Global Wolverines: Preparing You to Have a Successful International Experience

Global Wolverines Event Series

What is it?

Global Wolverines is an event series for students traveling abroad during the summer. The aim of the events is to provide students with a foundation essential for having successful international experiences. Events include sessions, a seminar, and cultural and social programs that take place over the course of the Winter semester.

How can I attend?

Events are open to all students at U-M. They are not mandatory; students may pick and choose events based on their travel plans and their level of experience.

Additional Support Cohort Option:

Would you like to be part of a small cohort of students who are also preparing for an international experience this summer? If so, consider enrolling in the Global Wolverine cohort option!

For students who complete the requirements detailed below, we will purchase your travel abroad health insurance for your summer 2023 internship/volunteer program and provide you with a Certificate of Completion in the Fall.

As a member of the Global Wolverines cohort, you will also be invited to attend occasional in-person gatherings (with food and travel-related prizes!) where you can meet other students who will be going abroad this summer.

Please complete this brief form to register for this option by February 28, 2023.

Winter Term Commitment:

  • Attend at least three Global Wolverines sessions, two of which should include:
    • Staying Safe and Healthy while Abroad
    • Exploring Culture and Respectful Community Engagement
    • If you attended the first session on Finding/Funding a Non-UM International Internship, that will count, too!
  • Attend one Cultural or Social Event (Examples: International Coffee Hour, 60 Minutes Around the Globe, or the Intercultural Leadership Seminar)

*Please be sure to RSVP and Check-in for all sessions that you attend, as this is how we’ll be tracking your attendance!

Summer Commitment:

  • Maintain a blog and commit to blogging at least three times while abroad over the summer. We suggest one entry at the beginning of your time abroad, one near the middle, and one towards the end.

Fall Commitment:

  • Attend a re-entry event to debrief your summer experience!

 

Participants' Reflections

2019

Stacie Vaughn"As a first-gen student navigating going abroad for the first time, I was overwhelmed by the idea of planning to go abroad. The sessions within the Global Wolverines program helped me break-down the pieces I needed to think about individually to formulate my preparations. The topical sessions made planning everything out less overwhelming through learning from different resources on campus and various perspectives. Everyone was willing to help and answer my questions. Overall, I felt well-prepared to go abroad after participating in this program." – Stacie Vaughn, LS&A, Communication & Media

 

Workshops

Use this link to register for the sessions listed below. Please check back often as the list of events highlighted below will continue to be updated and expanded upon throughout the Winter semester!

Intercultural Leadership Seminar

The Intercultural Leadership Seminar (ILS) is designed for U.S. and international students who want to learn how to be more effective in a global environment. ILS includes brief lectures, discussion, experiential activities, and small group work. Read More.

ILS will be held on Tuesday, February 28 and Wednesday, March 1 (during Spring Break). The application to participate is now available. Apply by February 12th.

Cultural and Social Events

Please check back often as the list of events highlighted below will continue to be updated and expanded upon throughout the Winter semester!

  • 60 Minutes Around the Globe: 60 Minutes Around the World is a monthly event in which international students present information about their home countries! The topics vary based on presenter preference, but may include information about food, music, sports, politics, religions, etc. The presentations are intended to be informal and are followed by a question and answer session. This is a great opportunity to learn more about another part of the world and - if you're going to be traveling to one of the countries being presented on - it's a great way to "know before you go." More information about the Winter term series is coming soon!
    • Friday, January 27, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • Friday, March 10, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • Friday, April 7, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • International Coffee Hour: International Coffee Hour is a great place to meet members of the U-M community from all around the world! This informal social event is open to all. While walk-ins are welcome at the event, early registration is appreciated to help us prepare for the event! 

Other options that will count towards this requirement include: