MU brings the world to Columbia and mid-Missouri! Our international programs enrich the community with students, scholars, professionals and families from around the world. These visitors, in turn, are eager to learn about and experience American culture firsthand. Columbia and area residents are invited to be a part of MU's global community by participating in any of the programs listed below.

• American LIFE (sponsored by the MU International Center) - Through American LIFE Columbia and Mid-Missouri residents befriend new international students for at least the first semester after his or her arrival in Columbia, meeting at least once a month for activities of your choosing (meals, coffee, sporting event, family celebrations, etc).
• Kaleidoscope (sponsored by the MU International Center) - Kaleidoscope is a community outreach program that arranges for University of Missouri international students and scholars to make presentations at area elementary schools.
• Friendship Family Programs (sponsored by the MU Asian Affairs Center) - Nearly 100 Chinese and Korean students, government officials, and adult professionals come to Columbia each year to study English and live in the heartland of America through the Asian Affairs Center's Missouri International Training Institute. Volunteer opportunities include hosting dinners for the students or serving as family friends to those with children.
• Conversation Partners (sponsored by the MU Asian Affairs Center) - College students are linked with Korean and Chinese government officials. They meet a minimum of six times each semester to practice English and increase cross cultural understanding.
• Conversation Partners Program (Sponsored by the Intensive English Program) - International students in the Intensive English Program at MU are anxious to find conversation partners. They are interested in practicing their English and learning about American culture as well as sharing information with Americans about their cultures! Conversation partners typically meet at a coffee shop, Memorial Union, Brady Commons, or another convenient campus location for about an hour every week (or every other week, if both partners agree).
• Language Partners Program (sponsored by the MU Women's Center) - This program provides international students an opportunity to practice their conversational English and native English speakers the opportunity to learn more about other cultures. The minimum time commitment is one hour a week.
• Multi-Cultural Community Hour - Multicultural Community Hour (MCH) at the University of Missouri is a weekly informal, round-table discussion where international students and visiting scholars are invited to interact with American friends in a casual atmosphere.

Still haven't found what you're looking for? The MU International Directory lists offices across campus that contribute to internationalization at MU.