International Center Orientation: Summer 2021

2021 Summer Orientation Coming Soon

Welcome to Michigan! The International Center staff is excited to welcome you to campus.

Below you’ll find a comprehensive list of orientation events and resources that will be available to support you as you begin your journey as a new student at the University of Michigan. Most events will be held virtually this year, with a few exceptions. Here is an overview of what will be offered:

  • “Ask Me!” peer-led question and answer sessions
  • Blogs & videos written by International Summer Orientation Peer Advisors
  • A Canvas course with resources, videos, and slides from presentations
  • Social events through which you can meet other new international students
  • A “Welcome Desk” staffed by International Orientation Peer Advisors to address your general questions (not immigration-related questions)
  • Virtual presentations on a wide range of topics related to life in Ann Arbor and at the University of Michigan

More details about how to access each of these opportunities can be found below.

 

“Ask Me!” Q&A Sessions

“Ask Me!” Q&A sessions are informal peer-led virtual question-and-answer sessions in which new international students can ask our Summer Orientation Peer Advisors questions and connect with other new students. 

Please note that because this event is led by student staff, we are unable to answer immigration related questions.

Dates:

  • Friday, August 6, 2021
    • 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM ET
  • Wednesday, August 18, 2021
    • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET
  • Tuesday, August 24, 2021
    • 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM ET

Register Here

 

Blogs & Videos 

The Summer Orientation Peer advisors will be writing blog posts and creating short videos to document their personal stories and share useful tips with new students. 

 

Canvas Course for new students: International Center Summer Orientation 2021

All incoming international students and scholars are encouraged to join our Canvas course, which will feature slides, resources, and - in many cases - videos from presentations that will be given as part of our virtual workshop series. See below for details about workshops that will be offered during the 2021 Summer Orientation.

Join our Canvas Course

 

Social Events

The International Center will be offering several in-person social events in August, which will be led by Summer Orientation Peer Advisors. Events include informal walking tours of Central and North campuses, hiking in the Arb, a visit to Kerrytown and the Farmer’s Market and more!. Registration is required.

Due to COVID-19 precautions, capacity is limited and event details are subject to change. All in-person event attendees must agree to the following:

  • Completing the ResponsiBLUE questionnaire and showing the result screen- with a green checkmark - to the event leader upon arrival.
  • Following UM Face Covering Policy
  • Completing any required post-travel isolation or quarantine requirements as outlined in the Campus Maize and Blueprint prior to attending in-person events.

Learn more about these events and register here.

 

Welcome Desk: In-Person & Virtual Office Hours

In Person: Starting on Monday, August 16, Summer Orientation Peer Advisers will staff an in-person Welcome Desk outside of the International Center in the lobby of the Student Activities Building. Stop by to say hi and get questions about life in Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan answered by fellow international students. 

  • Monday, August 16 - Friday, August 20
    • 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM ET
  • Monday, August 23 - Friday, August 27
    • 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM ET

Virtual: Virtual hours will be held using a Discord chat room at the following times:

  • Week of August 9
    • Wednesday, August 11: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM ET
    • Thursday, August 12: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM ET
  • Monday, August 16 - Friday, August 20
    • 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM ET
  • Monday, August 23 - Thursday, August 26
    • 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM ET
  • Friday, August 27
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM ET

Learn how to sign-up for Discord and join the International Center Virtual Welcome Desk Disord server here.

 

Virtual Workshop Presentations

Workshops Presented by International Center Summer Orientation Peer Advisors

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Conversations

P2P Conversations connect our Summer Orientation Peer advisors with new international students and offer an opportunity for new students around the world to meet each other.

Through a series of virtual sessions, our Peer advisors will provide information and resources based on their personal experiences and answer questions from new students. Each session starts with a presentation on a specific topic and then is followed by a Q&A.

