The mission of Madison Friends of International Students (MFIS) is to connect Madison-area international university students, scholars, and any accompanying family with local residents to provide support and assistance as well as to foster cultural exchange, global goodwill, and friendships around the world.

MFIS implements our mission through an array of programs that welcome visiting international students and their families to Madison and assist them with housing, language, and hospitality needs. Through these programs we have provided thousands of visiting scholars with support and friendship for almost 70 years.

Our community volunteers make those programs possible and have enjoyed meeting international students.  Check out our list of Programs to see what might be of interest to you.

Madison Friends of International Students (MFIS) affirms that ALL international students, scholars, and their families, regardless of religion, nationality, or any other identity, are welcome here in Madison. We are dedicated to making the Madison community one that is safe and welcoming for all.

In the 2019-2020 school year, we had nearly 1000 students from 53 countries participate in our Programs: