University of Michigan International Center

I have been a vegetarian all my life and as a transitioning vegan in Ann Arbor, I have discovered a vibrant and diverse food scene that caters to my dietary preferences. This charming city in Michigan is known for its culinary offerings, and it doesn't disappoint when it comes to vegetarian and vegan options. From cozy cafes and innovative restaurants to farmers' markets and food trucks, Ann Arbor has plenty to offer for those seeking delicious plant-based meals. Being a vegetarian or vegan in Ann Arbor means being spoiled for choice. The city embraces the concept of mindful eating and caters to a variety of dietary needs. Whether you're a lifelong vegetarian or recently embarked on a plant-based journey, you'll find an abundance of flavorful and satisfying options that celebrate the beauty of vegetables, legumes, grains, and more. From hearty vegan burgers to creative vegetarian sushi rolls, the local eateries in Ann Arbor have embraced the art of plant-based cooking. ...

  As we gear up for the Fall semester, I can practically feel the excitement in the air. If you're anything like me, when you shared the news about heading to Michigan with friends and family, the first thing they chimed in with was, "It's cold, you know?" Well, after surviving my first Michigan winter and living to tell the tale, I can confirm they weren't kidding. It can get cold, seriously cold. But I feel that there's more to the story than how cold it is. Yes, it's cold, but it's even colder if you’re not prepared physically or mentally. So this is all you need to know about surviving an infamous “Michigan Winter”.  Invest in really good winter gear.  This could mean a really thick puffer jacket (preferably one that gets to your knees) but, if you’re worried about re-wearing the same jacket over, experiment with puffers of different colors, sleeveless puffers, fleece jackets, trench coats, faux-fur, and so on. Extra points if you can get coats in ...

Coming to the US, I didn’t realize how gifted the country is, in terms of topographical variations. I had no idea there were mountains to hike and desert valleys to walk through. I had been eyeing the national parks in the US since my undergrad days. I had heard and seen so much about the hikes and the incredible views all the national parks have to offer.  There are a total of 63 national parks in the US. This summer, I was finally able to hike some of the most beautiful national parks: Yosemite and Grand Canyon. Just as I was talking about the topographical variations in the US, both Yosemite and Grand Canyon offer totally different views and features.    To enter any national park, there is a fee of $35 which lets you enter the park for up to 7 days (with the receipt). If you plan on going to multiple national parks in a year, I will recommend getting the America the Beautiful Pass . This pass costs $80 and is valid for an entire year. If you plan on going to more than...

I was having dinner in a restaurant across busy State Street, Ann Arbor with my older friend and mentor, whose pseudonym I am going to call William. William – a PhD student in Electrical Engineering – knew the nooks and crannies of pursuing a career in the field, knowledge that would help me navigate my own journey as an aspiring electrical engineer. As we ate and enjoyed the company, I listened intently to William delivering wisdom on doing research, succeeding in class, building strong professor-student relationships. Having dinner with William was a milestone that marked my progress in finding people and support in this new country.  Moving to the US as an international student comes with finding a career without the support you would get in your home country. But a strong network of mentors reduces the stress and guides you to your intended profession. William, other older students, and my professors have helped me in ways that I didn’t know I needed, and have shown me that lis...

Navigating the academic rigors at the University of Michigan can be challenging, but finding a balance between classes and hobbies is essential. Drawing from my experience during my first year, I found solace in exploring archaeological sites and museums. Michigan boasts some of the finest museums in the country, making them perfect weekend getaways or escapes during free time. Here's a guide to some of Michigan's museums, along with intriguing fun facts: University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA): Situated at the heart of the University of Michigan's central campus, UMMA boasts a vast collection of more than 20,000 artworks, spanning diverse cultures and epochs. It showcases an array of paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other visual art forms. An interesting fact about UMMA is that it was one of the first museums in the U.S. to digitize its collections, allowing it to transcend the traditional barrier of physical location and to afford complete access to research a...

Welcome to UofM, all newbies! As you embark on this new chapter of your life, it's essential to focus not only on academic success but also on your overall well-being. Work-out can be a fantastic way to stay healthy, make new friends, and enhance your university experience! So here are some good starting points! Group-X Class (Group Fitness) Starting university in a foreign country can be both exhilarating and daunting. Working out together provides an excellent opportunity to break the ice and form meaningful connections with your fellow students. Joining group fitness classes and sharing the experience of exercise fosters a sense of camaraderie, making it easier to build friendships that will last throughout your academic journey!  As a Zumba Instructor and lover myself, I met so many good and passionate people in the class and they are always there cheering me on and supporting me. This might be the very start of your new friendships in U-M! Below is me with my students at the ...

After finishing two hectic semesters, students are eagerly looking forward to a well-deserved summer vacation that stretches from the end of April to the end of August. As the flowers bloom in May, it is a perfect time to escape to a destination not too far from Ann Arbor but filled with natural wonders. There are several nice places to visit in Michigan. Let’s find out more! Holland What flowers come to your mind in May? Personally, the beautiful and colorful tulips come to my mind. In May, you can see many tulips in Ann Arbor but you can be surrounded by millions of tulips if you visit Holland, Michigan. Holland stands out as a must-visit during the annual Tulip Time Festival, scheduled from May 4 to May 12, 2024. When I visited Holland during the last weekend of the festival in 2023, many tulips started to wither (they were still remarkably beautiful though). To enjoy more fresh tulips with fewer crowds, I recommend visiting during the festival's first weekday. There are severa...