You may register as many sessions as you are interested in by using either the registration link. Register to view Zoom livestream information and receive a confirmation email. The presentations and recordings will be available in the International Center Summer Orientation Canvas Site (coming soon!) after the sessions.

Register Here

Topics include:

  • Cultural Differences in the Classroom
  • How to Navigate through Canvas
  • Things to do in Ann Arbor
  • Housing & Setting Up Household Utilities
  • Healthy Relationships & Dating in the U.S.
  • Banking and Budgeting
  • Transportation
  • Shopping
  • Buying a Car / Getting a Driver’s License
  • Social Justice in the U.S.
  • Working & Communicating with Academic Advisors
  • Finding a Job on Campus
  • Personal Safety

Workshops Presented by other University Departments and Partners

We are also happy to offer a number of workshops offered by staff from departments and organizations on and nearby campus! You may register for as many sessions as you are interested in.

Register Here

You can also view a full list of these sessions here.

Academic Small Talk by the English Language Institute (ELI)

Description: Making small talk is one of the most challenging types of speaking to master in a second language. In this workshop, we will explore conversation topics, turn-taking strategies, active listening, and sources for sample conversations. We will consider different varieties of small talk in common graduate student contexts, such as getting to know classmates or seeming friendly and confident at a job interview or as a GSI. Come ready to practice with one another and to identify effective ways to practice on your own.

NOTE: This is an interactive workshop, so please come prepared to use your camera and participate! 

This workshop is presented by the English Language Institute (ELI).

This session is being offered as part of International Orientation; however, registration is open to continuing students, as well.

Date Time Registration
Tuesday, August 10, 2021 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Register Here
An Introduction to the English Language Institute (ELI) for Graduate and Professional Students

Description: Anna Eddy from the U-M English Language Institute (ELI) invites you to a Zoom conversation to learn about ELI courses and other resources to support graduate students who speak English as an additional language.

ELI offers credit-bearing academic English courses (free to full-time students) to support you through all stages of your academic career. ELI classes are small, interactive, and provide students with extensive one-on-one feedback.

In Fall 2021, most ELI courses are offered online with flexible formats. We also offer one-on-one speaking and writing support, opportunities for informal language practice, and one-time workshops.

ELI can help you communicate effectively and excel in your coursework and research. We look forward to meeting you!

This session is being offered as part of International Orientation; however, registration is open to continuing students, as well.

Date Time Registration
Wednesday, August 4, 2021 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Register Here
Banking in the USA presented by PNC Bank

Description: This workshop will answer questions about starting a bank account, using your bank account, keeping track of your money, protecting yourself from “identity theft,” ongoing financial issues, and different kinds of accounts.

This workshop is co-sponsored by PNC Bank.

Register here

Benefits Overview for Graduate Students (GSI/GSRA/Fellowship Holder)

Description: If you are a new Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) or Graduate Student Research Assistant (GSRA) or a student whose fellowship will include GradCare insurance, come to this workshop for a brief explanation about how insurance works in the U.S., followed by information about selecting and using your insurance plan, including information about some important deadlines. The insurance coverage and other benefits you receive as a GSI/GSRA are very valuable but can be confusing -- this is your chance to learn from experts.

This workshop is co-sponsored by the Benefits Office.

This session is being offered as part of International Orientation; however, registration is open to continuing students, as well.

Date Time Registration
Thursday, August 19, 2021 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Register Here
Driving the U.S. presented by AAA

Description: Are you new to driving in the United States? Driving conditions and customs may be different than what you are used to in your home country. This workshop will provide information to help you prepare for driving in the U.S., including driving tips, driving etiquette, and important skills to keep you safe on the roads in good and bad weather.

This workshop is co-sponsored by Michigan AAA.

This session is being offered as part of International Orientation; however, registration is open to continuing students, as well.

Date Time Registration
Tuesday, August 17, 2021 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Register Here
How to Use the UM's International Insurance Plan

Description: This presentation will cover detailed information about how to use the University's required health insurance (the International Student/Scholar Health Insurance Plan). You'll learn how and where to obtain medical treatment if you need it and how to avoid unnecessary expenses by understanding how this health insurance works.

