Institute for Regional and International Studies (IRIS) – University of Wisconsin-Madison – UW–Madison

Globe in a classroom

Graphic of a world map

The Institute for Regional and International Studies (IRIS) comprises and provides coordination and administrative support for Wisconsin’s nine area studies centers – eight of which are National Resource Centers – and the International Studies Major of the College of Letters and Science. IRIS is a pillar unit of UW–Madison’s International Division.

A woman helps K-12 students during Children's African Story Hour (CASH)

African Studies Program

Learn more about the African Studies Program at UW–Madison.

People and CEAS staff posing in front of the Korea Research Visit Fellowship banner

Center for East Asian Studies

Learn more about the Center for East Asian Studies at UW–Madison.

A group of people pose outside of the EU

European Studies

Learn more about European Studies at UW–Madison.

Students pose during the Annual Wisconsin High School Model UN conference sponsored by IRIS NRC

IRIS Global Connect

Learn more about IRIS Global Connect at UW–Madison.

Two people play musical instruments in front of a group of K-12 students

Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies Program

Learn more about the Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies Program at UW–Madison.

Woman standing in front of colorful walls abroad

Middle East Studies Program

Learn more about the Middle East Studies Program at UW–Madison.

A group of CREECA staff and students pose for the camera

Center for Russia, East Europe, and Central Asia

Learn more about the Center for Russia, East Europe, and Central Asia at UW–Madison.

People gathering for the annual CSCA conference in Madison, Wisconsin

Center for South Asia

Learn more about the Center for South Asia at UW–Madison.

Presentation by Malaysian student Darwish Bin Abdul Ramin (with Dr. Olayinka Olagbegi-Adegbite) for Children’s International Story Hour at Pinney Library, Madison

Center for Southeast Asian Studies

Learn more about the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at UW–Madison.

Upcoming Events

September

September 30

Wisconsin in Washington, DC Internship Program
Drop-in Advising

10:00 AM, Study Abroad Resource Center (3rd Floor Red Gym)
September 30

Study Abroad in Ireland: University College Dublin Agricultural and Life Sciences
Info Session

11:00 AM, 116 Agricultural Hall
September 30

Fulbright office hours

11:00 AM, 256 Bascom Hall
Also offered online
September 30

To Be Worthy of the Name of My Father
Rachel Jean-Baptiste, Stanford University

12:00 PM, 206 Ingraham Hall

October

October 1

ONLINE Fulbright 101: An Introduction to Fulbright Programs & Opportunities
International Education Week 2026

9:00 AM, Online

IRIS News

LACIS Partnership Brings the Wisconsin Idea to Communities in Guatemala

For the past several years, an ongoing partnership spearheaded by the Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies Program (LACIS) has proven that high school classrooms can have a global footprint. Through LACIS,…
Center for East Asian Studies Library Program Grants Dispersed Across Wisconsin

The Center for East Asian Studies (CEAS) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is pleased to announce award recipients for the most recent “East Asia in Wisconsin Library Program” competition. Nearly $21,000 in funding will…
Recognizing Outstanding Global Engagement in the Class of 2026

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! As the spring semester draws to a close, the International Division is proud to celebrate a cohort of graduates who have truly embraced the spirit of…