About Us - The Director's Welcome Letter

Dear International Students,

I am delighted to welcome all of our new students to the University of Wisconsin, Madison. I am happy to report that this Fall more than 1,100 new international students have joined the international student community at UW-Madison. All of the International Student Services staff is glad that you have chosen to study at this university. We wish you much success as you fulfill your academic goals and as you learn more about yourself and your place in the world.

UW-Madison graduates become extraordinary citizens, community members and national and global leaders. Something about the UW-Madison experience prepares our students to become outstanding leaders who are engaged locally, nationally and globally. That "something" is the Wisconsin Experience. Grounded in the 100-year old Wisconsin Idea and our progressive history, our historical mission has evolved to create an expectation for students to apply in and out of classroom learning in ways that have significant and positive impacts on the world.

You are now part of an internationally rich and diverse student body of over 4000 international students representing more than 100 different countries. International Student Services (ISS) offers a wide variety of services to international students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The ISS staff provides information and programs to international students and work to foster international understanding on campus and in our community. In addition, ISS offers support and assistance regarding visas and other related immigration issues.

We are so pleased that you are here, and on behalf of UW-Madison, my staff and I wish you the very best throughout the year. We look forward to getting to know you better in the months ahead.

Best wishes and welcome to Madison!

Laurie Cox, Ed.D.
Assistant Dean and Director, International Student Services