FAIRMONT - Fairmont plays host to students from around the world once again this weekend, promising an entertaining and educational opportunity for all involved.

Citizens from Armenia, Bangladesh, Belarus, China, Cte d'Ivoire, Germany, Finland, Hungary, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Nicaragua, Poland, Spain, Tajikistan, United Arab Emirates and Viet Nam will arrive Sunday, part of The Minnesota International Center's World Cultures Day program.

The MIC is affiliated with the University of Minnesota International Student and Scholar Services.

The students will be in Fairmont for three days, participating in both a community program and two days in the schools.

According to George Hornik, K-12 Education Program manager with MIC, World Cultures Day is a series of cultural showcases presented to students by international speakers.

Local students learn about daily life in other cultures from their guests, who rotate through classrooms, showing their traditional dress and artifacts, and discussing their culture and daily life in their home countries.

Residents are encouraged to welcome the international students to Fairmont at Red Rock Center for the Arts and enjoy a reception potluck beginning at 5 p.m. Sunday, followed by a speaker and musical performance.

"We're looking forward to this great opportunity to introduce the residents of Fairmont to our international speakers and engulf them in a world exploration experience," Hornik said.

Fairmont has hosted members of the MIC annually for 13 years.

This year's speaker, Roger Salway, will give a presentation on fighting severe acute malnourishment around the world.

A battle can be waged on this malady, according to Salway, by focusing on improving agricultural yields and economic opportunities in rural areas.

Salway is executive director of Compatible Technology International, a group involved in bringing food and water technologies to people in developing countries.

Following the speaker, The Rose Ensemble will present Hawaii Revealed: Music from the Soul of the Hawaiian Saga.

The concert and speaker are presented free of charge.

"We are very lucky to get this group," said Eric Johnson, local coordinator for this event. "This is something pretty special."

During their time in Fairmont, the international speakers will be hosted for overnight stays at the homes of local families and will visit the mayor's office and the Pioneer Museum.

3M, Rosen's Diversified, Inc., Education Minnesota Foundation, and other supporters of the Minnesota International Center underwrote the MIC student's visit.