2026 Summer Orientation Workshop Presentations (International Center)

Join Heather Moore, PhD, Assistant Director of Financial Education and Engagement at U-M, for an informal and practical overview of banking in the United States.

We’ll cover the basics, including what to expect when opening a bank account, common account types, terms and fees, debit vs. credit cards, and safety tips to protect your identity and credit information. There will be time for questions and answers.

Learn the essentials, reduce the guesswork, and start your U-M journey ready for U.S. banking! 

Pamela Bogart from the U-M English Language Institute (ELI) invites you to a Zoom conversation to learn about ELI courses and other resources to support graduate students who speak English as an additional language. 

ELI offers credit-bearing academic English courses (free to full-time students) to support you through all stages of your academic career. ELI classes are small, interactive, and provide students with extensive one-on-one feedback. 

In addition, the ELI also offers one-on-one speaking and writing support, opportunities for informal language practice, and one-time workshops. 

ELI can help you communicate effectively and excel in your coursework and research. We look forward to meeting you!

The University Health Service (UHS), a part of University Health and Counseling, is the campus health clinic for members of the University of Michigan community. In this session, you’ll learn about the many services offered by UHS and how you can take advantage of them! You can expect the presentation to last 30 minutes, followed by 15 minutes reserved for your questions.

Come learn about how to navigate sustainability at U-M, and how you can care for people and the planet! We will be covering the university's commitments to advancing sustainability, as well as many opportunities for you to be involved. This presentation will share a variety of accessible resources here to support you in your sustainability journey at U-M and Ann Arbor.

Join us for an interactive session with a psychologist from Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) as we explore what stress really is and why it’s so common for college students - especially those studying far from home. You’ll hear about challenges international students often face, learn how to recognize and talk about mental health concerns, discover practical tools to manage stress, and find out about resources available to help you thrive at U-M.

This workshop is presented by Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

This presentation will provide detailed information on how to use the University's required health insurance for international students and scholars (the International Student/Scholar Health Insurance Plan). You will learn how and where to obtain medical treatment if needed, and how understanding your health insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses.

If you are a new Graduate Student Instructor (GSI), Graduate Student Research Assistant (GSRA), or a student whose fellowship includes GradCare insurance, attend this workshop for an introduction to how the GradCare insurance plan works. The session will cover how to select and use your insurance plan, highlight important deadlines, and explain the valuable coverage and benefits you receive as a GSI or GSRA. Insurance can be confusing, so take this opportunity to learn and get your questions answered.

This workshop is co-sponsored by the Benefits Office.

Moving away from home as an international student is exciting but also challenging. In this interactive workshop, we will discuss culture shock and how to adjust to cultural differences you may encounter while in the U.S.Students will be encouraged to share their questions and own experiences.

Every country has norms for what is acceptable and unacceptable, and similarly for what is legal and illegal in that particular country. This session will offer important information on what is and is not permitted in the United States. Learn this information now; don’t risk being embarrassed, or even fined or arrested! 

The session will also include a brief overview of landlord-tenant law, including information about what your landlord is and is not permitted to do, and your rights and obligations as a tenant. Avoid possible problems and prepare for a good relationship with your landlord by learning this important information now.

This workshop is presented by Student Legal Services (SLS).

This presentation will provide detailed information on how to use the University's required health insurance for international students and scholars (the International Student/Scholar Health Insurance Plan). You will learn how and where to obtain medical treatment if needed, and how understanding your health insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses.

Moving away from home as an international student is exciting but also challenging. In this interactive workshop, we will discuss culture shock and how to adjust to cultural differences you may encounter while in the U.S.Students will be encouraged to share their questions and own experiences.