Michigan Students: Studying Abroad, Where To Begin?

The University of Michigan considers studying abroad an integral part of the undergraduate experience, with thousands of students taking courses, volunteering, working, and conducting research in over 100 countries worldwide. The university offers a wide array of study abroad and work abroad programs, with destinations including Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Prague, Iceland, France, Italy, and South Korea. Students can search for opportunities by academic subject, experience type, or location through the M-Compass database, which also allows them to apply for these programs. Financial aid is available for students enrolled in UM-sponsored study abroad programs, and most financial aid can be used for these programs. Students can also apply for departmental scholarships, study abroad scholarships, funding from M-Compass, private scholarships, or supplemental loans. The Center for Global and Intercultural Study (CGIS) provides undergraduate students from diverse academic backgrounds with global engagement and learning opportunities around the world, including semester-long study abroad options and 3–10-week programs during spring and summer.

Scholarships and funding

The University of Michigan provides financial aid for students wishing to study abroad. The type and amount of financial aid you are eligible to receive depends on the study abroad program you choose.

If you enroll in a UM-sponsored Study Abroad program, you may apply for assistance through the Office of Financial Aid. The University of Michigan Grant is available to eligible U-M undergraduate students who are enrolled in their first bachelor's degree during the first 10 terms of enrollment in a college or university. This includes U-M or any other institution and includes enrollment during spring/summer terms. Email [email protected] for more details.

Depending on the cost of your Study Abroad program, the aid you receive may not meet your full demonstrated financial need. To cover the gap, you may choose to apply for a departmental scholarship, a Study Abroad scholarship, funding from M-Compass, a private scholarship, or a supplemental loan.

The M-Compass portal offers students a place to search, save, and apply for study abroad programs. Students can create an M-Compass profile, which allows them to save programs of interest and apply for a variety of programs in one location. The M-Compass Funding webpage provides basic and advanced searches based on interests, programs, and other criteria.

The following scholarships are awarded to students when they apply for aid. Students are automatically considered for these scholarship opportunities; no additional application is needed:

• Jerry A. May and Deborah Orr May Study Abroad Endowment Fund: Study abroad support for recipients of the Jerry A. May Scholarship.
• Adam & Jill Breen Family Fund Scholarship: For undergraduate study abroad experiences.
• Helen Curtis Davis Scholarship: For study abroad students with demonstrated financial need.
• Ginns International Scholars Fund: For students who are studying abroad or traveling internationally for their program.
• Mary Sue and Kenneth Coleman Student Global Experience Fund: Helps to fund study abroad or other global experiences.
• Stein Family Study Abroad Scholarship: For undergraduate or graduate students enrolled at U-M participating in study abroad programs or experiences for academic credit.

The University of Michigan also has a list of external scholarship resources for education abroad, including:

• Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship (for Pell Grant recipients)
• Boren Scholarships (undergrad focus on critical regions and languages)
• Boren Fellowships (graduate focus on critical languages and research)
• Bridging Scholarships (regional focus on Japan)
• Critical Language Scholarship (language-intensive program focusing on critical languages)
• DAAD (regional focus on Germany)
• Freeman-Asia (regional focus on Asia)
• Fund for Education Abroad (FEA)

Additionally, many third-party providers have their own funding opportunities, so be sure to look on their website or ask them about it!

Credit transfer

U-M Study Abroad Programs: In-Residence Credit

UM study abroad programs are administered and supported by the University of Michigan. These programs typically allow students to obtain in-residence credit, which means they can maintain any scholarships or financial aid they currently receive. In-residence credit is also provided for U-M students who directly enrol in overseas universities through U-M and other U.S.-sponsored programs.

Non-UM Study Abroad: Transfer Credit

If you choose to study abroad through a non-UM program, you must follow specific steps to ensure that your credits will transfer back to U-M. It is recommended to complete these steps before departing for your study abroad program. Here are the key steps to follow:

• Discuss your study abroad plans with your academic advisor. They can help you understand how the program fits into your U-M academic plan and advise you on which courses will fulfill your remaining graduation requirements. Be prepared to share information about specific courses of interest, including syllabi.
• Check the Transfer Credit Equivalency Database to see if the program and classes you want to take have been previously accepted as transfer credit by U-M.
• If you can't find your desired program or courses in the database, don't worry. It just means that no U-M student has tried to transfer them before. You can submit these courses for pre-evaluation through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions' Transfer Credit Equivalency Request Form. This form is quick to complete, but the results may take some time, so don't leave it until the last minute.
• Find out if the credits can be transferred to a specific concentration or minor by contacting your concentration advisor and providing them with information about the program and courses.
• After returning from your study abroad program, submit an official transcript to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions (OUA). The transcript should be sent directly by the school you attended to ouatranscript@umich.edu or Credit Evaluators, Office of Undergraduate Admissions, 300 Student Activities Building, 515 East Jefferson, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1316.

It's important to note that many U-M departments place a cap on the number of transfer credits allowed towards a major. Additionally, if you have a U-M grant or scholarship and choose a non-UM program, your scholarship or grant will be cancelled for the term abroad. You will need to transfer your credits back to U-M to have your scholarship reinstated.

