About the Intercultural Center
SMCC’s Intercultural Center’s mission is to enable asylum seekers, multicultural, and /or multilingual students to achieve academic and personal goals by removing systemic barriers, ultimately aiming to bridge the gap toward an equitable education for all.
If you would like to become an Intercultural Center Advisee once you are enrolled in your SMCC classes, please contact us or visit us at the South Portland Campus Center.
What the Intercultural Center Provides:
Academic Support
- Culturally responsive and individualized coaching towards academic goals
- Accessible college resources
- Connecting students to on-campus resources for improving English
- Loaning textbooks to asylum seekers
- Providing information about scholarships for New Mainers
Personal Support
- Crafting and fostering a sense of community and belonging
- Connecting students to on-campus resources for housing, food insecurity, and mental health
Student Space
- Space to study, to rest in between classes, or to have a warm drink!
- Stickers with affirmations, world flags, and religions
- Prayer and Meditation Room (Howe 104) to support your spirituality and beliefs
Determine if You’re Ready for College
Programming & Activities:
English Conversation Table
A space to talk, connect, and relax with other multilingual learners or students interested in making new friends.
Prior Learning Assessment Hour
For those who have a previous degree from another country and want to see if it’s applicable towards SMCC credits. Click to view the Prior Learning Assessment Flowcharts.
Intercultural Coffee Hour
A great opportunity to grab some coffee and a snack, and meet new friends.
Multilingual Lunches
A celebration of all the languages spoken at SMCC.
Are You Curious About Series
STEM career-focused series that gives students an opportunity to sit down with an expert in various fields and ask them about what they do and how they got into the field.
Company Spotlight Series
In partnership with TRIO and Career and Transfer Services, students can hear from well-known companies to learn about their industry. This is an excellent opportunity to network and experience first-hand what the biggest companies in Maine are looking for.
Author Reading/Speaker Series
Members of our community read their work and answer questions about their creation process.
Culturefest
A community celebration of the many cultures represented at SMCC and in the community at large. A collaboration with USM to bring students together to enjoy food, music, fashion, and so much more.
News Features
SMCC’s Intercultural Center Grand Opening Monday, November 14
“We are slowly crafting a deliberate space of belonging among New Mainers, intercultural students, and students who have English as their second or third language, all of whom embrace their rich cultural roots. Our main purpose is to help them succeed academically by creating networks of support.”
Dr. Carmen Moreno-Díaz, Director of the Intercultural Center
SMCC/USM Culture Fest Highlights Vibrance of Student Communities
Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) and the University of Southern Maine (USM) recently collaborated to host Culture Fest 2023, an event showcasing various cultures worldwide that contribute to both communities. The festival included international fashion and talent shows, art activities, and international cuisine.
Contact Us:
Intercultural Center: 207-741-5880 or interculturalcenter@smccME.edu
Meet With Us:
Contact us if you would like to meet to discuss coming to SMCC and getting connected with the community.