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Studying Abroad

Study abroad is not just for Juniors! Rather, the timing (and choice of program) varies by what you hope to achieve by studying abroad. 

There are many resources on campus and online for researching studying abroad programs and preparing for your voyage. Several are listed below, however this page does not provide a comprehensive list of opportunities or resources. 

In planning for study abroad, please discuss with your LSA & Economics advisors (along with the advisors for your other majors/minors, if any) which requirements should be taken here in Ann Arbor (and when), as well as which requirements might be satisfied by courses taken abroad.

Please review the information below, as well as our Frequently Asked Questions & Helpful Links at the bottom of the page for more information about studying abroad.

First Steps: Planning Your Trip

First and foremost, plan early. Speak with your advisors from LSA and your various programs to consider when you should go and which courses you should take in advance and which credits you should hold off on to try to take abroad. 

Next, attend a First Step informational meeting with staff from the Center for Global and Intercultural Study (CGIS). Meeting times and locations can be found here. First Step provides an overview of the wide range of available opportunities for Michigan undergraduates to engage in intercultural experiences and why it is important to study or work in an environment different than the one you are used to.

Carefully research possible programs well in advance of when you want to go abroad. Decide if you will study abroad via a U-M program or through another institution’s program. M-Compass and CGIS are both great resources for searching for programs and information about studying abroad in general. 

Once you have narrowed down your preferences (or chosen a program), you should meet again with your LSA and Program Advisors to do course planning and potentially preevaluate courses for when you return. You can set up an advising appointment with an Economics Faculty Advisor here!

Before You Go

Once you have narrowed down your preferences (or chosen a program), you should meet again with your LSA and Program Advisors to do course planning and potentially preevaluate courses for when you return. You can set up an advising appointment with an Economics Advisor here!

Remember: There may be requirements (such as for passports & visas, or certain immunizations) you will need to have met before going abroad. CGIS and The International Center will be most familiar with these requirements and should be able to help you prepare for your trip! It may also be worth researching the culture you are about to visit and consider various social identities abroad.

Don't forget to register your trip with the University. 

Now is also a good time to look into financial aid and scholarship options to consider how you will fund your trip. CGIS may be a good resource when searching for scholarship opportunities. 

Upon Your Return

After you return, you should make an appointment to meet again with your advisors to confirm that your courses will transfer in as planned. Please see our Transfer Credits page for more information about the process of transferring credits. Note: transcripts from abroad take time to process, sometimes weeks or even months after you return depending on the program. 

It is also important to give yourself time to adjust. Reverse Culture Shock is a real thing and it can be difficult to re-acclimate to life at home. Be patient and seek out information and resources that may help you reintegrate into your life in A2. 

CGIS and the International Center both offers some helpful information about how to prepare for your return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Helpful Links