The University of Wisconsin-Madison is home to 3,885 international students, many of whom arrive in Madison shortly before school begins and face culture shock, loneliness and isolation among the masses.
Bridge, a service operated by International Student Services at the University of Wisconsin, was formed to make the adjustment to the United States as smooth and tolerable as possible by introducing international students to American students.
Bridge is modeled after a similar program at UW-Milwaukee and is funded by the U.S. State Department through a grant from the Cooperative Grants Program of NAFSA: Association of International Educators.
Sancia Ferguson, a UW junior, said of Bridge that “It is a lot of fun. We have seen “Monsoon Wedding” at the Union Theatre and went out to eat at restaurants of cultures that weren’t our own.” The program is still in its developmental stage.
Consuelo Cantreras, an intern at the Bridge program, said it allows both American and foreign UW students rare opportunities for interaction with a diverse group of people. “The international students meet other international students, but usually don’t meet American students or experience American culture,” he said.
Bridge mentors attempt to familiarize international students with the university and the community, while at the same time gaining an international perspective by learning about another culture and lifestyle.
“It’s not really a time commitment as much as it is just being a friend,” Ferguson said.
The program pairs an international student with an American student. They meet at least 10 times over the course of one semester, sometimes engaging in social activities such as going shopping or out for coffee.
“I really love it and I am happy to be a part of it,” said Tejin Derkaur Judge, a UW freshman, who is a foreign exchange student. “It is nice to know there is someone there for me, looking out for me, to just call and say, ‘Hi, how was your week?’ and to talk to. It is very heartwarming.”
Currently consisting of 25 pairs, Bridge is in search of new American students to volunteer for the spring semester.
“I encourage people to learn and meet people from other cultures,” said Giulia Christianson, a UW senior. “You get things from them that you can’t get in books … it is a great volunteer experience.”
To learn more about or participate in the Bridge program, visit International Student Services in the Red Gym or go to www.intstudents.wisc.edu for more information.
“You really don’t know about other cultures when you live in Madison all your life,” said UW junior Joe Martinelli. “You see American life in other’s eyes, and you learn about yourself as you learn about another culture.”
