University of Michigan International Center

Summer is my favorite season in Ann Arbor. Compared to the long, cold, and cloudy winter, summer is warm, not too hot, green, and mostly sunny. It's the perfect time to enjoy the good weather and engage in outdoor activities!  Canoe, Kayak and Tube - The City of Ann Arbor Tips: Wear quick-drying clothes and sandals, apply sunscreen, and avoid bringing valuable items on the boat to prevent water damage. Enjoy the rowing process and don't rush. Kayaking is my favorite summer activity in Ann Arbor. I remember the first time I went kayaking with my friend Lucy. We rented a two-person canoe and began our journey, paddling along the river from Argo to Gallop. The excitement started as we encountered several cascades, our boat flowing down mini waterfalls. The splashing water soaked our shoes and shorts, but the thrill of the new experience, the swift boat ride, and the cool breezes made the trip adventurous and exhilarating. The river, lined with numerous green trees, was broad and t...

As a transfer international student who joined the University of Michigan in the middle of the academic year, trying to absorb all the conditions surrounding me during my first time, here was a challenge that I am always proud to say I overcame. My first semester here was Winter 2022. I transferred from a university in the Middle East, which has a completely different educational system, social life, and college atmosphere. I had to stay in a dorm my first semester since I was not familiar with anything or anyone in Michigan. I found myself in Bursley Hall with freshmen everywhere. I was 21 years old at the time. Trying to adapt to waking up early to loud music or my roommate watching movies all night because he was only taking three easy courses and didn't have classes the next day was the worst part. The culture shock started when I realized that everyone in my dorm and my classes had established their social circles, leaving me feeling isolated. Some categorized me as just someo...

Coming all the way to the United States for higher education, homesickness often creeps up on me. Finding food that satisfies my Asian palate has become my little trick to ease sadness and find happiness. Asian cuisine spans many countries with diverse dishes and styles—from the warmth of a winter hotpot to the refreshing spices of summer. I hope fellow international students from Asia can find familiar tastes of home, and that others from around the world can also appreciate the charm of Asian food and culture! Fortunately, Ann Arbor is a welcoming city. Let’s explore the downtown area and discover some unforgettable Asian delicacies!  1. Chinese hot pot - Palace Tang With thousands of years of history, hotpot is a great entry point into Chinese cuisine! The boiling broth can be spicy, tomato, mushroom, and more. Fresh vegetables and meat are cooked in the broth and dipped in sauce, warming your stomach for sure! Palace Tang, newly opened in 2024 in North Campus, is recognizable b...

    Ann Arbor is a lively town filled with a diverse and vibrant coffee scene.  As we all know, there is nothing more satisfying than a good cup of coffee and as a new student on campus this coming fall, you will have the opportunity to take advantage of the rich coffee culture in Ann Arbor. Whether you are an avid dark -roast drinker, a sweet latte lover or you are a student (like many others) who need a kick of caffeine during exam season, there is a coffee shop to suit everybody’s taste.    M36 Coffee Roasters Comet Coffee 
 UMMA Cafe   Cannelle 
 Written by Eva Hayes Whelan   Summer Orientation Peer Advisor  Undergraduate Student  Ireland

I was attending a student organized social event when a colleague of mine, a fellow international student, learned that I was living in Ypsilanti and asked how I could stand living in such a boring place with a curious expression on his face. His question left me puzzled until he told me his Ypsilanti story — a failed attempt of a day trip outside Ann Arbor. Apparently, my friend got curious about Ypsilanti one day and got on TheRide bus on route #4. He got more and more depressed as he got further away from Ann Arbor, watching the seemingly never-ending rows of strip malls along Washtenaw Avenue. He got off the bus at a random location, grabbed a bite at somewhere random, and got back on the bus in the opposite direction back to Ann Arbor. His anecdote made me realize how many Ann Arbor based students (both U.S. residents and international students) are simply sleeping on Ypsilanti and everything it has to offer. Forget about the Washtenaw Avenue (which indeed is depressing) and the ...

I’ve always been fascinated by the immense size and complexity of the world. Growing up on an island, traveling on large continents is always awe-inspiring. The United States is a great nation with a convenient and well-designed road system. If you ever wonder what lies far from Ann Arbor and want to explore, take a road trip! You can experience a wide range of natural and cultural landscapes, meet different people, marvel at breathtaking scenery, enjoy the relaxed vibe, and ponder deeply along the way. Remember to pay attention to the tiny beautiful things and have fun. “The journey is greater than the destination”. The advantages of road trips include flexible itineraries and unrestricted luggage. Since you will drive a car, there is no need to worry about missing buses, trains, or even flights. Unlike flying, you can bring everything you want as long as it fits into your vehicle. This is especially helpful when camping and carrying stoves or other hiking and backpacking gear. Howeve...