Collaborative Efforts Between NAFSA and NCIV Members

By Annette G. Alvarez, Miami Council for International Visitors

The University of Miami Law School and MCIV co-hosted a Graduate Student Reception for foreign lawyers seeking their Masters in Law (LLM).

In South Florida, the Miami Council for International Visitors (MCIV) has developed a strong relationship with the University of Miami and Miami Dade College. They rely on their contacts within these institutions to play a critical role in meeting the objectives of an international visitor’s professional program.

The council is tasked with arranging an itinerary that involves peer-to-peer meetings, academic perspective on a wide range of topics, observation and dialogue of best practices within a particular field, and providing opportunities for local members and volunteers to invite a visitor to share a meal with them.

MCIV reciprocates with the institutions by alerting their membership base to events sponsored by these NAFSA members and by tapping into their volunteer database to arrange and/or coordinate receptions and local cultural experiences for visiting international students.

Preparation

Preparation time: three weeks
Establish a date prior to the start of classes and choose a venue close to campus.
Arrange for “no-host” beverages and free or reduced appetizers in exchange for drawing potential clientele to the establishment.
E-mail members invitation two weeks prior to event and request RSVP.
Confirm number of attendees with venue two days prior to event.

At the event

Program length: two hours
Number of facilitators: 3-5
Resources: tables, chairs, podium with a microphone (optional)
Have nametags prepared for students with their names and country clearly marked.
Have nametags for local invitees and list their member affiliation (MCIV, UM, etc.)
Have several persons on hand to welcome attendees as they arrive and facilitate introductions.
Approximately 20-30 minutes into the event, have a representative from each sponsor organization give a brief welcome and introduction about their program. If time allows, have each foreign student introduce themselves.

Budget

Approximately $250 (costs kept to a minimum due to in-kind donations).

Advertising

E-mail notice to members and alumni.

Lessons Learned

It’s best to make the greeting and introductions of the students within 15 minutes of the start time of the event. Also, be certain to mention the home countries of each student on the invitation. It generates more interest among potential guests if they know in advance who’s coming from where.

Background information about NCIV

As an umbrella organization for more than 90 Councils across the United States, the National Council for International Visitors promotes excellence in citizen diplomacy. Its members work to build international bridges of understanding between their local communities and emerging global leaders participating in the U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program.