Douglas Olsen
Michigan is a popular destination for international students, with a large international community and a range of colleges and universities to choose from. The state offers a quintessential US college experience, with a vibrant sports culture, social activities, and a Greek system of fraternities and sororities. In addition, Michigan has a low cost of living compared to other US states, and its location on the border with Canada and four of the five Great Lakes provides access to freshwater coastlines and outdoor activities. For international students, there are many English as a Second Language (ESL) programs available to improve language skills and enhance the overall college experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of institutes of higher education | 119 |
| Student population | High |
| Cost of living | Low |
| Urban development | Detroit is famous for being the birthplace of Ford cars |
| Number of international students | Ranked 9th in the US |
| English as a Second Language (ESL) programs | Available throughout the state |
| Outdoor activities | Boating, fishing, biking, camping, golfing, and paddle sports |
| Safety | Low, medium, and high-risk ratings depending on the destination |
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What You'll Learn
Michigan's college towns and student population
Michigan is a large, beautiful state with dynamic cities, awe-inspiring landscapes, and great universities. It is situated in Midwest America, bordering Canada and four out of five Great Lakes. It has a long, uninterrupted freshwater coastline, over 11,000 inland lakes, and vast forests. Michigan has 119 institutes of higher education, from highly-ranked universities to specialist technology and law colleges.
Michigan has a lot of college towns, so there are plenty of students to socialise with. Ann Arbor, ranked the second-best college town in America, has 59,000 students during term-time, roughly 50% of the town's population. The town has a culture and economy shaped by its students and educational institutions. It is home to several colleges and universities, including the University of Michigan, which has the largest college-owned football stadium in the country. Other colleges in Ann Arbor include Cleary University, Concordia University, Eastern Michigan University, and Washtenaw Community College.
Michigan State University, located in East Lansing, is another notable college town. It is known for its agricultural and business programs, with the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources offering cutting-edge research in sustainable farming and food science. The university has a diverse and inclusive community and is ranked 63rd overall in U.S. News & World Report's America's Best Colleges 2025.
Other college towns in Michigan include Ypsilanti, home to Eastern Michigan University, and Grand Rapids, which offers a range of apartments for students and academics. Western Michigan University is also a notable institution, known for its aviation and engineering programs. The College of Aviation provides comprehensive training in pilot and technical operations, often collaborating with major airlines.
Michigan has a large international student population, ranking 9th out of all 50 states for the number of overseas students. In 2014, there were 26,930 foreign students studying in Michigan, providing ample opportunities for international students to connect with others and settle into the community. The state also has many English as a Second Language (ESL) programs to help international students improve their language skills and enhance their college experience.
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The state's outdoor activities and natural wonders
Michigan has a wide variety of outdoor activities and natural wonders to offer. Nicknamed the "Great Lake State" and "Water Wonderland", Michigan has more freshwater coastline than any other state—3,126 miles to be exact. It is the only state that touches four of the five Great Lakes and has over 11,000 inland lakes, 52,000 miles of rivers and streams, and 20.3 million acres of forests.
Popular activities on the water include fishing, boating, and paddle sports such as kayaking. Michigan is home to nearly one million registered boats and over 1,300 public boat accesses. The Au Sable River is a dry fly-fishing destination known for its serene waters and abundance of trout. The Two-Hearted River in the eastern Upper Peninsula is a popular spot for kayaking. For those looking for a more relaxed day on the water, there are plenty of beaches along the Lake Michigan coastline.
On land, Michigan has four national parks, 103 state parks, and recreation areas. The Ross Coastal Plain Marsh Preserve in Covert Township is one of Michigan's dark sky preserves, offering stellar views of the Milky Way and the northern lights. The preserve has more than five miles of trails to explore, especially pretty in the winter when lake-effect snow blankets the ground. Michigan's Upper Peninsula offers rugged wilderness and extreme adventure, from mountain biking and sea kayaking in the summer to fat-tire biking, dog sledding, and snowmobiling in the winter.
Michigan also has the second-highest number of ski areas in the nation, as well as more than 600 campgrounds. The state's biodiversity means that depending on the season, you can encounter reptiles and amphibians, spot mammals like coyotes and red foxes, or search the skies for colourful songbirds.
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English as a Second Language (ESL) programs
Michigan is a great option for international students looking for the quintessential US college experience. It has a large student population, a big international community, and a dynamic mix of cities and landscapes.
There are many English as a Second Language (ESL) programs located throughout Michigan. From community colleges to big state universities, there is an ESL program or English Language Institute available to suit your needs.
