Student-Athletes Abroad

Attend a First Step Session! CGIS will hold First Step sessions for student-athletes at the Academic Center (Rm 1230) during the Fall & Winter semester. 

Check back here for First Step session dates. 

Regular First Step sessions are also held every weekday from 5–5:30pm in the CGIS Office, 200 Weiser Hall. First Step sessions provide you with an overview of all CGIS offerings and allow you to ask any preliminary questions that you may have. After you have attended a First Step session, you may schedule an individual advising appointment with a CGIS advisor. At any point, you can open a study abroad application on M-Compass.

Studying abroad leads to significant personal growth and academic development. It also sets you apart from other applicants as you seek out jobs and internships, plan for graduate school, an begin the interview process.

When you study abroad, you get an opportunity to distinguish yourself from those without international experience. Fewer than 10% of all US college students study abroad during their undergraduate career.* So study abroad returnees possess a resume that reflects an experience that 90% of candidates do not have. *(2015 Open Doors Report)

It is never too early nor too late to study abroad. Michigan offers programs for first-year students and programs for seniors and can also help you find programs for international experiences after your undergraduate years.

Study Abroad and Your Future

International experiences make you desirable to future employers because of the skillsand knowledge gained through international exposure. 

As the global marketplace expands, so does the need for candidates who have acquired the key competencies that international experiences provides. Competencies gained from study abroad include:

• independence
• flexibility
• cultural adaptability
• language and communication skills
• problem solving

Study abroad provides unique opportunities to:

• visit a variety of work environments
• improve communication skills
• gain critical thinking and travel skills
• live and study with a diverse group of people
• gain professional experience interning or volunteering
• work with a team on a targeted project or presentation engage in research
• build a network of global connections, including the thousands of UM alums who live and work abroad

Timing

• Do you have a (at least) 3 to 4-week "off-period" in the spring or summer semesters?
  • Are you required to be 'on-campus' during this time?
• Are there particular requirements that you should or should not try to complete while abroad?
• Can you continue your off-season training from off-campus?
• Are there any other team commitments that you need to be on campus for during your off-period?

Meet with your ASP advisor for more advice on when the best time may be to study abroad!

Compliance & Eligibilty

• The NCAA has strict compliance rules about participating in outside competitions. Make sure to meet with the Compliance office and/or your ASP counselor if you have any questions about compliance or eligibility before you leave.

Nutrition

• As an athlete, your diet is likely to be quite strict and specific. Meet with a CGIS study abroad advisor to discuss what the food is like in your host country and meet with the Athletics Nutritionist prior to your departure to create a nutrition plan for while you are abroad.