All new volunteers must complete a Volunteer Application Form (VAF) prior to participating in our programs. This is a one-time only requirement which will apply to all future participation. If you are not currently an MFIS volunteer, please complete the online application.
Update your contact information here.
Following is a summary of the programs MFIS provides to international students and scholars, and how volunteers can participate.
Capitol Reception
Capitol Reception is held in January at the State Capitol to welcome new students arriving for the spring semester. Students enjoy meeting other students and community members, snacks, an address by a state legislator and a tour of the Capitol building. Learn more…
Global Friends
The Global Friends program pairs a local resident with an international student or scholar for a semester. The interaction is informal and guided by the participants. Learn more…
English Classes
We offer classes to international students, scholars and their families that emphasize conversation and include practical help for everyday life in Madison. Volunteers who have an ESL or teaching background lead the classes. Learn more…
Temporary Homestay
Temporary Homestay is a program where international students stay in the homes of local volunteers for up to three nights when they first arrive in Madison. It’s a wonderful opportunity to welcome students and to help them get started here. Learn more…
Furniture
We collect, store, and distribute gently used furniture to visiting international students when they arrive in Madison to help make their residence feel more like a home. Our volunteers work with students selecting furniture or pick up and deliver furniture. Learn more…
Thanksgiving Hospitality
Set an extra place or two at your Thanksgiving table and share your holiday food, family and traditions with one or more international students. Learn more…
Office/Administrative Opportunities
Volunteer opportunities include responding to student and volunteer requests, data entry and various support of MFIS programs and events. You may work remotely or in person at the Red Gym. info@mfismadison.org
Welcome Picnic
We host a picnic in a Madison park shelter in August to welcome incoming students and scholars. In addition to typical Wisconsin food, students enjoy interaction with local residents and other students, stories about Madison, and UW cheer with Bucky Badger. Learn more…
Leadership Opportunities
MFIS needs capable and dedicated people who are interested in coordinating/planning the above-listed programs. If you wish to contribute your talents to MFIS in a program leadership role please contact our volunteers coordinator. Thanks.
Hello, UW International Students
My name is Maria Czajka Hanson, and I am the President of MFIS. Our organization, which is over 65 years old, has always championed the rights of all individuals to live, learn and prosper in an environment of tolerance and freedom. Our mission is to foster, “cultural exchange, global goodwill and friendships around the world.” We have honored that mission in the work we do every day to support the students, scholars, and their families as they come to the University of Wisconsin to further their dreams.
As the events in Ukraine escalate every day, we see horrific images of innocent children, young men and women, and the backbone of the Ukrainian people suffer at the hands of tyranny and oppression. As an organization we denounce the atrocities perpetrated on a democratic Ukraine.
I am an American-Ukrainian immigrant who came as a refugee to this country in 1949 when we fled from the devastating cruelty of the Russian regime. I must note, there is a big difference between the innocent Russian people who have suffered at the hands of Putin, in contrast to the Russian dictatorship that has begun this needless war on the innocent. There are NO sides in the fight for freedom. Let us honor all who stand together in peace.
On behalf of MFIS, we welcome all our international brothers and sisters to Madison. Please know we are here to support you and your families.
Maria Hanson
MFIS President
Thank you for your interest in the MFIS Furniture program. Please note we are not a used furniture store, but only a volunteer run organization with a garage where we store furniture. We do not have regular hours of operation outside of our open house dates. The used furniture we offer to you is donated to us by people in Madison. So we do not have an inventory list, no pictures of the furniture, nor do we take reservations or requests. Our volunteers simply do the best they can to serve international students on a first come, first served basis.
We currently have only one desk. But we have many chairs, shelves, single beds, some round dining tables, etc.
Our handling charges depend on how heavy and difficult the furniture is to handle, not on value or price.
Small items, like kitchen tools, dishes, hangers, waste basket, bedding items are free in small quantities to anybody who is paying a handling charge for other items and has filled in the Furniture Loan Agreement.
The handling charges are not refundable; we accept cash or check only. The student may keep the furniture as long as enrolled at the UW or Madison colleges. Upon leaving Madison please return the furniture and/or contact a volunteer. No charge when returning furniture.
Types of items that may normally be available:
Beds – single box spring or mattress: $10 each, double $15
Iron bedframe: $5, wooden or with headboard: $20
Complete single $20, with wood frame $30, Full/double: $30, Queen: $40
Sleeper sofa, Convert-a-bed, Futon: $40
Couch/Sofa: $30, small couch/loveseat: $20
Office chair on wheels: $10
Dining or desk chair: $5
Dining or kitchen table: $15-35
Computer or study desk with drawers and/or hutch: $10-30
Cupboard/shelf: $5-20
Chest of drawers: $10-30
Anything with an electric cord: $1++
Lamp: $5, Floor lamp: $10
Microwave, vacuum cleaner: $10
Iron, coffee maker, hot plate, etc: $3
How does it work?
Set up an appointment with a furniture volunteer: email furniture@mfismadison.org
You choose the furniture from what is available at that time, pay the handling charge, and take the furniture to your house immediately.
If you cannot transport the furniture yourself, we will try to provide this soon on the same day.
Directions to the MFIS garage, where furniture is stored. This is not a store and staffed only by appointment.
5501 University Avenue in a garage behind the Dale Heights Presbyterian Church in Madison. From University Ave walk or drive west on Norman Way for about 100m/300 feet just past the church. Go up the driveway by the 5501 mailbox.
By bus weekdays: #70,D71,73 to Norman Way stop
By bus weekends & holidays: #8 Norman Way&Univ Ave stop – one bus per hour only.
Mike (coordinator of furniture loan program)
Michael von Schneidemesser (aka Mike vonS)
Madison Friends of International Students, Furniture Loan
3555 Tally Ho Lane, Madison, WI 53705-2126
608-233-3051, cell sometimes 608-620-8780
This class is perfect for parents who have children 3 years old and younger. Children remain in the same room as you during class, playing happily as you improve your English conversational skills. Topics include American culture, cultural contrasts, using children’s literature and nursery rhymes to parent, and current articles about parenting. Beginning, intermediate, and advanced students are all welcome to attend this class.
The goals of this advanced class are lively conversation with a focus on fluency and using everyday expressions in a friendly and relaxed setting. We cover topics of interest to students through a variety of readings and activities, integrating grammar and pronunciation throughout the course. This class is appropriate for those who are almost fluent in English.
Improve speaking, listening and pronunciation skills. Topics of interest will include issues of day-to-day living and broader aspects of life in the USA. There will be personal presentations by class members as well as the reading and discussion of short articles. This class is appropriate for students who have studied English before but are still not confident in their conversational skills.
Get started with English vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension. This class will familiarize you with American culture and customs. Emphasis will be on everyday English and pronunciation. Class activities will be based on student input. This class is appropriate for students with little or no English.
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