This session is being offered as part of International Orientation; however, registration is open to continuing students, as well.

Date Time Registration
Tuesday, August 17, 2021 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Register Here
Tuesday, August 24, 2021 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Register Here
It's Not Just a Good Idea…It's the Law!

Description: Every country has norms for what is acceptable and unacceptable, and similarly for what is legal and illegal in that particular country. This session will offer important information on what is and is not permitted in the United States. Learn this information now; don’t risk being embarrassed, or even fined or arrested! 

The session will also include a brief overview of landlord-tenant law, including information about what your landlord is and is not permitted to do, and your rights and obligations as a tenant. Avoid possible problems and prepare for a good relationship with your landlord by learning this important information now.

This workshop is co-sponsored by Student Legal Services (SLS).

This session is being offered as part of International Orientation; however, registration is open to continuing students, as well. 

Date Time Registration
Monday, August 16, 2021 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Register Here
Stress Less for Success

Description: The psychologists at the Counseling and Psychological Services will explain what stress is, discuss stressful experiences that international students may go through, talk about mental health and how to get help​,​ and provide ​tools to manage stress.

This workshop is co-sponsored by Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). 

This session is being offered as part of International Orientation; however, registration is open to continuing students, as well.

Date Time Registration
Wednesday, August 18, 2021 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Register Here
Sweetland Center for Writing’s Services for International Students

Description: The Sweetland Center for Writing, a comprehensive writing center, exists to support student writing at all levels and in all forms and modes. This presentation will showcase the services and classes offered by the Sweetland Center for Writing that are especially useful for international students. 

This presentation is co-sponsored by the Sweetland Center for Writing.

This session is being offered as part of International Orientation; however, registration is open to continuing students, as well.

Date Time Registration
Monday, August 23, 2021 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM Register Here
U-M Library Basics

Description: Gain insight into the resources and services available at the library and learn strategies for efficiently finding information for your research projects. 

Join a U-M Librarian as the questions below are explored:

  • How can I access library resources remotely or in person?
  • What kind of technology help can I get at the library?
  • How can I find scholarly books and articles?
  • What are some of the research tools the library provides that may help me with my research?

This session is specifically for international students and scholars and is co-sponsored by the International Center and the U-M Library.

Register here

U-M Library Basics in Chinese

Description: This workshop is for international students and scholars who speak Chinese. Gain insight into the resources and services available at the library and learn strategies for efficiently finding information for your research projects.

Join our Chinese Studies Librarian to explore the following questions:

  • How can I access library resources remotely or in person?
  • What kind of technology help can I get at the library?
  • How can I find scholarly books and articles?
  • What are some of the research tools the library provides that may help me with my research?

This session is co-sponsored by the International Center and the U-M Library.

This session is being offered as part of International Orientation; however, registration is open to continuing students, as well.

Date Time Registration
Friday, August 27, 2021 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Register Here
University Health Service (UHS) Information Session

Description: University Health Service (UHS) staff will describe campus health care services available to students and scholars, how to use services and how services relate to insurance.

Register here

Writing Effective Emails by the English Language Institute (ELI)

Description: Have you ever struggled to write important email messages? Have you ever wondered whether your email messages hit the right tone and reflect the professional persona you wish to project? Given the importance of email in academic and professional settings, the ability to write effective e-mail messages is an essential skill. In this workshop we will focus on strategies for writing clear, effective and professional email. We will discuss the aspects of email that make it likely to be read, to be easily understood, and to create a good impression.

NOTE: This is an interactive workshop, so please come prepared to use your camera and participate!

This workshop is presented by the English Language Institute (ELI).

This session is being offered as part of International Orientation; however, registration is open to continuing students, as well.

Date Time Registration
Thursday, August 19, 2021 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Register Here