 Global Education at Madison Area Technical College
Think Globally, Enroll Locally
In today’s globally connected community, global knowledge, skills, and experiences are more important than ever. MATC offers many interesting and exciting ways for students and the community to connect with people and places around the world.
“Real World Skills, Real World Smart” is Madison Area Technical College’s pledge to educating students for life and work in today’s globally connected community. MATC is committed to serving as a leader in international learning, and to providing students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to develop a holistic understanding of global issues, events, and peoples. Our efforts at “transforming lives, one at a time” include offering a broad portfolio of international experiences including infusion of international content in the curriculum, multiple opportunities for international travel and study, and cultivating a learning environment that celebrates the cultural diversity of our student population.
MATC offers a variety of study abroad programs to fit the learning needs of our diverse student population. Options range from one week to full semesters abroad and include many different locations, subjects of study, and type of learning. Some of the options include:
- Full semester study abroad at partner institutions in Europe
- Summer (4-6 week) programs of international study in Europe, Central America and Australia
- Short term (1-2 week) educational travel tours to multiple locations around the world
- International Service learning programs (volunteer service and development projects)
- Internship and work abroad opportunities
World Languages
MATC recognizes that language ability is a key to intercultural communication and global competence. To address these needs the college offers a range of language learning opportunities for occupational students, college transfer students, and the community including:
- Traditional Language Instruction - Full semester Spanish, French, Arabic, and Chinese (German available via semester study abroad)
- Occupational Language Training - Specialized language training in Spanish for specific workplace environments
- Adult Continuing Education Language Offerings - Conversational language offerings including Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Polish, Russian, and Spanish
- English as a Foreign Language - Adult basic education courses in English language
- Language immersion programs through education abroad
Global Studies Certificate
MATC has recently been selected for a US Department of Education Title VI grant to expand the number of courses offered with international focus. The college will be developing many new courses and revising existing courses to expand the depth and breadth of global learning in MATC classrooms. Students who take 15 credits of courses meeting international guidelines in combination with language and study abroad courses can earn an Interdisciplinary Global Studies Certificate that can help set your resume or college transfer application apart from others.
International partner institutions provide opportunities for student and faculty exchange, study abroad, and opportunities for sharing of curriculum and global perspectives on teaching and learning. Online or other distance education projects are encouraged to facilitate international interaction and intercultural communication between students and faculty who remain on their home campuses. Many international partnerships support other community and regional initiatives including sister city and sister state programs that build on existing international partnerships. MATC welcomes inquiries for new international partnerships that can provide mutually beneficial ties between the Madison area and other global communities.
International Student Exchanges and Enrollment
The college welcomes enrollment by students of all cultural backgrounds and embraces diversity as a foundation for intercultural understanding and growth among our campus community. Opportunities range from short-term reciprocal exchanges to international student visa enrollment in degree programs.
Guest Lectures and Symposia for the Campus and Community .jpg)
MATC regularly offers guest lectures, workshops, and other events highlighting global and cultural issues for students and the community. The Global Horizons Distinguished Lecture Series invites students, staff, and the community to engage with world renown scholars, activists, and political figures to foster an environment of dialogue and continuous learning
in diversity, interdependence, and global citizenship.
Visiting Scholars and Specialists
MATC regularly hosts international visitors to serve as scholars in residence for periods of time lasting from a few days to several months. International scholars and specialists share their expertise with students by providing guest lectures, lab demonstrations, and work with faculty to provide input in internationalizing lesson planning and curriculum development. Where appropriate, visiting scholars may also work with college business and industry partners and advisory board members to share their expertise with relevant sectors of our district workforce.
Faculty and Staff Development
International learning requires internationally experienced faculty. MATC faculty and staff have many opportunities for international exchange, training, and travel.
 For more information on any of these programs,
please contact:
Geoff Bradshaw, Ph.D.
International Education Coordinator
Madison Area Technical College
Arts & Sciences Office
Truax Campus, Rm. 246
3550 Anderson Street
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 246-6165
gbradshaw (at) matcmadison.edu
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