Events & Programs

Friendship Program

Oftentimes international and domestic students have a sincere desire to make friends with each other but find it challenging in a variety of ways. For this reason International Student Programs (ISP) started the Friendship Program, monthly interactive events where domestic and international students can easily get to know one another and hopefully build meaningful relationships. Some events include: Cooking Contests, Pumpkin Carving, Halloween Makeup Contest, Cupcake or Egg Decorating Contest, Ramen Tasting, Holi Celebration, and playing various sports together. Outside of these monthly events we encourage students to maintain their friendships on more of a personal level. If you are interested in this program contact Leslie Lindberg, lesliel@morris.umn.edu.

Country Spotlight

Country Spotlight is sponsored and organized by International Student Association (ISA). Every month ISA ‘spotlights’ a different culture or country. This is an opportunity to know more about other cultures as well as the diverse student body on campus. An example of a topic that might be covered is, ‘Chinese Tea Culture,’ which would accompany a demonstration with tea and sweets. This monthly event is open to everyone and any student organization or individual can cover their own topic as part of ‘Country Spotlight.’ Check your emails and the Event Calendar for more details.

Culture Hour

For Culture Hour, an International Programmer who works with the Office of Residential Life (ORL) and the International Student Program (ISP) recruits people (students, staff, or faculty) from across campus to present topics related to culture, identity, or a hobby. Some examples of past events include: Visit Vietnam, Bi-Racial Identity, Biking Across China, Understanding Islam, Experiences in the U.S. & Korean Military, Native American Images in Media, University Entrance Exams Around the World, Drone Culture, African Dance, Anime, Korean Dramas, Taekwondo, etc. The purpose of this program is to promote cultural exchange across campus and inspire rich dialogue with one another. If you are interested in this program contact Leslie Lindberg, lesliel@morris.umn.edu.

Ambassador Program

This is a mentorship program between well-adjusted, successful international student who have studied at UMN Morris for two or more years and first-year international students just arriving. The ambassadors teach the new students about student services on campus plus curricular and non-curricular life at UMN Morris as well as teaching them ways to overcome homesickness and fully experience the American culture during their four years here. Ambassadors serve as International Orientation Leaders when students first arrive in the U.S. and then go on to become a good friend and mentor to new international students throughout the academic year.

First Year International Mentorship Program

This is a mentorship program between well-adjusted and successful international or domestic students and first-year international students just arriving to UMN Morris. The international mentors teach the new students about student services on campus plus curricular and non-curricular life as well as teaching them ways to overcome homesickness and fully experience the American culture during their four years here. First Year Mentors serve as either STELLAR Mentors or International Orientation Leaders when new students first arrive in the U.S. and then go on to become an on-going, positive support system to new international students throughout the academic year.

Adopt a Student Program

Each fall semester the Office of International Programs matches international students with known and trusted local residents in the Morris community. Oftentimes these families are staff and faculty that work on campus. The families will either invite students to a holiday like Thanksgiving or Christmas, or a more informal event like a game night, shopping, or an ice fishing trip. This is an excellent way for international students to learn about US culture, and feel connected to our community. If you are interested in this program contact Leslie Lindberg, lesliel@morris.umn.edu.
 

Events Sponsored by International Student Programs

Check back for dates and times:

• Orientation Potluck
• Welcome Picnic–sponsored with the Office of Equity, Diversity and Intercultural Programs
• Spring Festival Dinner, sponsored with the International Student Association and Asian Student Association
• International Education Week, a campus-wide event organized by International Student Programs

More Information