Meet the Speakers
Andrey Madan
As a professional in the community, Andrey Madan says, “It’s all about networking.” The ICC program has broadened his opportunity to meet so many interesting people and learn about the educational system in the U.S. He’s been impressed by the organized and highly proficient manner in which a nonprofit like MIC conducts their programs.
“Giving presentations was not hard at all. The kids understood me and were not shy at all. Instead, they were extremely open and curious about everything.” Having kids remember him and the things he shared later on was rewarding as well.
It has given him new life experiences, changing the everyday patterns and providing different situations to learn and share. He looks forward to more opportunities to participate in classroom experiences. It provides him a way to evaluate the quality of education… perhaps even for his own (future) children someday!
Bill Zijie Peng
“Friendship is at the core of my experience with the classroom program at the Minnesota International Center—I have made friends from Latin America to Africa,” says Zijie Peng, a Master’s candidate from China at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute.
When Zijie Peng came to Minnesota, he was looking for a way to “connect with local people, learn about U.S. education system, and gain experience within a nonprofit environment.” ICC provided him with opportunities to speak to students in schools around the state.
“This program gives the international community a platform to walk into local communities and get connected with different schools and individuals,” Peng explains.
Zijie was concerned about his English and if he would be understood by students, however, he says, “this experience has bonded me with students and teachers in such ways that helped me overcome my linguistic barrier.”
He is now even more determined to go back to China to ensure a high quality education for Chinese students.
Chris William
"My mind will shape me to become a better citizen of the world and lead me into a bright future," says Chris William from Tanzania during the World Cultures Day at Kaposia Education Center in South Saint Paul. The children repeat after him, “my mind will shape me....”
When Chris came to the United States, he felt he had been put in a cage. He knew the only effective way to adjust to his new life in Minneapolis was to meet people and learn about the local culture.
Chris joined the Minnesota International Center to speak in the classroom program. He believed, “MIC would open up that cage and let me out, so I could get to know others in their natural environment and interact with local people of all ages!”
Chris had never worked with kids before, much less in an academic and cultural environment. Getting used to the questions of the young students and tuning himself into their rhythms was a challenge for him, yet it was one that brought inspiration, satisfaction and growth.
“With the curiosity, insights and openness that young children manage to master on a daily basis, we can see that we underestimate what we can learn from them,” he explains. Through exposure to other places and people, the students can truly make a significant impact on society.Cristina Ribeiro
For a teacher like Cristina Ribeiro, it is with great pride that she participates in the ICC program to teach students about her country of Uruguay. She sees herself as an ambassador, exemplifying her culture for young people. At the same time, she enjoys learning about the U.S. school system, with the many machines and devices, the elaborate schedules and the many options that kids have here.
The questions students ask like, “How can you live without peanut butter?!” reveal their excited interest and curiosity. But more than that, “You could tell from the kinds of questions they asked that the kids were changed and were more open to differences as we went through the presentation.”
Cristina has observed that not only are the minds of the students broadened but she also sees flexibility and tolerance developed in herself as much as in parents and teachers. In out-state visits, she has been embraced by entire communities and welcomed by host families even though they didn’t know anything about her.
"I am proud of my country so I exemplify to the kids how we live and what we do"
Federico Burlon
Federico Burlon, from Argentina has overcome many cultural biases through his study in Italy and at Macalester College in St. Paul. He finds that through viewing a culture from the inside rather than as a tourist, and actively participating in the community around him, he acquires new attitudes and skills in cultural competency.
Through the positive structure of the ICC program, he not only finds the opportunity to learn and grow in these ways, but is also energized by the eagerness of children to ‘travel with their minds’ – a way of overcoming the apathy he often encounters among kids in Argentina.
Federico appreciates the lack of cultural bias that children often have and enjoys giving them an honest and objective view of his home country. He states that leading discussions in U.S. classrooms is a “fulfilling experience… where the exchange of knowledge and experiences takes place between speaker and students.”
Gintare Budriunaite
“What does it take to make the whole world?” asks Gintare Budriunaite from Lithuania. With the huge wave of immigrants in Minnesota, she finds it very important that children begin to empathize with people from other places. Through the ICC program, they observe how other people communicate and do things, providing hands-on experiences, and beginning to answer big questions like hers.
She says that it is special to share her experience and culture with kids. “You never think about your deepest values and beliefs until you have to explain it to kids.” By use of a simple exercise using one’s hands, Gintare inspires children’s imaginations as they consider what it is like to live in a small country with 5 completely different languages and cultures within 3 hours of your home!
Gintare has been around the Minnesota International Center for several years now. She says she continues to be drawn into the wonderful programs that provide her with opportunities to meet people as well as explore the world. She began volunteering in the ICC program as a way ‘to give something back to the community, learn more about Minnesota, gain experience in public speaking, but mainly for FUN!’ And she has definitely found all that and more here.Janina Fuentes
Janina Fuentes is no stranger to the classroom. As an exchange teacher at the Spanish Immersion School in St. Louis Park, she joined the Minnesota International Center’s classroom program to gain exposure to the U.S. classroom and make new international friends.
“The kids are always eager to listen and learn—it makes you feel like a rock star!”
To hear first-hand about cultures is the best way to “recognize the differences and similarities between our cultures and to appreciate there is something special about each one of us,” Janina explains.
Janina receives all kinds of questions from students during classroom conversations. She appreciates especially those questions that go beyond well basic cultural facts.
“Students have demonstrated their interest in who I am as a Peruvian person and my lifestyle,” says Janina. This is evident in their willingness to call her “a friend from Peru” at the end of each visit.
Raul Ramos
This program “creates a link between the U.S. and the rest of the world. It’s a matter of survival for the U.S. Anything people do (to create this link) should be appreciated. It is a step forward,” says Raul Ramos of Mexico. Because in so many places, there is a great lack of knowledge about other parts of world, he wishes to motivate and generate interest in young people to open themselves to other cultures.
In addition to spending time with youngsters who have little, if any experience of other cultures, Raul has had the opportunity to serve as a role model for children of immigrants as well. This experience was extremely enriching and productive for him and for the young people. As MIC programs have helped him to be more self-assured in his adaptation here 8 years ago, he trusts that the presentations change and benefit at least a few of them as well.
Raul laments only that there isn’t more time to really guide and challenge the children in more extensive and long-term global learning and questioning. However, he finds a deep sense of personal satisfaction in sharing all that he has to offer. “As long as I have time, it doesn’t matter the age, school, or anything… I am willing.”Vincent Kosi
“Through classroom conversations, students, teachers and international speakers learn about other cultures,” says Vincent Kosi, a visiting teacher from Ghana.
Vincent joined the Minnesota International Center’s classroom program to learn from others and exchange ideas about the world. He feels his impact in Minnesota has been centered on discussions about respect. In conversations with students he emphasizes cultural practices and traditions of his own country through the prism of respect.
“Students ask a variety of questions because they want to understand how the world works and want to know more about my culture,” Vincent explains.
“One time the kids were accompanied by their parents who asked me questions as the kids so often do,” Vincent recalls.
This kind of interaction has a very positive impact on our community and provides an avenue for the parents and students to discuss intercultural differences not only at school but at home as well.
