Summer Orientation for International Graduate Students

2019 International Center's Summer Orientation will be from Monday, August 12 through Friday, August 30. Information below is from 2018. Please check back periodically for updates.  

Downloadable 3-Week Calendars (subject to change): You can scan the calendar to view what workshop topics are offered daily. For detailed schedule of each workshop including start and end time and location, please click on the workshop title below.

General

Workshops

Registration: Registration is highly recommended. Once you are registered, you will receive a confirmation, have the ability to save the workshop on your calendar, and receive a reminder automatically. 

Presentation/Handout: Presentations/handouts will not be provided at the workshops. Click on the workshops you are interested in order to see the full schedule and presentations/handouts. 

Locations: Workshops are held at various locations on Central Campus and North Campus (which may take 30 minutes for a bus ride from the Central Campus). Check the location in advance to allow yourself ample time to arrive at the destination. Please arrive on time!

Banking Information

Description: This workshop will answer questions about starting a bank account, writing a U.S. check, using your bank account, keeping track of your money, protecting yourself from “identity theft,” ongoing financial issues, and different kinds of banks and accounts. A representative from PNC Bank, the official MCard bank, will be on-hand to answer any banking questions you may have.

Date Time Location Room
Mon, Aug 13 9am-10:30am Jeff T Blau Hall and Kresge Hall, Ross School of Business B1560
Tue, Aug 21 1pm-2:30pm
Wed, Aug 29 3:30pm-5pm

Register Here

This workshop is co-sponsored by PNC Bank.

PDF icon Banking_2018.pdf
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.

Date Time Location Room
Wed, Aug 22 3:30pm-5pm Jeff T Blau Hall and Kresge Hall, Ross School of Business B1560

Register Here

This workshop is co-sponsored by the Benefits Office.

PDF icon Benefits_Overview_Presentation_2018.pdf
Budget Travel in North America

Description: If you are a person who loves to see new things, this program is for you. Ann Arbor has a lot to offer in terms of recreational activities, but we also recognize that you might want to see other parts of Michigan or the US while you’re here. This workshop will provide information about budget travel in the United States, including how to find out what to see, low-cost transportation and accommodations, and safety information. We will also highlight resources available at the International Center for students who are interested in work, study, or travel in countries other than the United States – including Canada.

Date Time Location Room
Wed, Aug 15 2:30pm-4pm Jeff T Blau Hall and Kresge Hall, Ross School of Business B1560
Wed, Aug 22 9am-10:30am
Tue. Aug 28 10:30am-12pm

Register Here

PDF icon Budget_Travel_2018.pdf
Communicating with Your Academic and Research Advisors (For Graduate Students Only)

Description: In this session you will learn the different roles of your academic and research advisors, what their places are in the American educational system, what they will expect from you, and what you can expect from them. Advisors are some of the most important individuals in a student’s career. It is important to understand this relationship so that misunderstandings can be avoided. 

Date Time Location Room
Wed, Aug 15 9am-10:30am Jeff T Blau Hall and Kresge Hall, Ross School of Business B1560
Mon, Aug 20 2:30pm-4pm
Fri, Aug 24 9am-10:30pm
Mon, Aug 27 2:30pm-4pm

Register Here

PDF icon Communicatiing_with_Advisers_2018_Presentation.pdf
Creating Your Elevator Pitch

Description: Everyone needs an “elevator pitch” – that brief introduction which tells others who you are and what you do. When asked about yourself, you need to be able tell both experts and non-experts about your training, your research and scholarship, and why this should matter to them. Come to this workshop to learn how to effectively communicate your work and present yourself in a clear, concise, and effective way.

Date Time Location Room
Wed, Aug 29 9am-10:30am Jeff T Blau Hall and Kresge Hall, Ross School of Business B1560

Register Here

This workshop is co-sponsored by the English Language Institute (ELI).

PDF icon Elevator_Pitch_2018.pdf
Cultural Adjustment Roller Coaster

Description: Moving away from home and adjusting to a new culture can be challenging. Feelings of excitement, frustration, and homesickness, although normal to the adjustment process, can be difficult to endure. In this workshop, you will be introduced to the ins and outs and ups and downs of cultural adjustment, and learn some strategies that will help you to cope with the adjustment process.

Date Time Location Room
Wed, Aug 15 1pm-2:30pm Jeff T Blau Hall and Kresge Hall, Ross School of Business B1560
Mon, Aug 20
Thu, Aug 30

Register Here

PDF icon Cultural_Adjustment_Rollercoaster_2018.pdf
Cultural Differences in the Classroom

Description: Each country has a unique educational system with specific expectations of students and faculty. This program will provide information about expectations of students and faculty in the American system, which may be different from those in other countries. 