Health and safety

As a University of Michigan student, you have access to a wide range of resources to help you stay safe and healthy while studying abroad. Here are some detailed tips to ensure your well-being during your international experience:

• Travel Insurance: Before departing for your host country, it is crucial to obtain comprehensive travel insurance. Ensure your insurance covers medical emergencies, accidents, and other unforeseen circumstances. Check the coverage details, including hospitalization, medical evacuation, and repatriation. Having adequate insurance provides peace of mind and financial protection during your stay abroad.
• Local Healthcare Familiarization: Take the time to research and familiarize yourself with the local healthcare system at your destination. Locate nearby hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. Identify emergency contact numbers and the nearest embassy or consulate of your home country. Knowing these details in advance will make it easier to navigate any health-related issues that may arise.
• Vaccination Updates: Ensure your vaccinations are up-to-date before traveling abroad. Different countries may have specific vaccination requirements for entry. Consult your healthcare provider or the university health services to determine which vaccinations are necessary based on your destination.
• Personal Safety: Always be cautious and aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas, especially at night. Keep your valuables secure, and never leave your belongings unattended in public places. Stay alert in busy markets or crowded places, and if you feel uneasy or unsure about something, remove yourself from that situation. Trust your instincts and move to a safer, more comfortable area.
• Respect Local Laws and Customs: Familiarize yourself with and respect the laws, customs, traditions, and cultural norms of your host country. Understanding and adhering to these aspects will help you avoid unintentional offenses and foster a positive relationship with your host community.
• Alcohol and Substance Use: Exercise caution when consuming alcohol or drugs. These substances can impair your judgment and lead to risky situations. Always drink responsibly and ensure you have a designated sober companion. Observe the legal drinking age and never drink and drive, as drunk driving laws abroad may be much more severe than in the United States.
• Emergency Preparedness: Create a list of emergency contacts, including local authorities, university staff, and fellow students. Keep digital and physical copies of important documents, such as your passport, visa, and travel insurance, in a secure location. Additionally, register your travel plans with the University of Michigan so that they can quickly notify you in case of an emergency.
• Mental Health Awareness: Studying abroad can be exciting but also overwhelming at times. Prioritize your mental health and well-being. If you feel the need for support, reach out to university support services or local mental health resources.
• COVID-19 Safety: Stay informed about the latest COVID-19 safety measures and guidelines at your destination. Follow local health protocols, including hygiene practices, to ensure your safety and that of the community around you.
• Stay Informed: Before your trip, gather information about your host country and city, including traditions, procedures, customs, and any current travel warnings. Resources like the US State Department Country Information Sheets and UK Country Information Sheets can provide valuable insights. Additionally, utilize Google and Wikipedia for more specific details about your destination.

Visa requirements

A visa is an official stamp in your passport that authorises you to travel, work, or study in a particular country for a specified length of time. Each country issues its own visas through its embassy and consulates located in the United States. The University of Michigan International Center advises students on a wide range of study abroad options, and the visa requirements for each.

Whether or not you need a visa will depend on your answers to the following questions:

• What is your country of citizenship?
• What is your purpose of travel?
• What is your duration of travel?

With these questions in mind, you can visit the website of your destination country's embassy or consulate to learn more about visa requirements for your specific situation. If you are working with an organisation that is managing your study abroad experience, they may also be able to provide visa and entry requirement guidance.

Visas must be obtained before arriving in the country and can take anywhere from days to weeks to process. There are many ways to apply for a visa through a consulate or embassy: online, by sending documents via regular mail, or visiting the consulate for an in-person appointment. The consulate or embassy will specify which methods they require.

Common documents that might be required to obtain a visa include:

• Completed application form
• Recent passport-sized photos
• Proof of enrolment
• Letter of admission from the university
• Proof of accommodation
• Return or round-trip plane ticket
• Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement, financial aid/scholarship)
• Proof of international health insurance
• Medical certificate
• Certificate of criminal record

It is important to plan in advance for visa processing, as some visas can take months to process. It is also your responsibility to determine the visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad. You may be denied entry into, or deported from, a country for which you have not obtained the required visa.

For European travel, the Schengen Visa covers a number of countries. The Schengen Visa Information website provides an overview of which countries are currently part of the Schengen visa agreement and which countries' citizens will need a Schengen Visa. Where you apply for the Schengen Visa will depend on where you plan to travel. If you are travelling to only one Schengen country, you would apply at that country's embassy or consulate in the US. If you are travelling to several Schengen countries, you would apply at the embassy or consulate of the country where you will spend the majority of your trip. If you are travelling to several Schengen countries, with no main destination, you would apply at the embassy or consulate of the country that is your first point of entry.

Choosing a program

When choosing a study abroad program, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to explore University of Michigan-sponsored study abroad programs, which can be found in the M-Compass database. This database offers a wide range of opportunities, including group study abroad programs led by U-M faculty members and highly individualized internship and service-based experiences.

If you are unable to find a suitable U-M program, you can consider a non-UM program. Non-UM programs offer more flexibility in terms of location, field of study, cost, and application deadlines. However, it is important to note that transferring credits back to the University of Michigan may be more challenging, and your primary support before, during, and after the program will be provided by the study abroad provider, not the University of Michigan.

• Sponsoring institution: Ensure that the institution is an accredited institution of higher learning.
• Language of instruction: Consider the language requirements and whether classes are conducted in English or the host country's language.
• Duration of the program: Determine if you prefer a program that spans the academic year, Fall, Winter, or Spring/Summer.
• Level of immersion in the host culture: Decide if you want to take courses with other U.S. students or students from the host country, and consider your housing options and whether you want to live with other international students or host country nationals.
• Fees and scholarships: Understand what the fees cover, if any excursions are included, and if there are any scholarship opportunities. Also, check if your current aid can be transferred to a non-UM program.
• Eligibility requirements: Check if the program has any requirements, such as a minimum GPA or language fluency.

Additionally, you can contact past participants or read student reviews on websites like Abroad101 or GoOverseas to gain further insights into the program.

Frequently asked questions