1200 Weiser Hall · 500 Church St. · Ann Arbor, MI 48109
734-764-4311 · cgis@umich.edu · http://www.lsa.umich.edu/cgis

CGIS Exchange Information
University of Michigan (UM) - Ann Arbor

Contact Information
Mailing Address
Center for Global and Intercultural Study (CGIS)
Suite 200, Weiser Hall
500 Church Street
Ann Arbor, MI48109
USAEmail Address: cgis@umich.edu
Webpage: CGIS
Incoming Exchange Coordinators● Ben Peipert: bpeipert@umich.edu● Elijah Rodriguez: elijoe@umich.edu
The Incoming Exchange Coordinators work together on the incoming exchange student
program. Please CC both coordinators on any email correspondence.

UM Academic Calendar● Office of the Registrar (RO) Academic Year Calendars

2Application Deadlines● Fall or Academic Year (AY): February 15● Winter (Spring): July 15

Application Requirements● A complete application requires the following:○ To be completed by home institution partners:■ Nomination Form for Incoming Exchange Students■ Undergraduate Non-Degree Application Part 2○ To be completed by applicants:■ Undergraduate Non-Degree Application Part 1■ Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)■ Financial Resources Statement (FRS) and supporting documents■ UM Transcript Release Statement■ Copy of valid passport

Application Review● Once CGIS receives a complete application, it will be reviewed for suitability inthe exchange program.
● During the application review period, applicants should regularly check theiremail for important messages.
● Upon initial review of the application, CGIS will contact students about missing orincorrect documentation.
● After CGIS conducts a preliminary review of the application, the UM Office ofUndergraduate Admissions (OUA) will conduct a final review. OUA makes thefinal admissions decision.

Admissions Decision● If UM offers admission to the exchange program, students will be issued
notification by email.
● Admitted students will be emailed an admissions packet which will include visa
application instructions and a Form I-20.

3● Students will also receive information on the International Undergraduate
Orientation, health insurance, housing, and arriving in Ann Arbor.

Academic Information● Exchange students are only permitted to take undergraduate courses from theCollege of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA).
● Exchange students are not permitted to take courses outside of LSA. For
example, exchange students cannot take courses at the Ross School ofBusiness or Michigan Engineering.
● Exchange students are not permitted to take Electrical Engineering andComputer Science (EECS) courses.
● Courses in Economics, Communication Studies, Psychology, and Political
Science can be difficult to enroll in.
● Prior to departure, students will be contacted by an academic advisor who will
provide information and assistance to students about LSA courses and how toregister.
● Students should plan on registering for 12-18 credits per semester.

Language of Instruction● All courses are taught in English, unless otherwise indicated.
● Students seeking additional English instruction may also select courses from theSweetland Center for Writing. In addition, the English Language Institute (ELI)
offers various resources for students.
● UM offers language courses in over 65 languages.

Transcripts● Upon completion of the exchange term, CGIS will organize to have officialtranscripts sent to each student’s home institution.
● Students can also order official transcripts for free via Wolverine Access.

Accommodations● Unfortunately, it is very difficult for exchange students to secure UM on-campus
housing (dormitories). UM on-campus housing is extremely limited and istypically reserved for incoming degree-seeking students.

4● Exchange students can apply for UM on-campus housing, but should know that aroom is not guaranteed. In addition, exchange students should research
off-campus housing options and make plans to live off campus.
● Students are responsible for making their own housing arrangements, andshould plan on making housing arrangements right after gaining admission toUM.
● Ann Arbor offers a variety of housing, both on and off campus, to suit a variety ofliving needs. Please see the housing resources below:○ Michigan Housing○ Off-Campus Housing○ Beyond the Diag-Off-Campus Housing○ UM International Center-Housing○ UMICH Housing, Rooms, Apartments, Sublets (facebook)● Incoming exchange students are permitted to join the UM Global Scholars
Program (GSP). GSP offers a traditional dorm experience with addedintercultural learning sessions and community, and is located in North
Quadrangle Residence Hall. Students must apply both to GSP and to the UM
Housing office. Applicants must be admitted to UM before applying to GSP.
● Students who stay in UM housing are required to have certain immunizations.
These immunizations are also highly recommended for students who are staying
off-campus. Please see the Vaccination Requirements webpage for more
information.

Visa● The UM Office of Undergraduate Admissions (OUA) advises all incoming
exchange students to apply for the F-1 visa.
● The vast majority of incoming exchange students receive an F-1 student visa.
● The UM Office of Undergraduate Admissions (OUA) will send the Form I-20 toadmitted students. This form is required when applying for an F-1 visa.
● The UM International Center (IC) handles all F-1 and visa-related matters.

Working on Campus, OPT, and CPT● F-1 and J-1 students are eligible to work on-campus while attending classes. The
work does not need to be related to the student’s field of study. Students must
maintain legal F-1 or J-1 status while engaging in on-campus employment.
Please see the UM International Center (IC) link below for more information andrequirements:○ On-Campus Employment for F-1/J-1 Students5● Exchange students are not permitted to participate in the Optional Practical
Training (OPT) program or the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) program.
Please see the UM International Center (IC) link below for more information:○ Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students○ Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for F-1 Students● Please be aware that some courses require students to complete an internship.
These courses are not available for exchange students to complete, as theinternship requires participation in OPT.

Arrival and Orientation● Orientation is mandatory for all exchange students.
● During orientation, students learn about health and safety resources, how tomeet with academic advisors, and about the US educational system.
● Students must perform their mandatory immigration check-in online upon arrival.
They will be required to submit scanned copies of their immigration documents
so that the UM International Center (IC) can activate their SEVIS record.

Fees● Exchange students do not pay UM tuition. Instead, they pay their home institution
tuition while studying at UM. Exchange students will receive a UM tuition waiver.
● Students registering for more than 18 credits will be charged additional tuition perhour. Some courses may carry an additional Lab Fee, which is not covered aspart of the exchange agreement.
● CGIS exchange students are not required to pay the $500 International StudentFee.

Health and Safety● All international students are required to purchase health insurance, which iscoordinated by the UM International Center (IC).
● New students will automatically be enrolled for health insurance during
orientation, a few exceptions apply. Please consult the IC for health insurance
waiver information.
● Students who stay in UM housing are required to have certain immunizations.
These immunizations are highly recommended for students who are staying
off-campus. Please see the Vaccination Requirements webpage for moreinformation.

6● Students can access a wide variety of health, mental health, and public safety
resources while on campus. Please see the links below for more information:○ University Health Service (UHS)○ Dental Care
○ Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)○ UM Division of Public Safety and Security