International Student Programs

Unique Tribal/Anishinaabe Learning Opportunities

At the heart of our International Education Program at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College is our excitement to share the Anishinaabe culture. The philosophy, tradition, spirituality, nature world view, and language is integrated into international and domestic exchange students studies, providing students with general education and technology competence.

Our Mission

The mission of Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College is to provide higher education opportunities for its communities in a welcoming, culturally diverse environment.

To achieve this mission we will:

• Promote scholarship and academic excellence through transfer and career education, and provide access to higher education by offering developmental education.
• Respectfully promote the language, culture and history of the Anishinaabe.
• Provide programs which will celebrate the cultural diversity of our community and promote global understanding.
• Promote a sense of personal respect and wellness.
• Provide opportunity, experience an access to current technology, preparing students for the future.

It is our profound commitment that the International Education Program will enable students from all over the world to participate and benefit from the mission of our college. We open our doors and invite you to experience the Anishinaabe traditions and all of the educational opportunities we can offer you.

Welcome students

It is our intention to welcome students from all around the globe. As a tribal institution, we are deeply committed to indigenous peoples, both on a domestic and international level, and we also are committed to providing educational opportunities for under-represented populations. We want our learning opportunities to be available to everyone.

College Location

FDLTCC was established in 1987, and the first campus building was completed in1992. The architecture culturally reflects the symbolism of the Anishinaabe people. We are currently in the process of expanding our campus, beautifully nestled in a woodland setting. The college is located in the heartland of the Anishinaabe people near Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world. Between Duluth on Lake Superior and Cloquet, the home of FDLTCC, these two cities hold the second and third highest population of native people within the region.

International Student Opportunities

Cultural Immersion Program

An intensive one to two week immersion program with Anishinaabe elders, teachers, and guides in northern Minnesota and Canada. Participants will experience the traditional language, camping, canoeing, living in the wilderness, basket making, dream catchers, wild ricing, maple-syruping, traditions, customs, beliefs, and spiritual ways of the Anishinaabeg.

Summer Institute

Students will participate in a packaged academic program while living in campus housing. Courses will include Art, Music, and History, as well as general education courses with an Anishinaabe focus. Students will be provided with numerous cultural opportunities, activities, and experiences.

International Academic Student Exchange

We welcome qualified international students to enroll in our institution for one semester, one year, or completion of a two-year degree program. On-campus housing with Indian Elders and International Program staff are available.

International Student Admission Requirements

Qualified international students must complete all of the following steps in order to be accepted for admission to FDLTCC. I-20 forms authorizing admission into the United States for educational purposes will be issued when all admission requirements are met and applicants have been accepted.

1. Applicants must complete and sign an FDLTCC or Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System Application.
2. Applicants must send a non-refundable $20 application fee in U.S. funds.
3. Applicants must submit a transcript of grades from their high school. Applicants must have graduated from the equivalent of a United States high school; transcripts should indicate this. Transcripts must be translated into English.
4. International student applicants will be required to submit a detailed financial statement. Applicants should not rely upon financial aid from FDLTCC or from other employment in the United States as a source of income. As a rule, neither financial aid nor permission to be employed are available. Applicants must submit proof of sufficient funds to cover all costs for an entire academic year.
5. English proficiency is required, and documentation supporting proficiency is necessary in order to be accepted. The following measures of English proficiency are acceptable:
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): score of 500 or more
• Michigan Test: score of 75 or more
• ESL Center (such as Hamline University) recommendation: range of 17-20
• English as a Second Language Program at the University of Minnesota recommendation: “exempt from further ESL--ready for full-time academic load.

International students must maintain a full-time course of study for every semester they are enrolled.

Minnesota State Colleges & Universities On Line Application Form

For more information, please contact:

Shirley DeFoe
Director, International Programs

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College
2101 14th Street
Cloquet, MN, USA 55720
218-879-0829
sdefoe@fdltcc.edu