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International Welcome Picnic

August 29th 2026

McNamara Alumni Center Lawn, UMN

Not a new student?
Join our team of volunteers!

For over fifteen years, our team of volunteers have welcomed over 6,000 international students through our picnic. Our multinational team, motivated by the love of Jesus, are excited to cultivate genuine friendships with incoming international students.

What to expect

Community​

  • Meet a local community of volunteers from various cultures and nations

  • Meet other international students

Food

  • Enjoy a variety of delicious foods including vegetarian, halal and meat options

Fun Games

  • Cornhole

  • Badminton

  • Jenga

  • Tug-o'-War

  • Watermelon Eating Contest

  • Beachball Volleyball

  • Soccer

Giveaways

  • Gift cards to local stores and restaurants

History of the picnic

The International Welcome Picnic has been happening for over 15 years in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. It is organized by a group of local volunteers, organizations, sponsors and churches that want to give a warm Minnesotan welcome to international students who are just arriving here and are adjusting to their new environment.

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The event varies from year to year, but it always has free food, fun games and activities, music, and of course many people to meet and connect with so that you can start to build a network of friends here in MN!

Want to sponsor this event? Contact anoop@thehospitalitycenter.org

This event is not sponsored by the University of Minnesota. 

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