University of Michigan International Center

If you are new in town, you might wonder: where should I study? As you can see from looking at the campus map, there are so many buildings with unfamiliar names that the list can be overwhelming for new students and scholars. Well, don’t worry. After I walk you through various locations in central campus, I’m sure you will have a better grasp on where to go, depending on your personal preference or what type of studying/research that you do. (Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library) There is no better place to start our little “journey” than the Hatcher Graduate Library , since it is conveniently located on the Diag at the center of central campus. The Graduate Library is not only the University’s primary research collection for the humanities and social sciences, but also the ideal place if you prefer to study alone and quietly. Its reference room on second floor is arguably the most popular spot in central campus for self-study: quite atmosphere, well-lit tables and overstuffed...

Are you a fan of traveling? It's my passion to travel. I usually travel to other cities or states during breaks. At U of M, there are several breaks that we can schedule travels. Remember to check school calendar and plan your trips in advance. You can find the calendar from the Office of the Registrar .  Fall 2013 & Winter 2014 Calendar Fall Break: Oct 14 th -15 th Thanksgiving: Non. 28 th - Dec. 1 st   Christmas: Dec. 21 st - Jan. 7 th   Spring Break: Mar. 1 st - Mar. 9 th I usually plan my vocation 2-3 months in advance so I can get early bird discounts. I book tickets and accommodation after I decide my departure and return dates. Some reservations are non-refundable/non-changeable, which means you can’t cancel or change your reservations. This type of reservations is usually cheaper, but less flexible. One tip to keep in mind is to double check the refund policy before you make any reservations. After making the reservation, you can either ...

Ann Arbor is a great city for watching movies. There are two theaters located  very conveniently a block from central campus: 1. The Michigan Theater at the corner of State and Liberty streets is a classic "movie palace" and a center of "culture" in Ann Arbor. Housed in an old and ornate building with two movie screens, and  built in 1928, the theater feels a lot more like an opera house than modern American movie theaters. Seeing a movie here is a must-do in Ann Arbor.  The theater tends to show more art/independent/foreign films than normal American movie theaters (which I consider a very good thing!). Many of these films are not easy to find if you don't live nearby a theater with such a diverse collection. However, the theater also shows some popular blockbusters (especially in the winter, when it tends to show almost every movie that is nominated for Best Picture in the Academy Awards/ Oscars).  The Theater does not only show new movies; i...

Are you looking for things to do in the summer? Are you interested in meeting people and making new friends? The International Center has something for everyone (students, scholars, families). Trips to Chicago and Cedar Point are always popular and sold out within a few days.  Things to do in Ann Arbor is designed for new students/scholars/families. It is offered twice a month.  Exploring Nichols Arboretum with International Families  Dinner and Social at Sabor Latino  English Conversation Group for International Scholars is offered once a month and features a different topic.  If you are looking for volunteering opportunities and want to see a different aspect of American life, join monthly Community Service at Delonis Homeless Shelter.  Other popular events in town are Ann Arbor Summer Festival, Art Fair, and Huron River Day.  No matter what you decide to do, we hope you will enjoy the beautiful weather and have a great time! ...

Senior year brings with it a wave of emotions and responsibilities. If you are an international student, it’s safe to say you are probably on an emotional roller coaster ride your first semester. Many students, like me, debated options including finding a job, take a gap year, do research or apply to graduate school. As someone who has an interest in academia, I decided to pursue the graduate school option. Some important tips that can help facilitate the process are: 1        Make sure you take your standardized tests well in advance! Almost all graduate schools require some sort of standardized test result (GRE, MCAT, LSAT, GMAT), and this does not apply to only schools in the US. It’s a good idea to air on the side of cautiousness, and take these tests in the summer of your junior year or in the first semester of senior year even if you are not entirely sure you will apply for graduate studies. Most tests, like the GRE, are valid for five years, so...

Ann Arbor Downtown Blooms Day is an opportunity to help beautify the city and to connect with other international students and scholars in a meaningful way. We will plant flowers, mulch planters, and help make the downtown areas along State, Main, South University, and Liberty Streets more attractive.  Open to all international students, scholars and families.  After the activities, volunteers will receive a free pizza lunch and a free T-shirt or cap.  Register today:  http://www.internationalcenter.umich.edu/events/social-events.html#bloom