Cultural Sharing

The Classroom Visit Program is an opportunity for international students to make presentations about their culture and country to elementary, secondary and adult classrooms outside of SCSU.

More than 1,200 international students at St. Cloud State University represent about 92 countries.

Teachers/Leaders who are motivated to create an intercultural classroom environment apply to participate in the Classroom Visit Program for one academic year, integrating international speakers into their curriculum. 

Social studies, world geography, foreign languages, literature, history and science classrooms benefit from the world of perspectives offered by Classroom Visit speakers.

Speakers may also be requested by university faculty and community organizations.

Benefits

• Classroom students

  • Learn firsthand about other countries and cultures.
  • Increase intercultural communication skills through the interaction with international students and scholars.
  • Have an opportunity to ask questions about current issues and daily life.
  • Learn multiple perspectives.
  • Discover their connections to the rest of the world.
  • Understand similarities and differences between cultures.
  • Become more aware of their own culture.

• International speakers

  • Offer firsthand information about their countries and cultures not found in textbooks or U.S. media.
  • Compare and discuss aspects of U.S. culture with that of their own.
  • Improve their communication, teaching and public speaking skills.
  • Motivate students to learn more about specific countries and global issues.
  • Instill confidence and pride in children from cultures other than the U.S. majority culture.
  • Acquire credit toward their Academic & Cultural Sharing Scholarship.
  • Gain the opportunity to learn how K-12 classrooms, senior care facilities and mentorship programs function in the U.S.

• Teachers/organization leaders

  • Complement their curriculum with international perspectives.
  • Internationalize their classroom environment.
  • Meet international students from around the world.
  • Help students and self gain a better understanding of multiple perspectives and celebrate diversity.
  • Grow in their understanding of different countries and cultures.

Request a speaker

Complete a CVP request. International students are then contacted by the Center for International Studies regarding speaking opportunities.

Schools/organizations that can provide transportation may get more replies, as many international students do not have vehicles.

Contact us at isss@stcloudstate.edu.

Cultural Nights for 2020 - 2021 are being assessed due to COVID-19. Once we have information on those events, we will update this page. 

For an example of the cultural nights on campus, please see the 2018-2019 schedule below:

The International Friendship Program allows international students and visiting scholars the opportunity to be paired with individuals from the United States. 

Participants may decide to connect with each other for a one-time event or on a continuous basis. The only requirement for length is that you will need to participate in at least one face-to-face activity with a willingness to share your culture.

Participants will be paired to provide an introduction to life in the U.S. to international students while they, in turn, help their United States host learn about other cultures.

It is important to note that participants are not expected to serve as a host family. Meaning that this is not a home stay where the participant lives or visits the home pf the individual. 

This activity counts toward the Academic and Cultural Sharing Scholarship if students participate in at least one face-to-face activity.

It may be hard to think of activities to do together but it doesn't have to be a large event. Some examples of past activities include:

• Sharing a meal
• Playing board games
• Attending sporting events
• Attending an event together (religious, family tradition, celebration of milestones — birthday, wedding, retirement, baby shower)
• Going to a cultural night together
• Exploring St. Cloud 

The Center for International Studies reviews all applications and matches participants based on similar hobbies, special interests. We also remain in contact with participants to ensure a proper match.

Complete the appropriate application form and drop it at the Center for International Studies, Lawrence Hall 101, or you can also email it as well.

Here are the applications based on the individual applying:

• Students and visiting scholars
• Hosts

International Education Week 2020: November 16th - November 20th

International Education Week is an annual initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education to promote international education and exchange. https://iew.state.gov/

The Center for International Studies collaborates with several departments to schedule events, sessions and activities to highlight St. Cloud State’s support of international education and studying abroad.

All of our events will be posted on our Facebook page. Make sure to follow us so you don't miss out!  

If you are interested in creating an event or having your event highlighted during this week, please contact the CIS office: international@stcloudstate.edu.

During this week, we post all events on our social media accounts and through campus wide promotion. If you want to keep updated on those events make sure you are following all of the CIS social media platforms. 

International peer advisors help the Center for International Studies welcome new international students. It is a volunteer program that offers global connections through student diplomacy.

Volunteer responsibilities

• Your duties include greeting new international students, welcoming them to campus, serving as a leader and mentor to small groups and attending orientation activities sponsored by the Center for International Studies.
• You are encouraged to act as a cross-cultural liaison to student life.
• You are an important link between the international student, Center for International Studies, St. Cloud State University and the St. Cloud community.

Benefits

• Friends from other countries.
• Leadership, volunteer and cross-cultural experience for your resumeé.
• A cool t-shirt to add to your collection (all-day orientation volunteers only).
• The eternal gratitude of Center for International Studies (we’re willing to write great reference letters).
• Move in to residence halls early. If you need this, you must let Center for International Studies know on your application.

General expectations 

• Attend mandatory IPA sign-up session and mandatory IPA training. (2017 dates to be announced.)
• Genuine interest in learning about other cultures and assisting international peers.
• Availability throughout the week of International Student Orientation (2017 dates to be announced.)

Thanksgiving is a unique secular holiday in the United States that dates to early North American history. It celebrates the fall harvest and is a time to give thanks.

Families may celebrate in a number of ways, but, as with many holidays, food is much of the focus.

St. Cloud State University's Thanksgiving Program pairs students and visiting scholars with local families or groups for the holiday, allowing everyone to learn more about other cultures and communities.

International students/visiting scholars

Students and scholars will be matched according to their preferences and notified by email.

Contact the Center for International Studies, Lawrence Hall 101.

Community members, families and university faculty and staff

Consider this an opportunity to share your Thanksgiving traditions internationally and to learn about others' traditions.

More than 1,200 international students/scholars come to St. Cloud State University from more than 90 countries. National statistics suggest that only 25 percent will ever be in an American home.

You can change that statistic. 

Whatever your Thanksgiving tradition, sharing the day helps international students and scholars understand how Americans give thanks on this traditional cultural holiday and allows you meet new people and learn new things.

No special arrangements are required. Set a few extra places at the table and invite students and scholars to help prepare the food, participate in your family’s traditions and get to know the meaning behind this unique North American holiday.

You will be contacted regarding placement. Hosts are also asked to provide transportation when possible. 

Contact the Center for International Studies, Lawrence Hall 101.

Participating in one of St. Cloud State University's many student organizations and clubs, academic extension groups and civic engagement activities provides an opportunity to meet people with similar interests and goals.

With over 250 organizations on campus, there is something for everyone. Don't see an organization that you would like to join? Start one! You have the ability to start a student organization as well.