Upcoming ISWIF
Spring 2026 ISWIF is on Friday, January 16th, 2026.
The event is held from 12-2 p.m. in the Pyle Center at 702 Langdon Street.
Stay tuned to see the ISWIF Guidebook including an event map, table maps, the lunch options, and more!
What is "ISWIF"?
ISWIF (pronounced "eye-swiff") stands for the International Student Welcome and Information Fair.
ISWIF is the biggest welcome event hosted by the International Student Services (ISS) office for new international students and happens right before the fall and spring semesters.
It is a resource fair with student organizations, campus departments, and community partners as well as an opportunity for students to meet new people and visit the ISS office space.
Why come to ISWIF?
- Learn about campus resources and offices
- Meet ISS staff and see the ISS office space
- Interact with student organizations
- Take a photo with Bucky Badger
- Get information (and discounts) from community partners
- Enjoy a free boxed lunch and make new connections!
- When is ISWIF?
- What Resources are Available at ISWIF?
- What is the "Boxed Lunch" at ISWIF?
- My Organization Wants to Table at ISWIF, What Do I Do?
ISWIF is always held before the first week of classes begins. The fair is two hours long, from 12:00pm – 2:00pm, and students are encouraged to come anytime in that range. A boxed lunch is provided, so come ready for lunch!
Fall ISWIF is held on the Thursday before classes begin in the Fall semester.
Spring ISWIF is held on the Monday before classes begin in the Spring semester. Some years, that Monday falls on a federal holiday (Martin Luther King Jr. Day), and the university will be closed. In that case, ISWIF will be held on the Friday beforehand.
Campus Resources, Offices, and Departments
- Health Resources
- Academic Support Resources
- Social Resources – Getting Involved on Campus
- Wellness and Wellbeing Resources
- Campus Safety Resources
Student Organizations
- Student Organizations affiliated with ISS, including cultural organizations, academic organizations, religious organizations, and more
Community Partners
- Local and national organizations and businesses that partner with UW-Madison
International Student Services (ISS) office
- View the International Community Center and other ISS spaces, meet your ISS Advisor, and more
ISWIF includes a free boxed lunch for every attendee, with a choice between a meat option and a vegetarian option. Limited vegan / gluten free options available as well.
For Fall 2025 ISWIF, the boxed lunch options are as follows:
- Chicken & White Cheddar with spring mix and garlic aioli on white bread
- Grilled Veggie Wrap (vegan) butternut squash spread, grilled vegetables, & greens on a whole wheat tortilla
All boxed lunches include a cookie, potato salad, chips, and soda/bottled water.
That’s great! Thanks for being interested in joining us in welcoming incoming international students. Tables are limited, but feel free to reach out to issprograms@iss.wisc.edu with your interest!
