What is Culture Corps?

Culture Corps is a unique program at NC State University which sends international students and scholars out into the Raleigh community to share information about their countries and cultures. In addition, internationals can serve as "cultural consultants" to individuals on school projects, etc. Internationals also volunteer at EXPLORIS, the world's first global learning center located in downtown Raleigh. International students/scholars visit schools (most notably elementary, middle, and high schools in the Wake County Public School System), pre-schools, businesses, civic organizations, bookstores, libraries, churches, Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts, home school networks, etc. and share on a variety of topics through presentations, demonstrations, question/answer, display tables (at festivals), etc. Topics can include but are not limited to:

• Daily life (A day in the life of _____)
• Music
• Family life
• Clothes/Fashion
• Schools
• Religion
• Holidays
• Telling stories
• Arts and crafts
• "Show & tell"
• Business practices
• Geography, History
• Food/Cooking
• Government, Politics, Economics
• Foreign Language Lessons (basics)
• Impressions of U.S.

Frequently Asked Questions
For International Scholars and Students:

1. What is Culture Corps?

Culture Corps is an exciting new program sponsored by the Office of International Services at NC State University. Through this program, international students, scholars, and spouses have the opportunity to travel into the Raleigh community, meet Americans, and share information about their countries with Americans. Participants give presentations, demonstrations and talks to various groups including at schools, community organizations, churches, businesses and at Exploris. (Exploris is a new, one-of-a-kind, global learning center/museum in downtown Raleigh.)

2. What if I think my English is not very good?

While you may be concerned about your English language abilities, please remember that the people you will be interacting with don't expect you to have perfect English. If you're truly concerned about your English, please come talk with the Programs Coordinator in OIS. And remember, Culture Corps is an excellent way to help you improve your English!

3. What about transportation?

No problem! Most groups will be able to provide transportation for you if you don't have a car. If you are volunteering at Exploris in downtown Raleigh, the city bus system will take you there.

4. What if I don't feel comfortable talking to groups?

That's OK if you don't feel comfortable talking to a group. There are other opportunities where you can talk with people on a more individual basis, one-to-one. We can also arrange to have you practice in front of a group at the university first before you go into the community.

5. I really don't like the idea of going alone to make a presentation. What can I do?

There's absolutely no reason why you need to go alone. Invite a friend to go along with you! Or contact the Programs Coordinator who can arrange for another Culture Corps participant to help make the presentation. Have fun and enjoy the presentation!

6. How can I benefit from participating in Culture Corps?

There are so many ways you can benefit from participating in Culture Corps! Here are just a few: 1) it's a great way to strengthen and improve your English (if you're not already fluent) 2) it looks great on a job resume 3) you develop presentation skills and poise needed for future jobs 4) you help Americans understand more about your country and culture 5) you travel to different areas in the Raleigh community 6) you meet new friends 7) It's a lot of fun for participants!

7. I'm pretty busy here at the University. What's the time commitment?

The time commitment depends almost entirely on you. Culture Corps will arrange with you to make at least one presentation per semester, which means a total of 2-3 hours, which is really not very much time at all. However, if you'd like to make more presentations or even volunteer at Exploris on a regular basis (every week even!), you can arrange that through OIS.

8. OK, I'm interested in Culture Corps, so what do I do next?

Be sure to fill out an application form, available through OIS in Daniels 320 or on-line. Then you will receive a phone call or email from OIS. Once a presentation is scheduled, you will be given the name and phone number/email of the person who requested the presentation. Please be in touch with them directly to make detailed arrangements, including transportation. Please note: If you'd like training on how to make presentations or need some assistance in developing a presentation, please contact the Programs Coordinator at OIS.

Office of International Services
NC State University, Daniels 320
Phone: 919/515-2961
Fax: 919/515-1402
Email: ois@ncsu.edu

Join Culture Corps

If you are an international student, scholar, or spouse, be a part of this exciting program and share about your country with others!

Simply download the Culture Corps application and mail or fax it to the Office of International Services.

Note: You must be an international student, scholar, spouse, or family member at NC State University in order to join Culture Corps.

320 Daniels Hall
Campus Box 7222
Raleigh, NC 27695-7222

Fax: (919) 515-1402
Phone: (919) 515-2961
Presentations

2005-2006

2004-2005

2003-2004

2001-2002

2000-2001

1999-2000

Download a Presentation Request Form and send the completed form (please answer all questions) to the Office of International Services (OIS) by mail or by fax: (919) 515-1402. Please allow as much notice as possible and at least a minimum of a 2-week notice from the date that the request is received in OIS. Please note the requesting organizations must be able to provide transportation if transportation is needed by the presenter. Transportation can be provided by a volunteer with your organization, by providing taxi fare or a bus pass.

Once your completed request form is received by OIS, presenters will be notified. Once a presenter responds affirmatively to the request, you will be notified of the presenter’s name and contact information. At that point, you will need to be in direct contact with the presenter to work out all presentation details and logistics. ** You are strongly encouraged to call the presenter the evening before the presentation to confirm all details!! ***

You are requested to contact the Programs Coordinator in OIS immediately following the presentation to let the coordinator know how it went and what can be improved.

Honoraria are not expected and international students cannot personally accept honoraria; however, contributions can be made to the Office of International Services.