programs for international students

Bridges: An International Transition Program

The Bridges Program offers an introduction to campus and American culture. This week-long program will help students adjust to living away from home and introduce them to the support systems available at the University of Michigan. By attending this program, you will also have the opportunity to meet other new international students, explore campus and Ann Arbor, and learn what it means to be a Wolverine!

Here’s a sample schedule of what you can expect:

Day 1: Educational Opportunities & Campus Resources

Day 2: Exploring Ann Arbor

Day 3: Health & Safety

Day 4: Immigration, Taxes, Banking & Employment

Day 5: American Culture

International Student Orientation

You are required to attend international orientation. International orientation is held the week before classes begin and will help you make a smooth transition to campus life. You can expect the following from international orientation:

• Sessions on immigration and visa issues
• Sessions on academic success, including how you can prepare for graduate school or for the American workforce
• Information about cultural adjustment, both in your new home country and in your new community

Student Support Programs

• Find a program that suits your needs. Many international students are aware of the importance of participating in student support programs, but they may not be sure how to find the right one for them. Ask yourself: what are my goals? What kind of learning environment do I want? Do I prefer a small group or an individual setting? To what extent do I see myself needing help with adjusting to my new cultural environment and whether do I want to become more comfortable in it or maintain my own identity? Knowing what you’re looking for is an important first step, and will help you evaluate which programs are most likely to be effective for you.
• Get involved—and ask questions. No matter how well prepared you are, there’s going to be a period of adjustment when you come to the United States as an international student, and getting involved in student support programs can make this process easier. However, if you aren’t sure about something, speak up! If a program feels like it isn’t meeting your needs, talk to someone there who can point you toward other options. Remember: all members of the campus community have an investment in making your campus experience successful!
• Be proactive—and make friends! The best thing about student support programs is that they provide spaces where people with similar experiences can come together and learn from each other. This means that even though teachers and counselors are present as resources for advice and information, much of what takes place within these programs happens between students themselves—so don’t hesitate to reach out on your own! Who knows—you might end up being lifelong friends with someone from halfway across the world who shares some common interests with you.

The Career Center

You can find information about internships and full-time jobs, prepare for the job search, receive career counseling, attend career fairs and networking events and participate in other workshops through the Career Center. The staff works with University of Washington students across all disciplines to help them build a successful career.

The Office of Global Engagement

The Office of Global Engagement (OGE) is committed to helping international students adjust to life at the University of Georgia and in the Athens community. The staff at OGE can help you with personal, cultural, academic or any other concerns you may have while at UGA.

The OGE office sponsors programs and workshops throughout the year that promote intercultural understanding and a global perspective. These include special events for International Education Week that feature food, music, dance, games and crafts from around the world. In addition, there is an annual International Night talent show which showcases students’ musical abilities and cultural diversity. The OGE also provides opportunities for international students to connect with American students socially through its Conversation Partners Program. This program matches up international students with American peers who meet on a regular basis to discuss topics of interest. Staff members are available to assist international students in adjusting academically as well as culturally to life at UGA by providing information on various issues concerning your stay here such as visas, insurance requirements, employment permits, housing options etc., whenever needed.

The International Student Club

The International Student Club (ISC) is the premier global community for international students, offering a diverse range of services to help you make the most out of your experience studying abroad. Whether it’s meeting other students from around the world or learning about local culture, ISC will help you integrate into and enjoy your new home. ISC is one of the largest global student organizations, with more than 10,000 members. The club organizes events such as cultural dinners and sporting events where you can meet people from all over the world and learn about their cultures. In addition to providing a place for international students to meet each other, ISC also helps connect international students with local residents through community service activities. For example, our volunteers have helped build homes in rural areas with Habitat for Humanity and provided meals for people in need at food shelters.

We have a number of programs to help you succeed at the University.

Welcome to the University! We have a number of programs to help you succeed.

• The International Studies program aims to give students a more thorough understanding of international politics, business and culture. Students can earn their bachelor’s degree at the University and then pursue a master’s degree in International Studies at an overseas school such as Oxford or Cambridge.
• The International Business Program provides students with an opportunity to learn about business practices in foreign countries, as well as different languages. Students who want to work in international business are encouraged to participate in this program. It is open only by invitation so contact us if interested!