Cross-Cultural Programming

Cross-Cultural Programming allows students in various disciplines to explore cultures that reside in countries outside of the United States. After learning about the culture through direct collaboration with students from a partnered university, students create a final presentation that informs their classmates, their cross-cultural partners, and their surrounding communities on what they’ve learned. Participation in the organization of Cross-Cultural Experiences through a UMF course or the participation of the event can earn Global Competency Micro-Credentials.

Cyprus Cultural Celebration – April 2022

Partnered with University of Nicosia in Cyprus

Students in EDU 420 virtually collaborated with students from the University of Nicosia in Cyprus to learn about their culture, history, and how it affects their life today. At the end of the semester, the participating UMF students organized an event open to the UMF community to celebrate Cyprus’s culture. This outdoor celebration included authentic food, music, and more.

Flamenco Workshop and Spanish Tapas – December 2021

Partnered with Universidad de Alicante (Spain)

UMF students in SPA 201H collaborated virtually with students from Spain to learn about their country’s history, culture, and customs so they could present it to the UMF community. As their final presentation, UMF students organized an evening of traditional Spanish dance and appetizers. This event brought traditional Spanish traditions to UMF for students to enjoy for free.

Fawkes Day Bonfire – November 2021

Partnered with Anglia Ruskin University (United Kingdom)

Students in REH 277: Community Organizing 101 organized a community celebration of Fawkes Day, a British holiday commemorating the successful rebellion led by Guy Fawkes against the Gunpowder Plot on November 5, 1605. The Gunpowder Plot was an attempt to overthrow parliamentary government by using violence and killing politicians. UMF students celebrated with a bonfire and ate candy apples (a British tradition) and s’mores to add an American spin. Through the planning of the Fawkes Day bonfire celebration, UMF students learned about British history and culture from students in the U.K. and how organized community events for Fawkes Day affect their culture and community as a whole. Learning this from their U.K. student partnerships taught UMF students to appreciate the power of community-organized events to bring about meaningful change.

Forest Bathing – October 2021

Partnered with the University of the Ryukyus (Japan)

Students in EPP/GEO 238S: Forest Management: Science, Institutions, and Communities led an event in Farmington’s Flint Woods to experience the Japanese practice of forest bathing, where participants take all of their senses through the forest atmosphere as they immerse themselves in the scenery. UMF students virtually collaborated with students from Japan to learn about their culture, way of life, and the impact of forest bathing on their mental and physical health. Through this process, UMF students learned how to conduct a forest bathing session so they can lead others through a successful experience.