Can't get away?
The idea of a vacation brings thoughts of exotic locales and different cultures — and often, a big price tag. For those yearning for a taste of something new and different but without means to travel, an area organization brings foreign cultures here — right into Bridgeland homes.
The Minnesota International Center (MIC) is located near the University of Minnesota campus, and has been offering Minnesotans samplings of other cultures since 1954. The nonprofit, nonpartisan group’s members are granted the chance to host dignitaries, as well as students, from other countries and cultures, for dinner.
Carol Engebretson Byrne, MIC president, said face-to-face interaction facilitates understanding. “It’s the power of the personal,” she said. “There’s something very special and very simple about inviting somebody to your home.”
Visitors to the Twin Cities area are invited to an MIC member’s home for a family-style meal and discussion. To become a member, a $75-per-year fee is paid to MIC. Trilby Busch, of Lowry Hill East, said MIC has had a profound impact on her family.
When her daughter, now 29, was young, she enjoyed the international visitors. Today, she is working for an immigration law firm and married to a non-American. “That was a major influence for her to choose her life’s work,” Busch said. “It all fell into place with her.”
Busch said she’s hosted all kinds of people, but the experiences have been largely good ones. “I think it’s a wonderful program,” she said. “If you can’t afford to go on a trip, it’s a way to bring the trip to you.”
Other opportunities — such as guest speakers, visiting leaders and discussion groups — offer non-members a chance at experiences with international flavor free of charge. Other opportunities — such as guest speakers, visiting leaders and discussion groups — offer non-members a chance at experiences with international flavor free of charge.
For more information, contact Minnesota International Center at 612-625-4421 or visit www.micglobe.org.
last revised: February 28, 2008