Date Time Location Room
Fri, Aug 17 9am-10:30am Jeff T Blau Hall and Kresge Hall, Ross School of Business B0570
Tue, Aug 21 9am-10:30am B1560
Wed, Aug 29 10:30am-12pm B1560

Register Here

PDF icon Cultural_Differences_in_the_Classroom_2018.pdf
Driving in the U.S.

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. 

During the last 30-minute of this workshop, you can stay to learn what documentation you need to gather in advance if you plan to take the driver’s license written test on campus. 

Date Time Location Room
Thu, Aug 16 1pm-2:30pm Jeff T Blau Hall and Kresge Hall, Ross School of Business B1560
Tue, Aug 21 2:30pm-4pm
Fri, Aug 31 10am-11:30am

Register Here

This workshop is co-sponsored by Michigan AAA. 

PDF icon Driving_in_US_2018.pdf, PDF icon Enhanced_Mirror_Setting.pdf
Finding a Job on Campus (For Students Only)

Description: There are many employment opportunities on the U-M campus. Learn where to look for jobs, what to consider when taking a job, what restrictions apply to international students, and paperwork involved. General information about Graduate Student Instructor and Graduate Student Research Assistant positions will be included. Please note this workshop is not a job fair where you’d meet with employers to discuss job opportunities.

Date Time Location Room
Tue, Aug 14 9am-10:30am Jeff T Blau Hall and Kresge Hall, Ross School of Business B1560
Thu, Aug 23
Mon, Aug 27
Thu, Aug 30

Register Here

PDF icon On-Campus_Employment_2018.pdf
Getting Around Ann Arbor & Personal Safety

Description: There are many different ways of getting around the U-M campus and around Ann Arbor, but they can be confusing at first. We’ll talk about U-M and Ann Arbor buses, bicycling, taxis, driving and parking, “zipcars,” and walking, including information about personal safety. 

Date Time Location Room
Mon, Aug 13 1pm-2:30pm Jeff T Blau Hall and Kresge Hall, Ross School of Business B1560
Mon, Aug 20 10:30am-12pm
Wed, Aug 29 2pm-3:30pm

Register Here

This workshop is co-sponsored by Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS). 

PDF icon Getting_Around_Ann_Arbor_Personal_Safety_2018.pdf
Getting Involved With University Groups and Organizations

Description: Joining student organizations is a great way to meet people, learn skills, and enrich your university experience. Learn about the many student organizations on campus and the best ways to get involved in this part of campus life.

Date Time Location Room
Wed, Aug 29 1pm-2pm Jeff T Blau Hall and Kresge Hall, Ross School of Business B1560

Register Here

This workshop is co-sponsored by the Center for Campus Involvement (CCI). 

PDF icon Get_Involved_with_University_Groups_2018.pdf
How to Buy a Used Car

Description: This program is designed to give you some idea of what to look for when buying a used car. We will provide written information and address important questions about what to keep in mind when buying a used car.

Date Time Location Room
Thu, Aug 16 2:30pm-3:30pm Jeff T Blau Hall and Kresge Hall, Ross School of Business B1560
Tue, Aug 21 4pm-5pm
Fri, Aug 31 9am-10am

Register Here

PDF icon How_to_Buy_a_Used_Car_Presentation_2018.pdf
How to Use the UM's International Insurance Plan

Description: 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 expense by understanding how this health insurance works. 

Students who will be Graduate Student Instructors or Graduate Student Research Assistants should attend the Benefits Overview for Graduate Students (GSI/GSRA/Fellowship Holder) session instead.

Date Time Location Room
Thu, Aug 16 9am-10:30am Jeff T Blau Hall and Kresge Hall, Ross School of Business B1560
Wed, Aug 22 1pm-2:30pm
Tue, Aug 28 1pm-2:30pm

Register Here

PDF icon Health_Insurance_Workshop_2018_Presentation.pdf
Information for Non-UM Sponsored J-1 Exchange Visitors

IMPORTANT NOTE: This information session is only for J-1 Exchange Visitors (students or scholars) whose Form DS-2019 was issued by an organization other than the University of Michigan. If Line 2 (Program Sponsor) of your Form DS-2019 says "University of Michigan", you should not attend this session. 

At this information session, we'll give you a brief introduction to U-M and Ann Arbor, and answer any questions you may have. 

