Madison Friends of International Students

Welcome to MFIS!!!

MFIS Social Event: Capitol Reception
This special event held in the Senate Parlor of the beautiful Wisconsin State Capitol Building is a great opportunity to meet new people and learn about the benefits of getting involved with MFIS. The event will be held on Sunday, Feb. 24^th from 1-4pm. Click here for more information.

Warm Winter Coats Available
Feeling chilly? Need a warmer coat? For only $5 MFIS will lend you a warm winter coat for the winter season or your entire stay in Madison. For more information visit here.

Furniture Loan
Does your apartment look bare? Take advantage of the MFIS Furniture Loan to find inexpensive furnishings. Open from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon during the first Saturday of each month. For more information click here.

International English Classes
Scholars, academic staff, and their wives/husbands are invited to study English in our program, "Learn English Among Friends." Registration for first semester is on Thursday, January 4, 2008, from 9-11 a.m. Please click here for more information.

International Conversation and Coffee Hour
Grab a coffee and join us in a warm conversation between American and International students, family, faculty, and staff. International Conversation and Coffee Hour is held every Friday from noon - 2 PM at Union South. Come and meet old and new friends.


Current Volunteer Needs
If you are interested in volunteering please contact MFIS

1. Wanted: Photos of MFIS
   Do you have photos to share of MFIS volunteers or international students taking advantage of one of the many opportunities offered through MFIS? If so, we would love a copy for our records and/or promotional use. Please email scanned or digital photographs to mfis.photos@gmail.com with information about the people, event, and date, if known. Many thanks!
2. Conversation Partners Needed
   The English Conversation Partner Program is a very flexible program. The international students who come to the UW sign up for this program when they arrive. All they want is to get to know an American and speak English on a friendly, social basis. It is not tutoring. You will be matched up with an international student and then you decide together how often, where and what you would like to do, such as go for a cup of coffee, a walk or whatever. The commitment is for one academic year, the fall and spring semesters.  If you are interested, please email MFIS and provide your name, address, telephone number and e-mail. Thank you!
3. Thanksgiving Hospitality
   MFIS is looking for families who would like to invite international students to their  homes for Thanksgiving celebration.  It is a wonderful opportunity to share Thanksgiving traditions and food with people from around the world.  The warmth and friendship shared will never be forgotten. To sign up, please call MFIS at 263-4010 or e-mail mfis@odos.wisc.edu
4. MFIS Office
   Currently the office is short staffed. Would you be interested in helping out? The goal is to have the office open every weekday between 10am and 12 noon. We need people willing to work once a week or once every other week.
5. Share Your Friendship
   MFIS still has several students who would like to have a friend in the Madison area. More Information
6. Winter Coat Request
   The MFIS Coat Loan program is in need of warm coats, especially in men's styles. All coats should be in good repair with no broken zippers or tears, please. To donate a coat, please contact MFIS. Thank you in advance.