University of Michigan
For well over a century, the University of Michigan has been one of the most well-recognized and prestigious universities in the world, boasting internationally acclaimed research and faculty.
UM has consistently been listed among the top 20 universities in the world in the Times Higher Education rankings, and Forbes lists it as one of the top 20 universities for research.
The University of Michigan is located in Ann Arbor, a city known for its mix of small-town charm and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Its thriving arts scene means that live music, theatre, dance, and poetry events are around every corner, in addition to a variety of world-class museums.
UM is also famous for its sports. The University of Michigan has a rich and storied athletics tradition. Intercollegiate competition began over 150 years ago. Women's athletics established formal varsity sports in the 1970s. Michigan athletic teams have claimed more than 50 national championships in 12 sports over the years, beginning with football's 1901 national title. The Michigan Stadium, known by locals as “the Big House,” is the largest stadium in the US. It’s impossible to miss football Saturdays in Ann Arbor. Students decked in maize and blue fill the streets to support the Wolverines.
This History of CGIS
The history of undergraduate education abroad in the College of Literature, Science, and Arts at the University of Michigan began more than half a century ago. As evinced in the following text advertising the 1964/1965 Junior Year program in Munich and Freiburg, certain aspects of study abroad have certainly changed with the times:
"The school fees are fixed at $800. This amount includes [tuition and] extracurricular activities, such as excursions and opera and theater performances. Students are asked to indicate their preference for low ($95 monthly) or high ($110 monthly) accommodations.
Students are expected to sail with the JY group in the middle of September 1964 ... Tourist class accommodations on a commercial liner will be arranged for the sailing. RT transportation from New York City to Munich or Freiburg, including an overland trip of four to eight days’ duration, is estimated at $550. Hotel accommodations en route, meals, transfer of baggage and gratuities are included.
All men are required to file Selective Service Form 300 with their local draft board in order to obtain permission to leave the US.”"
What has not changed, however, is LSA’s commitment to the mission of providing its students with global and intercultural experiences, which are still considered to be an essential part of a liberal arts education.
The Center for Global and Intercultural Study was established in 2009 as LSA’s primary international education office. No longer conceived of as simply the administrator of or consultant for study abroad programs, CGIS was founded as a hub of expertise and resources whose responsibilities included advising, program development and assessment, and support of UM faculty members as they explored new models to educate students in global citizenship, enabling undergraduates to learn from and engage with communities across the globe.
As of fall term 2018, CGIS offers 130 programs in 48 countries around the world. These programs are of varying durations, ranging from three weeks to an entire year. CGIS is committed to making study abroad accessible to as many students as possible, and to supporting all students – including those from groups traditionally underrepresented in study abroad – before, during, and after their global experiences. Diversity, equity, and inclusion continue to be key aspects of the CGIS mission.
The Center for Global and Intercultural Study is located on the second floor of the newly renovated Weiser Hall (Suite 200). CGIS handles exchange agreements with specific international partner institutions. If your university’s exchange agreement is managed through CGIS, we will be your first resource connecting you to the rest of campus and providing you with resources for your time in the United States.
For questions related to visa and immigration laws, contact the International Center.
