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 students or scholars 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 usually 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
Most guests are studying at the University of Minnesota and may be speakers in MIC’s classroom program.  We encourage you to contact your guests as soon as possible to extend a personal invitation and to set up the specific time and transportation arrangements for the dinner at your home.

For information about membership, click here.  MIC also conducts occasional informational meetings for hosts.