International Cultural Understanding Certificate Program

• Sign up for the International Cultural Understanding Certificate program. 

Email icuc@ohio.edu if you have any questions.

The pursuit of this certificate broadens students’ cultural experience and understanding. By participating in the activities associated with the International Cultural Understanding Certificate (ICUC), students have the chance to build upon their cultural competency, learn about different ways of life, and improve their ability to communicate with a variety of people.  This Certificate Program is open to all Ohio University students.

How Do I Earn the ICUC?

Note: All three steps for the certificate must be completed within one academic semester, but the certificate can be completed multiple times.

Requirement #1. Participate in 1 of the following:

• Join Global Conversation Partners
• Attend at least 5 of the  International Conversation Hours in Jefferson Hall , room 160. Bring your ID to swipe as a record of your attendance. 
• Reside with an international student on campus for at least 10 weeks in the current semester. (This option is only available for American students.)

Requirement #2. Participate in seven different cultural events from the following groups or programs (seven events total):

1. Attend one event from OPIE
2. Attend one event from International Student Union
3. Attend two events from Multicultural Center, Women’s Center and/or Pride Center
4. Attend three other cultural events (labeled “other” on the Activity Calendar)

Requirement #3. Write about your experience:

• Write 1 paragraph describing your experience in Requirement #1.
• Write 1 paragraph describing your experience at 1 of the events in Requirement #2.

 How Do I Show That I’ve Done the Work?

1. Sign up at the link at the top of this Webpage.
2. Make a plan.  Decide how you will fulfill Requirement #1.  And decide which events you plan to attend to meet Requirement #2. Write the dates in your calendar.
3. Take a picture of yourself at each event that you attend for Requirement #2. Make sure that it is clear which event you are at. (Find the organizer and ask them to be in your photo, or take a picture with something in the background that shows the event.)
4. Complete the Google Doc Progress Form that was shared with you in the welcome e-mail. It is a good idea to update this Progress Form after each event that you attend. Photos may be shared on the Google Doc Progress Form OR e-mailed to icuc@ohio.edu.
5. Due date: The first day of Finals Week of the current semester by 5 p.m.

How do I sign up for the ICUC?

Use the link at the top of this page.

How do I know if an event qualifies?

Check current activities page; it is updated regularly with activities each week that fulfill various requirements.

I can only attend a few of the International Conversation Hours due to a class scheduling conflict.  What should I do?

You have a couple of options.  You could fulfill Requirement #1 by joining Global Conversation Partners. Another option is to contact the ICUC Coordinator at icuc@ohio.edu and see if there are any opportunities to interact in a similar way with international students in an English language class. We may be able to offer you this as a substitution.

What if I go to an event, but it isn’t listed on the website?

If you think it is a cultural event, submit it as an “other activity.” Make sure to include the name and date of the event, as well as which group organized it. If it is determined that the event qualifies as cultural, you will receive credit for attending the event. However, if it is determined that the event really wasn’t cultural in nature or if you do not include enough information about it, you will not get credit.

My student group is planning a cultural event, and we want you to put it on the website. Who do we contact?

You can send an email to icuc@ohio.edu

I went to several events, but I forgot to take a picture. What can I do?

The picture is the only way to verify that you were at the event, so if you don’t have a picture, you cannot receive credit for it. Please make sure to take a picture at each event.

It’s week 13 and I have one more event I need to attend, but I don’t see any more events listed for that organization. What should I do?

Unfortunately, different groups have events at different times throughout the semester. Some finish their events in week 10 or 11, so if you didn’t get a chance to attend, you cannot receive the certificate this semester.

When do I get my certificate?

All the results will be finalized and reviewed during the break and you will be contacted at the start of the new semester about collecting your certificate. If you are graduating or will be unable to get your certificate at that time, please take a self-addressed, stamped manila envelope (9 inches by 12 inches) to Gordy 155 and your certificate will be mailed to you when it is ready.