Summer Intensive Portuguese Institute - SIPI

08/27/2026

Thank you to the International Division for highlighting our new WISLI Digital Badge and how it can help participants take their language-learning journey to the next level!

This summer marked a major milestone for language education at UW–Madison with the launch of the inaugural WISLI Digital Badge. Offered through the Wisconsin Intensive Summer Language Institutes (WISLI), a unit under the Language Program …

08/18/2026

Some expressions just hit differently in another language. 💬 For Wanda H., one of those expressions is "mais ou menos" — “more or less” in Brazilian Portuguese.
“I find myself using "mais ou menos" alot, in Portuguese it's not just a literal “more or less” as it is in English, but expands to behave like an emotional tool to convey so many different postures. It is such a saver phrase to convey ambiguity, criticism, not hurt anyone's feelings, to express our moods, allowing for staying in the middle, avoiding strong yes/no, good/bad, and this makes it feel very special to me.”

07/30/2026

Your international career might be closer than you think. 🌍

07/21/2026

“Vencedores no meu coração.”

SIPI student Jasbeth attended the Norway vs. match during this year’s World Cup. For her, studying at WISLI has opened the door to cultural immersion and connections beyond the classroom:

“These lessons rooted in engaged learning have provided us with the vocabulary and tools to meaningfully connect with the language, which is why, during the World Cup, I excitedly watched every single one of Brasil’s games. I made it a point to watch the games in public and connect with the local Brasilian community in my area.” 🇧🇷⚽

07/15/2026

🌍 Language learning doesn’t end when class does.
Join Dr. Adeola Agoke to explore practical tools and strategies for maintaining and growing your language skills beyond the classroom.
📅 Tuesday, July 28 at 2:00 p.m. CDT
Register at go.wisc.edu/wisli-workshop!

07/13/2026

We’re celebrating the halfway point of WISLI 2026! 🎉 This week, we’re highlighting the community and connections students build over the summer. This quote from Brazilian poet Carlos Drummond de Andrade reflects the spirit of moving forward together. 📖

07/10/2026

🌎 How do language and area studies shape real-world decisions?
Join WISLI for a keynote with Dr. Eric A. Miller on the role of global understanding in U.S. national security.
📅 Thursday, July 23 at 2:00 p.m. CDT
Register at go.wisc.edu/wisli-keynote

07/08/2026

Thanks to all our SIPI students who participated!

07/01/2026

Six WISLI alumni recently met with current students as part of the WISLI “Global Professionals” panel! Click the link below to read more about how their summer language studies launched careers in public service, international research, and diplomacy.
https://international.wisc.edu/wisli-alumni-show-how-language-studies-open-global-doors/

06/03/2026