Information for Returning Students
Returning to Manitou Heights after an off-campus study program requires an adjustment-an
academic adjustment as well as a personal adjustment. Part of the adjustment involves finding ways to continue your off-campus experience now that you are back on campus as well as ways of sharing what you learned off campus with peers back on campus. Here are some ideas to get you started. (More - stories and details - will be added in the near future.)
Take classes that continue learning begun off campus.
By carefully choosing classes that enhance ideas, topics, cultures, and issues you encountered while off-campus, you can continue the cross-cultural learning begun off-campus.
Create an independent study.
Whether on your own or with a small group, consider undertaking an independent study under the direction of a faculty member as a way to prolong your off-campus study experience.
Attend the weekly World Issues Dialogue.
Nearly every Thursday, students grab their Caf trays and meet in the Trollhaugen Room from
5:30-6:30 and discuss interesting, current, and thought-provoking issues affecting the world. The venue exists as an excellent medium in which to express opinions on world issues. Come and join in the discussion, you need not have any background on any of the issues-just an active mind.
Attend language conversation tables.
Even if you have finished your language GE requirements, there's something fun about the
language tables. Students gather with their Caf trays, meet in the Trollhaugen Room and speak another language while they eat. Conversations range from culture, to politics, to the
very food that rests in front of them.
Participate in forums or service fairs.
Each spring, students have opportunities to attend the Worldwide Service Fair, the Social
and Applied Sciences' Globalization Conference (usually held in late February), or the Nobel Peace Prize Forum held each year at one of five sister colleges). These are excellent
opportunities to learn more about the complex issues of peace and justice and globalization,
and to explore service-related career options, both domestic and international.
Join a multicultural student association.
During your time off campus, you no doubt encountered cultures new to you. Why not continue?
Meet international students and scholars.
Involvement with international students and scholars is a great way to return the hospitality
you experienced while you were off-campus. You can also get involved with International Night (a one-night cross-cultural entertainment event) or become an international student roommate. Continue sharing.
Participate in the work of the Off-campus Studies Office.
Volunteer to present at local service organizations.
Take advantage of campus and Metro area ethnic offerings.
One important dimension of off-campus study is getting to try foods you never ate back
home. Now that you are back on campus, don't fall into your old habits.
Plan, at least occasionally, to venture away from hamburgers and French
fries. Check out the following web sites:
http://www.american-restaurants.net/ethnic/MN/Minneapolis.asp
http://www.minneapolisattendee.com/thingstodo/downtown.asp
http://www.mspmag.com
