Sharing YOUR culture

 At Maryville College, all students become active leaders in their community. The Center for Global Engagement's Cultural 

Holi Celebration 

Ambassadors program helps International and Exchange students achieve this goal. All international and exchange students at MC are Cultural Ambassadors and share their culture throughout their time at the college.  Cultural Ambassadors will, in turn, learn about U.S. culture through active participation in at least one organization on campus. With your help, we hope that campus will have a strong presence of international leaders.

Let's get into more detail on the three requirements of the program. Each term, Cultural Ambassadors share their culture both 1) on campus and 2) off campus, as well as 3) actively participate in a campus club or organization. 

Group of students at Homecoming

Many students share their culture on campus (1) through the Global Citizenship Organization’s (GCO) cultural presentation times, in your resident halls or during international education week. There is a lot of flexibility in sharing your culture on campus, so students can also plan their own event or way of sharing. For example, perhaps you love to cook traditional food from your culture and want to host a small event teaching others how to cook a dish. If you have traditional clothes or items from your country that you want to share, remember to bring them with you to Tennessee. Staff at CGE are always here to help you brainstorm ideas and put plans into action. We will ask you to present your culture AT LEAST ONCE formally on campus, so be prepared!

Jamaica presentation at Alcoa Elementary - Spring 2018

Sharing your culture off campus (2) can be done in similar ways. CGE organizes at least one off-campus visit or fair per semester and you can plan to join in on those events. In past years, we have set up events with the Boys and Girls Club, Rotary Association, Alcoa Elementary School, William Blount High School, Clayton-Bradley STEM Academy or local churches.  You’re always encouraged to reach out to other organizations on your own and set up other small events or activities.

Chinese New Year Celebration at Isaac's Cafe

The last requirement is a fun one that will help you find your place on campus. You can join any organization (3) you want and participate fully to fulfill this requirement. Participating fully means that you will go to meetings and be involved in at least one event each semester in your chosen organization. Being a member of GCO or the International Education Month Planning Committee may be a good option, but you could also join the Student Government Association or one of the many groups on campus (we’ll talk more about these groups in a later post!).  One of the best things about a small college is that there are many leadership opportunities within organizations right from Day 1. Attend the Opportunities of a Lifetime Fair the 2nd week of class to get to know all the clubs.

The CGE is looking forward to seeing how each of you embraces your ambassadorship this coming year!