International Insights

In 1999, RIC opened its International Insights series to the public. These events promote awareness and understanding of other cultures. International Insights programs feature a panel of speakers from another country or culture, a screening of an international film, a visit to a museum exhibit, or a presentation that leads to crosscultural understanding.

ECOTONOS:  A Multicultural Problem-Solving Simulation and  Networking Activity
Date: Sunday, March 25
Time: 3:00-5:30 PM
Location: William E. Simon Graduate School of Business Administration
University of Rochester, Schlegel 102
Admission: Free, but reservations are required. Attendance is limited.

Join Rochester area business professionals, educators, and university students for an engaging, hands-on intercultural communication simulation activity that will help to illuminate key understandings about the roles that culture and language play in interpersonal communication. During this lively activity, you’ll have the opportunity to have fun and network with other internationally-minded professionals in the Rochester area while you acquire tools to increase cultural awareness and strengthen multicultural group dynamics! 

The simulation:  As an ECOTONOS participant, you will be assigned to play a very specific role as a member of an imaginary culture.  You’ll need to learn and practice the rules and solve problems with other members of your new ‘culture’.  Then the fun begins as you attempt to solve those same problems across culture and communication boundaries with members of other new ‘cultures’.  This activity is high-impact with lots of useful takeaways.  Whether you are just starting out on your own intercultural and international adventures or are a seasoned globe-trotting professional, this high-energy intercultural communication simulation will help you become a more effective communicator and problem-solver across language and cultural boundaries!  Stay around for refreshments and networking at the conclusion of our activity!

To make your reservation, send an email to jw@rifc.org or call (585) 275-8779.

About the facilitator:

Ellen Zuroski is a member of the Rochester International Council’s Board of Directors and a faculty member of the Simon Graduate School of Business, where she founded and directs the internationally recognized English Language and U.S. Culture Program and taught Management Communication for 14 years.She is also owner of a communication and intercultural consulting firm, Zuroski Consulting, which serves individual and organizational clients around the world.  Ms. Zuroski’s prior work includes administration and teaching in programs that have served refugee, immigrant, and international and domestic student populations at such institutions as the University of Rochester, SUNY Brockport’s Rochester Educational Opportunity Center, Cornell University’s International Living Center, and WXXI.  Ms. Zuroski was awarded a Kellogg Foundation Fellowship in International Development through the Partners of the Americas, the largest voluntary organization in the Western Hemisphere, and was the first representative of a U.S. business school to interview applicants in China.Ms. Zuroski received her B.A. in English Literature and Asian Studies from Cornell University, her M.S. in Education from the University of Rochester, and is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Rochester’s Warner School, where she is focusing on the intercultural communication needs of international graduate business students.

Extreme Materials 2

Date: Sunday, November 20, 2011
Time: Meet at 11:20 a.m. for a private tour at 11:30
Location: The Memorial Art Gallery
500 University Avenue
Admission: Museum admission and tour are free - it's Family Day at the MAG. Purchase your own refreshments at Starry Nights

“In the hands of today’s artists, even the most mundane of materials—from blood to bandages to bicycle
parts—can be repurposed as art that is sometimes beautiful, often challenging and always thoughtprovoking.
This sequel to Extreme Materials, MAG’s wildly popular 2006 exhibition, showcases 41
artists from the US, Canada, England and Germany.”

Join us for a private tour of the exhibition.
Those who wish to continue the conversation about the exhibition or socialize with
other RIC members will walk to Starry Nites Café on the next block for coffee, snack
and chat at about 1 pm.

Reservations required by Thursday, November 17 to the RIC office.

Update on Russia

Date: Sunday, November 13, 2011
Time: 2 pm – 4 pm 
Location: Valley Manor Auditorium
1570 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14610
Admission: Free and open to the public

Meet our Open World Delegation from Russia

RIC will be hosting an Open World Program delegation of five visitors from Russia
for eight days. They will participate in a panel discussion followed by Q&A.
Come hear them discuss current events in Russia, their jobs and family life.

Followed by light refreshments courtesy of Valley Manor

Reservations not required, but would be appreciated by Thursday, November 10 to the RIC office.

Rochester International Council
4-219 Dewey Hall, Room 229, University of Rochester Rochester, NY 14627 USA
phone (585) 275-8779 fax (585) 756-8086 e-mail: jw@rifc.org
Office Hours: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm Eastern Time, Monday-Friday,
closed Thursday