The Cultural Exchange Community (CEC) at Clemson University provides an international living/learning community on campus to connect international students with American students. Living on campus is the best way to participate in campus life and this residence option offers students an opportunity to learn about and explore each other’s culture in a dynamic, engaging environment. This community is open to any and all students who have an interest in learning about other cultures or studying abroad.

The CEC is located in Calhoun Courts on the campus of Clemson University. Located on east campus, these furnished two bedroom apartments house four students who share a bathroom, kitchen and common living area.

A community which will enable you to take full advantage of being able to share your American culture and Clemson family community with others. Programming aspects allow you to engage in discussion and interact with other students from different cultures. You will be able to room with Internationals and gain a better understanding of other cultures’ traditions.

A community which will provide the opportunity for you to get hands on experience with American culture and the Clemson family. This will enable you to work on your English language skills as well. You will be able to room with Americans as well as other Internationals and learn more about other cultures.

In addition to the Residential Assistants, the Resident Cultural Assistant (RCA) assists with the development of the Cultural Exchange Community (CEC). The duties of RCA will include living in the community, interacting effectively with the resident students, and coordinating with the Resident Director and the Resident Assistants for Calhoun Courts to promote cultural diversity, intellectual exchange and artistic expression. The CEC is a learning community with the goal of all involved is to create and support interactions among the residents to learn about each other’s culture and to build a creative and unique living and learning community.

Residents are strongly encouraged to participate in a number of programs designed specifically for and by the residents and leaders in the CEC. Programs might include cultural nights, films, sporting activities and a variety of other activities to meet the needs and desires of the residents.

A Cross-Cultural Orientation is provided to residents at the beginning of each semester as a way to meet possible new residents as well as learn more about cultural differences in a safe, comfortable environment.

The CEC encourages residents to be active members of their community by coordinating their own cultural programs with other residents. Past events include:

• Belgium Night (Fall 2006): Belgium residents hosted an event with a visiting Belgium professional. They provided ethnic treats such as Belgium waffles and chocolate.
• Japanese Sushi Night (Fall 2006): Japanese residents coordinated a “sushi lesson” to teach community residents the art of Japanese style sushi. Japanese culture and dance were shown as well.
• The “Aussie’s are In” (Spring 2007): Residents from Australia brought out their best Rugby and Cricket Jerseys and demonstrated rules of the game. Community residents also engaged in an Aussie Vocabulary Quiz and the singing of the Australian National Anthem.

Please contact Darlene Mahaffey, darlene@clemson.edu, (864) 656-4663 if you are interested in applying.

For Cultural Exchange Community questions, contact Louis Bregger, blouis@clemson.edu, 656-7625

For International Exchange questions, contact Jeff Clifton, clifton@clemson.edu, 656-2457

For Housing related questions, contact Darlene Mahaffey, darlene@clemson.edu, (864) 656-4663

Housing Frequently Asked Questions
http://housing.clemson.edu/apply/faq.php