Sessions For: Student Life (International Center)

(Previously HEC 116)
This training will provide a high-level overview of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program and an introduction to key responsibilities for UM units hosting a J-1 Exchange Visitor, both before and after the Exchange Visitor’s arrival.
About the J-1 program:
A J-1 Scholar is a visiting researcher, professor, or specialist from a country outside of the United States who has been approved to enter the United States for a specific purpose and for a limited amount of time. The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is administered by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) for the express purpose of promoting international educational exchange of expertise and stimulating collaborative teaching and research efforts.  Exchange is truly at the core of the program and based on this philosophy and directive.
Topics Discussed:

Visa and Immigration OverviewHow to Request a DS-2019 for a visiting scholarScholar Request FormsMandatory Immigration Check InInternational Center Services
More information and FAQ’s on the J-1 scholar program at UM:

https://internationalcenter.umich.edu/departments/overview-j1-exchange-visitor-program

International Student Lunch Conversation (ISLC) is a casual time and space for international students to connect with each other and talk about life as an international student in the U.S. and at U-M. Food is provided!
ISLCs are co-sponsored by the U-M Library, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and the International Center.

The International Center is excited to celebrate the academic achievement of our international graduates this May with an International Student Graduation Cord! The International Student Graduation Cord is an initiative to showcase the broad impact of international students at U-M. These blue and green cords are intended to bring visibility to the significant contributions of international students both in and out of the classroom. There is no charge for the graduation cord.
Cords are available to any graduating student participating in the May 2026 ceremonies. International graduates can pick up their cord at the International Center the week of April 27. Official pickup times are listed under the event. If you miss your pick up slot, you do not need to re-register, just show up at the next available time!
Exchange students and scholars are not eligible for graduation cords.

The International Center is excited to celebrate the academic achievement of our international graduates this year! To celebrate, we hope that graduating international students, and their family members, will join us for a reception in the South Lounge of the Michigan Union (first floor, across from Sweetwater’s) to enjoy refreshments and pick up a graduation cord!
The International Student Graduation Cord is an initiative to showcase the broad impact of international students at U-M. These blue and green cords are intended to bring visibility to the significant contributions of international students both in and out of the classroom. There is no charge for the graduation cord.
Graduation cords will be given to graduates at the International Center Graduation Reception. If students cannot attend the reception, please register for this option to collect your cord.
This event is a strolling reception with no formal program.
Exchange students and scholars are not eligible for graduation cords.

The International Center is excited to announce a series of in-person Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) events! These events are an excellent opportunity to prepare for your travels to the U.S., meet other new U-M students, as well as get your questions about U-M answered by current students, alums and IC staff.
Summer 2026 PDO hosted cities will be:
May 24: Shanghai
May 29: Beijing
May 31: Mumbai
June 6: Tokyo
June 14: Taipei
June 19: Seoul

Registration: Students are only allowed to register for one event. If you are unable to attend in-person, there is also a virtual PDO option being offered. You can find more information and register for the virtual event here.
Guests: Due to limited space at event locations, undergraduate students are allowed to bring one parent to the event. Graduate students are not permitted to bring any guests.
Unless specified, all events will be conducted in English.
Click below for more detailed information about each PDO.

The International Center is excited to virtually meet new international students who will begin their studies in Fall 2026!


This event is designed to help new international students gain valuable information about University of Michigan services, life in the USA/Ann Arbor, campus resources and valuable immigration information. Attendees may also submit questions in advance when they register.
Sessions will be recorded and will be shared with attendees afterwards.