The Minnesota International Center (MIC) is a nonprofit, member-supported organization promoting international understanding and engagement by educating, inspiring and providing enriching interactive experiences to our community.

MIC was founded in 1953 as a welcoming organization for the international students, scholars and visitors who came to Minnesota to study at our colleges and universities. In the past 60 years, the organization has evolved from its direct service roots into providing globally-focused educational opportunities for people of all ages statewide.

MIC programming increases Minnesota’s engagement with the world by strengthening connections to the international communities within our state and bringing national and international recognition to Minnesota.

Last year, MIC’s program outreach took place in homes, classrooms, workplaces and community venues. 370 internationalprofessionals and students were welcomed into the homes of MIC members to share a meal. 134 international speakers shared stories about their cultures and countries with classrooms across the state. 481 international visiting professionals met with theirMinnesota counterparts to exchange knowledge, ideas and best practices. 57 community groups met regularly throughout the state to discuss timely foreign policy topics. Our diverse public programs brought dignitaries, world leaders and international newsmakers to Minnesota to go behind the headlines on the critical global issues of our day. All these programs fostered awareness about international issues and cultivated effective cross-cultural relationships built on mutual respect and understanding. 

The Minnesota International Center is the 6th largest of the 95 World Affairs Councils of America, a member of the National Council for International Visitors (NCIV), the nonprofit arm of the U.S. State Department’s International Visitors Leadership Program, and an affiliate of the Foreign Policy Association.