India, Russia, Moldova, Kyrgyzstan, Philippines, Latvia, Liberia, Mauritania, Cote d’Ivoire, Tanzania, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Nepal just a few of the more than 50 countries represented among dinner guests arranged by MIC during the past 6 months. MIC offers frequent opportunities for members and international guests to enjoy cultural exchange over dinner. Many MIC members enjoy opening their home and gaining new insights into today’s world in this informal way. Hosting international guests helps MIC promote global exchange and understanding between Minnesotans and citizens of the world. Hosts are asked to provide transportation and a meal in their home. International professional visitors, students, and scholars enjoy visiting the homes of MIC members to learn about life in the United States and to share up-to-date information and insights about their cultures and world events. MIC regularly arranges dinners for visiting mid-career professionals who are here as guests of the US State Department and for international students and scholars, especially those who are studying at the University of Minnesota. Student dinners are arranged periodically during the academic year, especially for holidays. A Thanksgiving host told us, "...as usual, it was very enjoyable... Thanks for giving me the chance to host and meet new international friends. I am still seeing some of my previous guests and have introduced them to others in the community." A recent student guest commented: "Thank you for arranging for the hosting dinner. It went well ... It is a path for us foreign students to learn more about the country and the area. And it may also be possible that we can make friends in this way." How do I participate? As a host: Hosting is a benefit of membership in MIC. If you are an MIC member, please contact MIC by phone, 612.625.4421, or email mic@globe.mic.umn.edu, to express your interest in hosting. If you are not an MIC member and would like to become a member or learn more about the benefits of membership, click here. After confirming your interest, we will send you information about hosting and MIC’s other volunteer opportunities and a sign-up form. As an international student or scholar: Sign up to be hosted by completing the form in MIC’s International Participant brochure or by e-mail: mic@globe.mic.umn.edu. © Minnesota International Center