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The Office of Student Activities at UMC organizes several activities throughout the year ranging from traditional all-campus events such as Homecoming, Ag-Arama, to SnowDaze. The program board that plans many of these events is known as SPACE (Student Programming and Activities for Campus Entertainment). Student Activities also sponsors W.O.W. (What's On Wednesday) events held every Wednesday night and Weekend activities as well as a monthly daytime concert series. A wide range of events are held ranging from hypnotists to open mic nights, College Bowl, Comedians and the traditional Mr. UMC competition and Faculty/Staff vs. Student Showdown!
International Multi-Cultural Club
The goal is that all international students participate with the international club. There will be special events specifically tied to international students and if you are not part of this organization you may miss out on these great opportunities. Also it is a time for you to mingle with people who can support you in getting around on campus as an international student. Please bring a traditional outfit and pictures of your home place when you arrive on campus. There will be several times throughout the year where we may be asking international students for these items.
Student Clubs and Organizations
There are around 40 different student clubs and organizations at UMC. Taking part in campus activities offers a chance to meet new friends and to have a great time. It also helps students develop their own potential for professional development, leadership, and creativity. All student clubs are very welcoming, so feel free to join one or more clubs.
International Dinner
The International Dinner Series is a UMC tradition. Each Monday of March, a different country is featured. International students deliver a presentation on their home country to attending students, faculty and community members. The presentation is accompanied by a dinner consisting of native dishes. After the dinner series in March, international students present the annual International Show and Dinner in April. Musical and cultural shows as well as food from different countries are featured. The series is a great way to represent your country for participating students and if you are interested in presenting about your home country please contact me during the first semester of school. We hope that most international students would consider this opportunity.
Alternative Spring Break
- Spring Break is a week long recess that falls in March. A great way to spend your spring break is to go on the "Pay It Forward" tour. Students from several universities, including UMC, take bus tours stopping at different cities and doing community service projects everyday. The trip culminates with all buses getting together in Washington , DC . This is a unique opportunity to travel different parts of the US and to help people. For more information regarding this tour please go to www.STLF.NET
- Check with other clubs and organizations. In some cases they do sign up for other trips.
- The Study Abroad Office will be hosting a 1 credit for credit alternative spring break in another country, and will also offer several SUMMER study abroad options (see what all the buzz is about, visit the study abroad office)
- The International/Multicultural Club is looking at going to an international destination for their spring trip (visit with the club to find out where it will be)
- The Campus ministry will be offering trips throughout the year
- The ESL department offers a USA tour over the summer for a 3 credit class. Visit with faculty from the ESL office.
Holidays Around the World
Every year the International Students have hosted this event. It is a great event which can teach Americans and other international students about other student's cultures during the holiday season. This happens each December. Here are some photos of that event.
 
Brazil "Parties of June" Nepal "Festival" Korea "Tea Ceremony"
International Language Village Weekends in February
Every year the international students host weekends for the month of February committing time to teaching other students, faculty, staff, and community people their native language. This can also be a time used for cooking national foods as well as teaching participants about the culture.
Here are some pictures of last year's event.
 
 
Brazil - Portuguese Korea - Korean France - French Malaysia - Malay
Boxes and Walls - Cultural confrontation
Every year international students feel it important to have Americans experience what "Cultural Shock" feels like. Last year they volunteered for an event called Boxes and Walls and it was extremely successful! This gave international students a chance to describe the feelings of Cultural Shock. This also helped international students with their language development.
International Theme Floor
For the first time we are going to be developing our first international theme floor at UMC. We will pair international students with American students and they will have joint programs together that will help build their cultural understanding. This is a very exciting initiative and we hope through this endeavor that there will be long lasting friendships.
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