGBTQ international students, friends and allies of LGBTQ students. (What are s’mores, you ask? Come and find out!)

Planes, Trains and Automobiles: Navigating Transportation Options in Madison
Thursday, September 24, 6:30PM- 8PM
MSC Lounge, Red Gym and Armory
Welcome to the wonderful world of transportation. Have you ever wondered how to take a bus to the airport, get to West Towne Mall, or visit wonderful places in Madison you’ve read about? Don’t stay home when you’d rather be out! Come learn about how you can gain regular access to a car or buy an inexpensive bicycle. We’ll cover bus routes, car programs, and much more in this lively, interactive session.

Working in the U.S.
Wednesday, September 30, 6:30PM- 8PM
Media Room, Red Gym and Armory
Hoping to find a job while you’re here? There are a number of special considerations to be mindful of as an international student. Attend this workshop to learn about important policies that govern international student employment. We will also discuss finding on-and off-campus jobs, the strong US work culture, and expectations you may encounter in the workplace. You’ll also appreciate hearing about the many campus career resources that are available at your fingertips to make your job search easier.

OCTOBER 2009

Transitional Lunch Series: Academic Success
Tuesday, October 6th, 12PM-1:30PM
Mezzanine A/B, Red Gym and Armory
Classes have been in session for five weeks and the work is beginning to mount. Expectations are high and you’re not sure you’ll be able to reach them. If you’re beginning to have worries like these and would appreciate some relief, this session from the new ISS Lunch Series is for you. You’ll have an opportunity to share frustrations, ask questions, get answers and discover how others manage it all. Join us to learn tips for time management and other strategies for succeeding academically. Alternatively, just come to relax and for fun! We offer an informal lunch break with great conversation, people, and free snacks. Other things on your mind?  Bring them too!

Writing Resumes and Cover Letters
Tuesday, October 13, 5PM- 6:30PM
Media Room, Red Gym and Armory
Sometime during your stay on campus or in the States you’ll be asked to write a cover letter or resume. It may be for a job application, internship, coop, or volunteer opportunity. How you present yourself will be crucial for making a positive impression. Join this session to hear experienced career advisors discuss guidelines for creating US style documents that will help you get noticed. Learn how to communicate your skills and experiences, and to tailor your materials to different jobs. Leave with samples that can be used as models.

Taste of Cultures: Discover China!
Thursday, October 15, 2009 6-8PM
On Wisconsin Room, Red Gym and Armory
Are any of these your first thoughts when people begin talking about China: It’s a country on the move; it’s a nation surpassing all expectations; it’s developing so fast that it’s changing business practices around the globe?  If so, you aren’t alone. Now come and hear about China from the personal experiences and informed perspectives of individuals who have lived most of their lives in China…UW-Madison Chinese students! Perhaps they’ll dispel your misperceptions or expand your world view. In either case, enjoy their stories while savoring Chinese food. All for free! Space is limited to the first 150 people.

LGBT Workshop: U.S. Gay Culture and Life
Tuesday, October 20, 12:00- 1:30PM
Memorial Union, TITU
Gay politics are big in US news and society today. Some visionaries call the gay movement the “new civil rights” battle of our day. Have you wondered about the real lives of LGBT individuals behind all the media hype and political rhetoric? Are you curious about the LGBTQ community or what it means to be an ally?  LGBTQ American students will share their experiences being gay or queer. Free snacks and refreshments.

Act for the World: Educational Forum on the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDG)
Thursday, October 22, 4PM- 7PM
Great Hall, Memorial Union
Many students would like to become more knowledgeable about the world’s most vexing problems like extreme poverty and hunger, HIV/AIDS and malaria, universal education, maternal health and the environment - dilemmas that form the core of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. If you’re one of them and would also like to learn how to become a part of the solutions, this forum is a “must attend”. Join ISS, Global Studies, students from all disciplines, and numerous organizations to hear faculty experts speak on the issues, interact with related displays, learn about relevant volunteer opportunities, and be treated to exciting performances by local dancers. Come for an hour; come for three. Exhibits related to the all eight MDG will be available throughout; speaker and performance schedules will be announced in October.

NOVEMBER 2009

Transitional Lunch Series: Communicating Across Cultures
Thursday, November 5th, 12PM-1:30PM
Mezzanine A/B, Red Gym and Armory
“**@#!♂)♂♀)&”! What’s that you say?  “♀□♪++&^%♂%!” Huh, try me one more time! Do conversations you have with Americans and others feel a lot like this? Are you tired of not getting jokes or only half understanding what others are saying? You’re not alone. Crossing cultural divides can be difficult. We’ll explore some of them during this informal lunch break conversation. Join us, share your stories and learn more about the U.S. culture you’re living in. Free snacks and beverages.

Informational Interviewing and Networking in the States
Wednesday, November 11, 5PM-6:30PM
Room 3190, Grainger Hall,
Getting a job starts long before the interview process and many Americans will use two unique techniques to facilitate it:  informational interviewing and networking. If you’re hoping to land a good job now or after studies and you’re unfamiliar with these tools, this workshop will be a valuable step in your job search strategy. Learn savvy ways to connect with organizations and people in businesses who may provide opportunities later on. Hear testimonials from presenters and engage in demonstration networking activities.

International Education Week Photo Exhibit
Monday, November 16 – Friday, November 20
2nd Floor Gallery, Red Gym and Armory
The US will celebrate International Education Week (http://iew.state.gov/) November 16 to November 20 and so will UW-Madison. In recognition, ISS will host an exhibit of prize-winning photos taken in the United States and around the world by international students. The exhibit will be on display for everyone to see all week from 8:00am to 8:00pm. It’s free and all are welcome to enjoy it anytime throughout the week.

DECEMBER 2009

International Graduation Celebration
Wednesday, December 2, 5PM- 7PM
Wisconsin Alumni Association Lobby
The Wisconsin Alumni Association and ISS invite all exchange students leaving at the semester’s end and all international students graduating in December to a festive reception in celebration of their accomplishments. The evening will include food, music, and farewell speeches. Students are welcome to bring family members, friends and mentors. The event is free, but students are asked to register themselves and their guests at http://www.uwalumni.com/home/int-isgc.aspx.

Taste of Cultures: Discover Iran!
Thursday December 3, 6PM- 8PM
On Wisconsin Room, Red Gym and Armory
Iran is a country in the daily news. As a result, we know of its strategic geopolitical import and the vital role it plays in the world economy. But, what else do we know? What of her cultures and customs? What drives her people and inspires her youth?  Learn about these and other compelling features of this Persian nation through the lens of Iranian students studying at UW. What better, more interesting source?  Take it all in while enjoying authentic Iranian food. Free, but limited to the first 150 people.

**Dates and Times Subject to Change**
For more information and updates look for our online newsletter, Access ISS: http://iss.wisc.edu/newsletters.html.