Hosts are MIC members who enjoy meeting and communicating with people from around the world in a culturally sensitive manner.  Many have traveled internationally, but this is not a requirement.  It is anticipated that those who sign up will host international professionals or students for a meal and conversation in their home one or more times during the year.  We will announce upcoming dinner hosting opportunities on our website, in our bi-weekly email newsletter and in our mailed newsletter, the Communiqué.  Staff or volunteers may also occasionally contact you by phone or email.  You need only sign up for specific opportunities if interested. 

MIC sends dinner hosts and their international guests introductory and background information about each other before the visit.  Hosts may invite other local friends and neighbors to co-host and share in the experience.  Hosts need to provide transportation to and from their home.

Professional Visitors
Mid-career professional visitors, who are sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, come to the Twin Cities for 2-3 days to meet with their peers.  While professional interests of the guests are given as background, it is not expected that dinner conversation will focus on these interests.

Rather, the visit over dinner is an opportunity to share customs and cultures from a viewpoint that isn't covered in the news.  Both hosts and guests have repeatedly told us how much they enjoy and value these experiences.

Students and Scholars

The Minnesota International Center collaborates with the University of Minnesota to arrange for international students and scholars to visit homes of our members for dinner or a homestay. Many student/scholar guests are here for only a few weeks to participate in a U of M program about leadership or language and culture. MIC members may be invited to host a dinner, a weekend or a longer homestay as an opportunity for them to experience local culture. For more information about hosting, call MIC at 612.625.4421or email mic@umn.edu.

For information about becoming an MIC member, click here.