Mastering English at Wisconsin ESL Institute in Madison, USA
Last year, I worked as a camp counselor and teacher at the Wisconsin English as a Second Language Institute (WESLI) in Madison, the city I call home. I participated in both the winter and summer camps, where I guided and taught teenagers from Panama, Spain, and France. Through this experience, I not only gained insight into how the school operates but also met students from different corners of the globe and created wonderful memories.
The language school is located in Madison, a beautiful college town set on an isthmus between two lakes. With its many parks, hiking paths, and biking trails, the city has often been ranked among the best places to live in the United States. This safe and welcoming atmosphere makes Madison an ideal destination for language learners from all over the world—especially those who love cheese as Wisconsin is a dairy state.
Madison is also known for its university that is considered to be one of the most prestigious universities in America and worldwide—the University of Wisconsin. A lot of students come to Madison to study English at WESLI and then transition to college. The school helps them boost their language skills and prepare for application for an American university. Such students get a TOEFL waiver and can apply for a college program without taking the exam.
But that’s not all—WESLI offers a wide variety of programs to fit different goals. Adult learners can choose from General & Academic English, Business English, or English Plus & Volunteering programs, designed for students at different language levels.
At the same time, younger learners can join short-term junior group programs, where they usually stay with local host families, take 20 hours of general English classes per week, and explore Wisconsin and Chicago through exciting half-day and full-day trips.
It was in these junior programs, during the summer and winter breaks, that I met amazing students from Panama, Spain, and France.
I’ll never forget seeing the Panamanian students experiencing winter for the very first time—the joy on their faces as they went sledding and ice skating was priceless!
The school is located in a beautiful historical building next to the Wisconsin State Capitol.
Beyond the classroom, WESLI also makes sure students stay active and engaged with daily extracurricular activities such as field trips, excursions, volleyball, soccer, and potlucks.
There’s always something happening, and it creates the perfect balance between learning and fun.
Working at WESLI gave me so much more than just teaching experience—it showed me the power of language to bring people together. Watching students grow in confidence, make new friends, and discover a new culture was truly inspiring.
✨ Watch my video about WESLI to learn more about the school!
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