Open Borders Learning Community
Open your door and experience the world.
The Open Borders Learning Community is a program where students from around the world, who share an interest in getting to know people from other cultures, live together on one floor. Students are matched with roommates from different cultures (American students are paired with international students).
OBLC offers a dynamic living environment with an array of social and educational opportunities ranging from cultural exchange dinners to international movie nights to community involvement programs.
Expectations:
- an enthusiasm for living with people from other cultures
- patience, sensitivity, and curiosity when exploring intercultural issues
- a willingness to participate in (and help plan) OBLC floor and community activities
Benefits:
- a cohesive and supportive living environment
- an increased awareness of global issues and perspectives
- the opportunity to develop or enhance second language skills
- local and international networking opportunities
- a fun and active place to live
Activities and Traditions
Every day is filled with dynamic conversation between people with different life experiences, perspectives and world views, offering participants a unique opportunity for intellectual and personal growth. Programmed activities are as diverse as our residents and include:
- Cultural Dinner Nights
- International Movie Night
- Festival of Nations
- OBLC Mural
- Costume Party
- Kite Flying
- Paintball
- Bowling Night
Ayleen "Aya" Leonhardt
"If you are walking through Birch Hall, you can't miss the Open Borders floor! We have a lot of fun in the lobby, cooking in the kitchen, and hanging out in the lobby of Birch. Take some time to stop by and see what we're all about! " --Aya.
- Approximately 22 students living together at Birch Hall on floor 1B
- Students are paired with a same gender roommate from different cultures
- Coed Floor
- Close to Diamond Point and Cameron Parks on Lake Bemidji
- Located at the center of campus
- Close to Library and Student Union
- Two student staff members
- RA and the CA (Cultural Assistant) work as a team to provide a friendly & vibrant community environment
- Birch Hall/OBLC Director (Aya) serves as a mentor/resource person for the members of the learning community
- Check the "Open Borders" box on your housing application
- Space is limited, so APPLY EARLY!
- Waiting list maintained in Reslife Office
Bucky's Scoop.
People say (and I agree) that this is one of the best places you can live during college. Where else are you going to make friends with students from Denmark, China, Kenya and Israel all at the same time? It's a once in a lifetime opportunity. Don't pass it up!