The Wisconsin Academic Experience
This program is a perfect fit for students who…
- Need to improve their English skills.
- Wish to enroll in course(s) at the university level.
- Have completed one semester at their home university.
- Are not seeking a U.S. university degree.
- Seek a study abroad experience with personal support.
- Want to benefit from two types of educational environments: a small private language school and a large American university.
This program is a perfect fit for students who…
- Need to improve their English skills.
- Wish to enroll in course(s) at the university level.
- Have completed one semester at their home university.
- Are not seeking a U.S. university degree.
- Seek a study abroad experience with personal support.
- Want to benefit from two types of educational environments: a small private language school and a large American university.
The Wisconsin Academic Experience Program Description
A unique program formed as a result of a special partnership between WESLI and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The Wisconsin Academic Experience is designed for students who wish to participate in the non-degree Visiting International Student Program (VISP) at UW-Madison, but don’t quite meet the required minimum English proficiency of 80 on the TOEFL (iBT)/6.5 IELTS necessary for admission.
Students in this program will be able to focus on improving their English proficiency at WESLI first, and then make the transition to taking one or more academic classes at UW-Madison through VISP once they have attained the appropriate English level.
Classes taken, credits earned, and grades received at UW-Madison will appear on your official UW-Madison academic transcript of record.
At a Glance
Program coursework includes:
- Academic Listening and Speaking
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Academic Writing
- Academic Reading
- Public Speaking
- Pronunciation and Culture
- Foundational Prep for Academic Content
- Interaction with Wesli students from 10+ countries
Levels:
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Average Age:
18-25 years old
Class Size Average:
8 students
Average Length of Study:
8 - 12 months (whole program)
The Wisconsin Academic Experience: Program Steps
International students start their English language studies at WESLI in order to gain proficiency. Then students concurrently enroll in UW-Madison courses through their Visiting International Student Program (VISP) while finishing their English studies at WESLI. Finally, once appropriate English proficiency has been attained, students enroll in UW-Madison classes. WESLI and UW VISP staffs support and guide students through this process.
Intensive English Instruction at WESLI
Students begin the Wisconsin Academic Experience with 2, 4, or 6 months of full-time intensive English as a Second Language instruction before their intended start term in the UW-Madison Visiting International Student Program. ESL classes run approximately 26 hours per week, plus homework and program activities - see a sample schedule below.
With each month of full-time ESL instruction, students can expect to climb 5 to 6 TOEFL score points. This focused instruction will allow you to jump 10, 20, or possibly even up to 30+ points on the TOEFL iBT exam.
UW-Madison Academic Class with ongoing ESL Support
Once sufficient progress has been made towards their English proficiency, students then enroll in a regular UW-Madison academic course through the non-degree Visiting International Student Program. WESLI's support will continue throughout your UW-Madison term to help you succeed in your academic coursework.
Academic Calendar for UW-Madison:
- Fall semester (September to December)
- Spring semester (January to May)
- Summer term (8-week session from mid-June to early August)
The typical student experience starts with full-time English courses at WESLI for 2 sessions (4 months). The length of English study depends on starting proficiency level. We recommend a starting proficiency at our 500 level (B1+/B2). Then, students continue studies at UW-Madison for one semester (and potentially a summer session).
WESLI Program Details
Start Dates
2024
- October 28
- November 25
2025
- January 6
- February 3
- March 3
- March 31
- May 5
- June 2
- June 30
- July 28
- September 2
- September 29
- October 27
- November 24
Sample Schedule
Weekly classes are held Monday to Friday, with a total of 26 lesson hours, plus time for homework, volunteering, and extracurricular activities for more English practice.
Levels and Exam Scores
The chart illustrates how WESLI's English language levels align with standard test scores. Students enrolled in WESLI classes can expect to increase their exam results every four weeks.
The Wisconsin Academic Experience Program Costs and Support
Tuition
WESLI offers a flat-fee model of $3,530 per month, which includes full-time English language instruction (24-26 lessons/week), homestay (half-board with meals), health insurance, and a city of Madison bus pass.
UW-Madison tuition & fees are billed separately. Students will pay on a per-credit basis for their courses. Those transitioning to fulltime enrollment with VISP will move to the standard VISP estimated cost of attendance.
Housing Options
WESLI offers homestays with local, vetted Madison residents. We also partner with local short-stay apartments through Voyageur Stays, located in downtown Madison. Alternatively, students can choose to find their own private housing options. Indicate your preference in the application and WESLI will contact you with further information.
Student Experience
WESLI provides students with opportunities to build community connections and practice English outside of the classroom through extracurricular activities, conversation partners, and volunteering.
Our advisors can help you adjust to life in Madison, find activities to join, and successfully transition to academic courses at UW-Madison.
Application Process
When to Apply
Applications should be submitted no later than three months before the start of your WESLI session.
Important!
If you need an F-1 Student Visa, we recommend starting your WESLI application several months before your preferred start date. It might take 3-4 weeks or up to several months to book your visa appointment at a U.S. Embassy.
In order to receive an F-1 Visa, each student must show $3530 per month of funds available in a checking or savings account. This is a U.S. government requirement when applying for the visa. The bank account can either be in the student's name or in the name of a relative, friend, or employer if a Financial Support Letter is issued. Learn more about the visa process on our Pre-Arrival page.
WESLI Contact
Whether you have a defined plan or you're not sure which education pathways is best for you, contact us and we can help you achieve your goals.
UW-Madison VISP Contact
If you have questions about UW-Madison VISP or UW-Madison classes, please contact Anna Seidel-Quast at anna.seidel-quast@wisc.edu.