Date Time Location Room
Tue, Aug 21 11am-12pm Jeff T Blau Hall and Kresge Hall, Ross School of Business B0560

Register Here

PDF icon Non-UM_J-1_Presentation_2018.pdf
Information for Spouses/Partners

Description: As a spouse/partner of a student, you may be asking yourself what you’re going to do while here in the United States. Come to this special program to learn about some of the possibilities. It’s a great time to meet other spouses/partners too!

Date Time Location Room
Fri, Aug 31 11:30am-12:30pm Jeff T Blau Hall and Kresge Hall, Ross School of Business B1560

Register Here

This workshop is co-sponsored by International Neighbors, International House Ann Arbor (IHAA), and Michigan Language Center (MLC).

PDF icon Spouse_Partner_2018_Presentation.pdf
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.

Date Time Location Room
Wed, Aug 15 10:30am-12pm Jeff T Blau Hall and Kresge Hall, Ross School of Business B1560
Wed, Aug 22
Mon, Aug 27

Register Here

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

PDF icon Its_Not_Just_a_Good_Idea_2018.pdf
Library Basics

Description: It's extremely important to learn to use the University's library services as soon as possible. This workshop will introduce new international students and scholars to the University's extensive library system so that they can start using library resources immediately, and will provide an introduction to online research using University and other databases. Students and scholars may attend either the Central Campus or North Campus workshop, but the North Campus workshop will be of most interest to engineering, art, and architecture students.

Date Time Registration Location
Fri, Aug 17 1pm-3pm Register Here Central Campus: Hatcher Library Gallery, Room 100, north entrance
OR
North Campus: 1180 Duderstadt Center
Fri, Aug 24 Central Campus: Hatcher Library Gallery, Room 100, north entrance
OR
North Campus: 1180 Duderstadt Center
Fri, Aug 31 Central Campus: Hatcher Library Gallery, Room 100, north entrance
OR
North Campus: 1500 Electronic Engineering and Computer Science

This workshop is co-sponsored by MLibrary and College of Engineering.

Making Friends in the U.S.

Description: This relaxed workshop discusses different communication styles, friendship patterns and social norms, which may be very different from what you are used to in your home country. You’ll also have the chance to ask orientation peer advisers for suggestions about how to get to know people and how to start making friends in the United States.

Date Time Location Room
Tue, Aug 14 1pm-2:30pm Jeff T Blau Hall and Kresge Hall, Ross School of Business B1560
Thu, Aug 23 2:30pm-4pm
Thu, Aug 30 10:30am-12pm

Register Here

PDF icon Making_Friends_Presentation_2018.pdf
Sexual Misconduct Awareness and Education

Description: This workshop is designed to help new international students raise their awareness about sexual misconduct issues in the U.S. from a cross cultural perspective.

Date Time Location Room
Fri, Aug 17 10:30am-11:30am Jeff T Blau Hall and Kresge Hall, Ross School of Business B0570
Thu, Aug 23 4pm-5pm B1560
Tue, Aug 28 4pm-5pm B1560

Register Here

U-M Student Sexual Misconduct Annual Report

PDF icon SMAE_Grad_Student_2018_Presentation.pdf, PDF icon SAPAC_Brochure_May_2018.pdf
Shopping – An Insider's Guide

Description: This workshop will 1) offer you an insight into the essential and budget-friendly places to shop in Ann Arbor for furniture and groceries, 2) give you tools to save on textbook fees, 3 teach you how to prepare your wardrobe for winter and, 4) introduce you to Michigan’s sales tax, returns, warranties and tipping. Most importantly, we'd also provide you with our very own insider’s tips on how/where/what to shop for in Ann Arbor.

Date Time Location Room
Mon, Aug 13 10:30am-12pm Jeff T Blau Hall and Kresge Hall, Ross School of Business B1560
Mon, Aug 20 9am-10:30am
Thu, Aug 30 4pm-5:30pm

Register Here

PDF icon Shopping_2018_Presentation.pdf
Social Justice 101

Description: The University of Michigan is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). In order to prepare yourself for DEI conversations in the classroom and beyond, come to this workshop to get an introductory overview of US perspectives on social justice, learn important vocabulary for inclusion, and learn about helpful campus resources for continuing your social justice education. 

