About Us
The mission of Madison International Partners is to help global citizens in the Madison area thrive through hospitality, friendship, education, and cross-cultural exchanges. We seek to provide international students, visiting scholars, immigrants, refugees, and their families with a sense of welcome and belonging in the Madison area. From the moment they arrive, our programs and activities are designed to aid international residents in adjusting to life in the United States. We provide a safe space for practicing English communication skills without fear of misunderstanding, learning about U.S. customs and culture, and forming friendships with Americans and other international residents to build a support network.
Madison International Partners has been incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit since 2016, but the work actually began in 2008. It started as an outreach program of Christ Presbyterian Church in Madison and quickly grew to become a stand-alone, public nonprofit organization.
Why Our Work Matters
With thousands of international students enrolled at UW-Madison each year, and more attending Madison College, many of those we serve are international students and visiting scholars. We also support the growing refugee and immigrant populations in the Madison area and other international residents and their families who have come here to work and live.
Imagine leaving your home, family, and friends behind and traveling thousands of miles away to pursue your academic dreams. It’s an exciting, but also anxiety-producing, prospect. Navigating the logistics of moving to a new country is difficult enough, but when you add language and cultural barriers, it becomes a huge challenge. MIP’s programs are designed to address the common issues faced by international citizens, including language and cultural misunderstandings, anxiety, homesickness, and loneliness.
International community members also carry the added burden of fear and anxiety from the social tension created by anti-immigrant rhetoric and national policy changes. These conditions reinforce the importance of an organization like MIP, which facilitates the integration of international community members and helps them feel a genuine sense of belonging in the Madison community.
Leadership
Board of Directors
Eileen Wilson – President
Yingying Yuan – Treasurer
Amy Stettner – Secretary
Lisa Cutting
Robin Hill
Viji Kandhadai
Bob Sorensen
Steve Ujvarosy
Guy Van Rensselaer
Viviana Veloza Martinez
Mark Viser
Matt Wolfgram
Staff
Jean-René Watchou – Executive Director
Milli Lau – Program Associate
Hannah Cozad – Childcare Staff
Hailey Shevitz – Childcare Staff
Britta Seaberg – Intern