Diplomat Program
The Diplomat Program is a unique program designed to assist new international students at Minnesota State University Moorhead. Returning international students and students who have studied abroad combine their talents and experiences to become Diplomats for the new international students. Diplomats are volunteer peer advisors who assist new international students through orientation, registration and the first semester at MSUM. Diplomats have the experience and understanding of what it is like to be new in a country. They also undergo a two day intensive training program including cross-cultural and leadership training. Do you have a question about life in the U.S. concerning weather, living on and off-campus or shopping? Ask our wonderful Diplomats. But if you have immigration regulations and other policy questions, please contact International Student Services.
Mission Statement
The goal of the Diplomat Program is to provide an ongoing orientation to incoming international students. Diplomats (Peer counselors ) are to provide information on MSUM, the community and American life in general, and to assist international students during the transition to American collegiate life in order to help them get the most out of their experience here at MSUM. The Diplomat Program will promote multicultural understanding by providing an opportunity for international students and American students, who have studies abroad or are interested in other cultures, to learn about each others' cultures. Diplomats should have a willingness to learn about other cultures as well as provide information about their own culture. Experience in traveling abroad is an added bonus.
Diplomat Qualifications
- Be open-minded
- Have completed at least one semester at MSUM
- Be in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 2.00
- Be attending MSUM for one academic year
- Be available during mandatory Diplomat training/team building session and orientation
Diplomat Duties
- Serve as a peer counselor/advisor to incoming international students
- Be available during orientation to provide information to international students and to assist with registration
- Help international students adjust to college and community life
- Assist with day to day concerns with anything from shopping to laundry
- Serve as a friend and help to promote cross cultural understanding
- Assist the International Student Services staff at all times when needed
Job Description
As a diplomat you are the first person that most international students meet upon arriving in the United States. The time you spend with them greatly impacts their perception of the university, local American culture and the college lifestyle. We aim to make these first few days the best experience possible for new incoming students and you play a vital role in this.
During orientation you will assist new students in getting to know each other, learning their way around campus, understanding cultural differences and settling into their new home. This requires you to be open-minded, flexible and willing to help. You should also be interested in learning about other cultures, open to new experiences, and prepared to dedicate your time to assisting the new students.
As a diplomat you are expected to attend all days of orientation, including mandatory diplomat training.
Volunteer Hours
As a diplomat you will receive 10 volunteer hours for participating. Hours will be submitted to ISSS at the end of the week if all sessions have been attended.