English Language Institute (ELI) at Wayne State University (WSU)
The English Language Institute (ELI) of Wayne State University (WSU) in Detroit offers the only intensive English language program in the metropolitan Detroit area. The program specializes in teaching English communication, cultural orientation, and academic preparation skills to non-native speakers of English from all over the world.
Michigan Language Center (MLC)
The Michigan Language Center (MLC) in Ann Arbor is the longest-running private English language school in Michigan. Since 1978, they have served over 50,000 international students and professionals. They offer Intensive and Part-Time English Programs, University Pathway, Business English Courses, and Private/Small Group Lessons. The MLC is located in the center of Ann Arbor, adjacent to the University of Michigan's campus and the main shopping area.
English Language Learning Programs at the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor offers a variety of English language learning programs. The ELPP is accredited and certified to ensure students receive excellent training in English from highly qualified instructors. The campus includes beautiful, natural areas for walking, biking, relaxing, or studying.
ELS/Grand Rapids at Grand Valley State University
ELS/Grand Rapids is located at Grand Valley State University's Allendale campus in Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids is a safe city of approximately 200,000 people, located on the western side of Michigan near Lake Michigan. It provides a friendly atmosphere for international students with a lower cost of living than larger cities.
Ferris State University
Ferris State University is located in Big Rapids, a small, safe, Midwest town 60 miles north of Grand Rapids. They offer a 3-level academic preparation program with conditional acceptance on request, focusing on speaking, listening, and grammar.
Saginaw Valley State University
Saginaw Valley State University in Saginaw attracts more than 400 students from 50 countries each year. They believe that learning, living, and interacting with an international community enhances the college experience and workplace preparation for everyone.
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The cost of living in Michigan
Michigan has 119 institutes of higher education, from the highly-ranked University of Michigan to specialist technology colleges and law schools. The state also has a lot of college towns, so there are plenty of opportunities to make friends.
Michigan has below-average living costs for the US and is the cheapest Midwestern state to live in. This means that international students can get an American college education for less.
Michigan has a dynamic culture and economy, with a large international community. It is the ninth state for the number of overseas students, with 26,930 foreign students in 2014. This means that there will be plenty of opportunities to make friends with people who speak your language or can help you settle in.
The state also offers a quintessential US college life experience, with a focus on sports, particularly American football, social participation, and the Greek system of fraternities and sororities. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to do after class and on weekends, with more freshwater coastline than any other state, as well as inland lakes and streams.
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Application requirements for international students
Michigan has 119 institutes of higher education, from the highly-ranked University of Michigan to specialist technology colleges and law schools. The state is known for its quintessential US college life, with sports, particularly American football, being central to student entertainment. There is also an emphasis on the Greek system of fraternities and sororities.
International students applying to Michigan universities should note that the US does not have a unified system for international student applications. Therefore, applications must be sent to each individual college. There is usually a small fee for each application, and deadlines, term dates, and entry requirements may vary depending on the university.
For instance, international applicants to the University of Michigan are required to apply via the Common Application, along with a $75 application fee. They must submit an SAT or ACT score, a School Report, a Teacher Evaluation, a Counselor Recommendation (encouraged but not required), and a high school transcript. An official English translation is required if the transcript is not issued in English.
International applicants to the University of Michigan-Dearborn must provide an official record of courses and a diploma in the original language, along with an official English translation, from each undergraduate and postgraduate institution attended. They must also demonstrate English proficiency by earning a minimum score on an English proficiency test. However, applicants who have earned an accredited bachelor's or master's degree from an institution where the language of instruction is English are exempt from this requirement.
Michigan State University also has specific application instructions for graduate applicants on its Graduate School website.
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Frequently asked questions
Michigan has a big international community, with students from 50 countries choosing to attend Saginaw Valley State University each year. The state offers a quintessential US college experience, with a range of outdoor activities, sports, and social opportunities. Michigan also has a variety of English as a Second Language (ESL) programs to help international students improve their language skills.
Michigan has 119 institutes of higher education, from highly-ranked universities to specialist colleges. The state also has a low cost of living compared to other parts of the US, and offers a range of scholarships and grants to help fund international studies.
Unlike the UK, the US does not have a unified system for international student applications. To study in Michigan, you will need to send applications to each individual college separately, and there is usually a small fee for each application.
Sports, particularly American football, are central to student entertainment in Michigan. The state is also known for its college towns, with Ann Arbor ranked as the second-best college town in America. Michigan also offers a range of outdoor activities, such as fishing, biking, and camping.
The University of Michigan provides a range of safety resources for international students, including travel health plans, safety plans, and country-specific safety and health resources. The US Department of State also offers tools to assist travellers in learning about visas, travel warnings, and general safety advice.
