FAST FACTS
Course name: STDABARD 285
Credits: 1
Day + Time: 3/9/26 - 4/21/26, Tuesdays at 6pm (partial term, easy to fit into your busy semester!)
Format: Online (short weekly readings, reflections, peer comments, live Zooms)
Seats: Only 25 available (don’t wait!)
Eligibility: Must plan to partcipate in a CGIS program
No prerequisites: This course is designed to support students from any U-M discipline
Deadline to register: 2/25/2026
Email CGIS at bolina@umich.edu to request permission to register!
Make your time abroad unforgettable—in all the right ways.
Prep beyond your packing list by learning how to navigate cultural difference, awkward moments, tough conversations, and self-discovery.
Enroll in CGIS’s new 7-week online course designed just for outgoing Wolverines like you.
Why take this course?
Because you’re not just traveling—you’re about to step into totally new cultures, perspectives, and life-changing moments. Don’t be just another tourist!
Real Skills for Real Situations
Practice handling the tough stuff before you encounter it abroad. No stress, just practice.
Expert Mentorship
Learn from weekly Zooms (Tuesdays, 6-7pm) with Dr. Willy Oppenheim and EdGE Mentors who know global learning inside and out.
Supportive Community
Learn alongside other U-M students preparing for study abroad as you share anxieties, swap tips, and make friends.
Get Career-Ready
Build critical skills such as conflict navigation, ethical storytelling, and reflective habits. Great for job interviews & grad apps!
What You'll Do
- Connect course concepts to real study abroad scenarios—including the messy, funny, and/or challenging parts.
- Reflect on your own expectations, biases, and goals in guided weekly modules.
- Give and get feedback—with qualitative tips that help you grow.
- Build confidence for moments when culture shock hits or unexpected conflicts arise.
