Meet the International Students of Cook County

Chuck Olsen | July 11, 2024

In the midst of heavy rains on June 18, Cornerstone Church welcomed international students and workers to a free dinner and the chance to socialize with some locals.

“Mainly to make them feel welcome and thank them – they keep the tourism going in Grand Marais,” says co-organizer Reneé Larson. “I think many restaurants and motels would not have enough workers to support tourism here. So we need these students.”

Students from seven countries attended the dinner, including Chile, China, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Jamaica, Mongolia, and Peru.

“This place is so magical. I love the people here. People here are so genuine,” says Damari from Chile.

Damari first came to the North Shore for an internship in 2020, then returned in 2022 and 2024. Now, she’ll be a local. “Because I’m gonna get married. I’m engaged. So yeah, I found love here!”

Britney from Jamaica studies accounting and works at Gene’s Foods, which also provides her housing. “We stay in a cabin. So I share a room. It’s nice. Everything in there is new,” she says.

When not exploring nature in her free time, Britney likes watching movies and playing cards with her roomates. “My roommates, I’m gonna miss them so much. Two from Mongolia, one from the Dominican Republic and two from China. And I’m gonna miss all of them.”

Turyebi, who goes by Toby, is from Mongolia and works at Blue Water Café and My Sister’s Place. “Both restaurants, and so it’s always busy and always exciting. I love Minnesota people,” he says. “Physically, we’re kind of tired sometimes.”

Toby studies English language and literature, and is returning to the North Shore for the second time. Asked why he returned, he said “The community and then the nature. And I especially love how it’s not so hot in the summer. I love that because I study in Turkey and it’s really hot over there.”

Catherine Cordova is from Peru and works at Best Western as part of a year-long internship program.

“I don’t get tired of just looking at the lake. It’s so beautiful,” she says. “The sunset, everything.”

The next free dinner for international student workers is at Evangelical Free Church on July 16, 6:30pm – 8:30pm.