Date Time Location Room
Tue, Aug 14 2:30pm-3:30pm Jeff T Blau Hall and Kresge Hall, Ross School of Business B1560
Tue, Aug 21 10:30am-11:30am
Thu, Aug 30 3pm-4pm

Register Here

PDF icon Social_Justice_101_Presentation_2018.pdf, PDF icon Social_Justice_101_Term_Sheet.pdf
Social Security Number Application or Letter of Ineligibility

Description: Representatives from the Ann Arbor Social Security office will help international students, scholars, and their dependents who are affiliated with U-M apply for a social security number and card or for a “letter of ineligibility”. Please arrive at the time specified.

Applying for a Social Security Number and Card lists the documents you must bring to the session. There are different requirements for the social security number application and for the application for the letter of ineligibly. Please read the information that applies to you several days in advance so that you will have time to gather or prepare the documents you will need. 

If you plan to take the Driver's License Written Test, read What to Bring to the On-Campus Michigan Driver's License Written Test for information about the documents you should bring to the test.

Date Time Location Room
Tue, Aug 28, 2018 Arrive between 9am-11:30am
OR
Arrive between 1pm-3pm		 Rackham Graduate School Earl Lewis Room (3rd floor)
Thu, Sep 20, 2018 Michigan League Room 4 (1st floor)

Registration is not necessary.

This workshop is co-sponsored by the Social Security Administration.

 

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. ​Activities to help students get to know each other, share their experiences, and learn specific strategies on how to manage stress​ will be offered.

Date Time Location Room
Fri, Aug 24 10:30am-12pm Jeff T Blau Hall and Kresge Hall, Ross School of Business B1560
Mon, Aug 27 1pm-2:30pm

Register Here

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

PDF icon Stress_Less_for_Success_2018.pdf
Things to do in Ann Arbor

Description: This program will give you an introduction to leisure, cultural and educational activities at the University and in Ann Arbor.

Date Time Location Room
Mon, Aug 13 2:30pm-3:30pm Jeff T Blau Hall and Kresge Hall, Ross School of Business B1560
Mon, Aug 20 4pm-5pm
Mon, Aug 27 4pm-5pm

Register Here

PDF icon Things_to_do_in_AA_2018.pdf
U.S. Tax Withholding Forms (for Students only)

Description: This orientation workshop is designed for all U-M international employees (including international students who will work for U-M), and for students who will receive fellowships that pay for living expenses (not just tuition.)

Before you start work, you will be asked to fill out a number of forms, including Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form W-4, State of Michigan Form W-4, the "Alien Certificate", and perhaps other forms if your country has a tax treaty with the United States.

During this workshop, a representative from the U-M Payroll Office will explain how to fill out these forms so that you can be sure you are filling them out correctly. The Payroll Office representative will also explain the tax-related documents that you as a U-M employee can expect to receive from the Payroll Office and when you can expect to receive them. The workshop will conclude with a brief introduction to the ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) and an explanation of who does and does not need to apply for the ITIN. 

Date Time Location Room
Tue, Aug 14 10:30am-12pm Jeff T Blau Hall and Kresge Hall, Ross School of Business B1560
Thu, Aug 23 10:30am-12pm
Tue, Aug 28 9am-10:30am

Register Here

This workshop is co-sponsored by the Payroll Office. 

PDF icon Nonresident_Alien_Student_Tax_Workshop_2018.pdf, PDF icon Student_Employment_Blue_Packet_2018.pdf, PDF icon Fellowship_Scholarship_2018_Yellow.pdf
University Health Service: Information & Tour

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. The workshop includes a 30-minute presentation followed by an optional tour of UHS.

Date Time Location Room
Thu, Aug 16 10:30am-11:30am Jeff T Blau Hall and Kresge Hall, Ross School of Business B1560
Wed, Aug 22 2:30pm-3:30pm
Tue, Aug 28 2:30pm-3:30pm

Register Here

This workshop is co-sponsored by University Health Service (UHS).

PDF icon Intl_UHS_before_grace_pd_2018.pdf
Writing Effective Email

Description: The ability to write effective email messages is an essential skill in academic and professional settings. Yet email presents special challenges because it shares characteristics with both written and spoken language. This means, for example, that it can be formal or informal, depending on the situation. This workshop focuses on strategies for writing clear, effective, and professional emails which are likely be read and to create a good impression.

Date Time Location Room
Thu, Aug 23 1pm-2:30pm Jeff T Blau Hall and Kresge Hall, Ross School of Business B1560

Register Here

This workshop is co-sponsored by the English Language Institute (ELI).

PDF icon Writing_Effective_Email_Workshop_Presentation_2018.pdf, PDF icon Writing_Effective_Email_Workshop_Handout_2018.pdf