How can I meet your international visitors?

MIC arranges professional appointments, dinner hosting and cultural activities for the U.S. State Department's international visitors. If you are interested in meeting with visitors on a professional level please let us know. If you would like to be involved on a less formal manner, perhaps you would like to dinner host. If you have other ideas for a cultural outing or maybe just a cup of coffee, send us an email.

How are people selected to come to Minnesota?

The majority of the programs that come through Minnesota are selected because of program content, not countries involved. The IVLP works to bring in diverse program themes and country backgrounds. We often write proposals to the national agencies, requesting to host themes or countries we have not had in a while. On average, it’s just the hand we’re dealt (it’s just luck we always get such great cards!).

Why do visitors come to Minnesota for some topics and not for others?

Minnesota is nationally known for its education system, agriculture background, interfaith agencies, NGOs, grassroots democracy and human rights initiatives. These areas often draw in huge numbers. Also, being in the metro area of the state capital allows us to provide government meetings at various levels.

As for the secret talents and communities of Minnesota, we are working every day to highlight the strengths of our state in other areas.

Ultimately, the National program is arranged so that visitors see different parts of the country (5 total stops) which are all important in their thematic area.

Are you part of the University?

The Minnesota International Center is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization. While we partner with the University for many programs and are an affiliate, we are not part of the University of Minnesota.

Do we (professional resources) have to get the interpreters?

If the international visitors do not speak English, an interpreter will be assigned to their program for the duration of their stay in the United States. This is arranged by the Department of State through a pool of very skilled interpreters. Our professional resources are never asked to provide such services. We simply ask for your time!

I need an interpreter for an event? Can you arrange this?

The Minnesota International Center does not provide interpreting services.

Do you arrange for programs only through the U.S. Department of State?

While a majority of the programs we arrange are coordinated for State Department guests, the Minnesota International Center is eager to provide programming on fee-for-service projects. If interested in including Minnesota in a professional exchange program, please contact us

Do you arrange exchange programs for Americans to go abroad?

Unfortunately no. The International Visitor Leadership Program works solely with international guests coming to Minnesota to experience our professional resources, culture and country.