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.

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

Contact us at isss@stcloudstate.edu.

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.

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. 

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.

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

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 résumé.
• The eternal gratitude of Center for International Studies (we’re willing to write great reference letters).

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.

Community members, families and university faculty and staff

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

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. 

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 nearly 200 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.