Is the Minnesota International Center the same place as the International Institute of Minnesota?
No, the two are entirely separate organizations. The Minnesota International Center is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization offering international education programming and located on the campus of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. The International Institute of Minnesota is a social service agency primarily offering refugee resettlement and immigration services, citizenship and English classes, and employment assistance, and is located on Como Ave. in St. Paul.
Is the Minnesota International Center part of the University of Minnesota?
The Minnesota International Center (MIC) is an affiliate of the University of Minnesota, but an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. MIC’s office is located on the East Bank campus in Minneapolis and uses the University’s telecommunications services, but has no connection to the admissions office or any academic department or program of study. MIC does not offer student advising or assistance in academic research.
I’m an international student applying to or studying at the University of Minnesota.
What can MIC do for me?
As only an affiliate of the University of Minnesota, MIC cannot offer assistance in the application or admission process, or with academic advising. Please contact the University directly. For international students, the best resource on campus is International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS), located in Heller Hall on the West Bank of the Minneapolis campus.
However, if you are looking to learn about Minnesota, meet other international students and teach Minnesota children about your culture, MIC would love you to be involved in our International Classroom Connection program! Find more information here. You may also be interested in our dinner hosting program which gives international students the opportunity to enjoy a meal in an MIC member’s home.
I’ve recently immigrated to Minnesota. Can MIC help me learn English or assist with my visa and/or citizenship application?
No, unfortunately MIC does not offer English classes or any immigration or resettlement services. There are several local organizations who do offer such services, including the International Institute of Minnesota.
How can I get a job at the Minnesota International Center?
When we have job openings we post them on our website homepage and on the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits website. We have a small staff so we don’t tend to have openings very often, but the MNCN site is a great resource so you may want to check there during your job search, not only for MIC postings, but also for other nonprofit openings.
I’m looking for someone from a particular country to speak at my church, community group, company meeting, event, etc.? Can MIC provide someone for me?
No, MIC does not have a roster of available international speakers or representatives outside of our International Classroom Connection program. A local cultural organization would be a better resource to meet your needs.
I receive your emails and Communiqué, so why was I told I wasn’t a member when I called to register for a program?
Our individual memberships are valid for 12 months, and you may continue to receive our newsletters for a short while after your membership expires. You may also be receiving our newsletter if you requested more information about MIC following one of our programs.
Where can I park when I visit the Minnesota International Center?
The closest parking is available at meters on East River Road ($1.25/hr, 6 AM – Midnight) and on Oak St. ($1.00/hr, 8 AM – 6 PM). The University’s Oak Street Ramp is the closest parking ramp to MIC.
My organization has an upcoming event with an international focus. Can you help us publicize it or add a link from your website?
We are unfortunately unable to meet all the requests we receive for event sponsorship and/or publicity, but we do consider those we feel help achieve our mission. Please email with your request.
