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Wisconsin International Student Experience (WISE) Project will launch third year this spring
World Services of La Crosse will again host Russian University Students who participate in La Crosse’s Summer Work & Travel Program. Students plan to arrive May 25, will spend a few days in orientation, and will start work June 1. They’ll work through the summer and return home August 29.
The program is authorized by the U. S. State Department and works in collaboration with the International YMCA, New York, which monitors the State Department regulations and provides support in obtaining Visas for the students.
This is the third year that World Services has sponsored the Wisconsin International Student Experience (WISE) project. La Crosse area employers have again collaborated with World Services of La Crosse to bring Russian university students to La Crosse for a summer of work and “English immersion” opportunity.
Pete Keeffe, a World Services’ volunteer and Program Coordinator, works to identify appropriate summer jobs, and travels to Russia to personally interview the students to ensure a positive experience for both students and employers. Students are eager to expand their international exposure. They are currently studying at Dubna University, Moscow University and the St. Petersburg State University where they are currently enrolled in academic programs including Social Work, Human Resources Management, English, and Economics.
Six students will be employed for the summer by:
- City Brewing, Co.
- Coulee Bank
- Kwik Trip, Inc.
- Festival Foods
- Logistics Health, Inc.
Special appreciation goes out to our area employers who help make this program possible and to the La Crosse Dubna Friendship Association for their support.
During their stay in La Crosse, the students will have a variety of living arrangements. Some will live in a rented apartment; one will live with a local host family. World Services extends a special thank you to home hosts Richard and Suzanne Merkel and daughter Alexa.
Students return home with a greater appreciation of U.S. culture – and enrich the lives of those who work with them during their time in La Crosse. They leave with many new experiences and valued friends.