Category: Alumni Stories

WISLI Alumni Show How Language Studies Open Global Doors

Wrapping up the very first week of this year’s Wisconsin Intensive Summer Language Institutes (WISLI), a series of five “Global Professionals” panel sessions on June 19 showed current students how their language pursuits could turn into globally connected careers. Leaders from fields in public service, research, and international development shared honest stories about how language …

5 Questions for a Public Policy Grad Learning Indonesian

Meet Betty—a CLS & Boren alumna who earned degrees in Political Science & Southeast Asian Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Public Policy (International Economic Development) at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Beyond the language itself, the act of studying a language and immersing yourself completely has been one of the most rewarding …

Tyler: Historian Leading with Asian & European Languages

WISLI alum Tyler Lehrer is featured in a new profile by the Language Connects Foundation that highlights how his knowledge of Sinhala, Thai, Sanskrit, and Dutch supports his research as a historian of Buddhism and colonialism. The article is part of a series showcasing the diverse careers made possible through language study. Read the full …

Leading with Arabic: WISLI Alum Daniel Wieber in the Spotlight

WISLI alum Daniel Wieber is featured in a new profile by the Language Connects Foundation, highlighting his work as a freelance linguist and the role Arabic has played in shaping his professional path. The article is part of a series showcasing the diverse careers made possible through language study. Read the full story here: Daniel …

MEDLI alum Awarded UW-Madison’s 2025 Pulitzer Center Reporting Fellowship

UW–Madison senior and MEDLI alum Catherine “Cat” Carroll has been awarded a 2025 Reporting Fellowship by the Pulitzer Center. Pulitzer Center Reporting Fellowships support students pursuing independent journalism projects on underreported global topics including climate change, migration and refugees, global health, and human rights. Read the full story.

2025 Wolff Fellow & MEDLI Alum, Cat Carrol, to Study Migration Phenomena Across Seven Countries

We are thrilled to announce that Cat Carrol, 2025 Wolff Fellow & MEDLI Alum, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Wolff Fellowship, a remarkable recognition accompanied by a $45,000 grant. This fellowship honors Cat’s exceptional dedication and contributions to international journalism throughout her undergraduate career. We couldn’t be prouder of her achievements! Cat’s academic journey …

Building Language Proficiency and Connections through MEDLI: A FLAS Fellowship Success Story

Rediscovering a Passion for Education with Arabic Language Immersion: A FLAS Fellowship Success Story