University of Michigan-Flint

Terms you Should Know
Selecting your Host University
Exchange Program Application Procedure
Academic Matters
Financial Matters
Health Insurance and the UM Travel Registry|
Visas and Travel Arrangements
Contact Information

Terms You Should Know

“Office of Study Abroad”
The Office of Study Abroad provides up-to-date information about all study abroad programs, including exchange programs. You can contact the Office of Study Abroad for general questions about the programs, as well as questions about the application process.

“Academic Coordinator”
The academic coordinator is the faculty who reviews the courses offered at the partner university, and advises students on academic matters. This is also the person who will work with you to complete your Learning Agreement and will also sign your Learning Agreement.

“Home University”
This is the main university the student is enrolled in and where they will graduate. The home university for UM-Flint students is UM-Flint.

“Host/Partner University”
This is the university that a student enrolls in temporarily. You are considered an exchange student at that university.

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Selecting Your Host University

Research your Destination

The more you know about what to expect at your host university, the easier you will find it to settle in, and the less likely you will suffer from culture shock when you get there. Even if you are used to traveling and have visited the country before, we advise you to research the universities you are interested in and the surrounding area before you make your selection.

• Use the information contained in the Office of Study Abroad webpage
• Look at the Partner University’s website, paying particular attention to the pages created specifically for inbound exchange students.
• Look at the Partner University’s course catalogue to find suitable courses. It is very important that you engage with course catalogue in case you need to make last minute changes once you arrive.
• Research your destination country and the surrounding area to get an idea of the kind of place you will be living.
• Buy or borrow guidebooks, such as Lonely Planet or Rough Guide guidebooks.
• Speak to students who have previously taken part in the Exchange Program or international exchange students that are currently attending UM-Flint.

It is your responsibly to verify dates, deadlines, and costs of the programs.

Gaining Approval from UM-Flint

Be sure that you meet the minimum eligibility requirements set by the host university.

After you have selected the program, contact the Office of Study Abroad coordinator, and then set up a time to meet with the academic coordinator of the program to verify your eligibility and review courses. You may complete the Learning Agreement during this time as well.

For reference on which academic coordinator you should contact, visit Contact Information.

Applying to your Host University

You can officially apply to your Host University once you have met with the academic coordinator of the program and reviewed coursework. Depending on which university you are applying to, you may need to complete an online application or a standard postal application.

Bring all application documents to the Office of Study Abroad, who will mail the application to your Host University on your behalf. You are responsible for making sure you have submitted all application requirements in a timely manner.

You are also required to submit separate forms to the Office of Study Abroad, informing them of your intent to travel. These include:

• Application for Exchange & Agreement
• Release Form

The Office of Study Abroad coordinator is available to help you with your application and guide you through the process. Please email agadzama@umflint.edu if you feel you need guidance and support.

Accommodations

Information on accommodation for your time abroad can be found on the Office of Study Abroad webpage, and on the Host University website.

Housing varies considerably across the different exchange partners and you should be aware that some partners only offer shared accommodation. Other partners are not able to offer accommodation to inbound exchange students but provide guidance on how to secure suitable private accommodation. Most universities have an off-campus housing office to offer help and advice both before you travel and whilst you are living abroad. Some universities have housing forums that you can log on to via their website to search for housing online. It can also be useful to speak to previous exchange students who have visited the country that will host your exchange.

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Exchange Program Application Procedure

To learn more information about each program site, view courses, and apply, please visit: www.umflint.edu/international/studyabroad/programs/exchange/index.htm.

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Academic Matters

Learning Agreement

Students who intend to study at a partner university must complete a Learning Agreement with the appropriate academic coordinator. The Learning Agreement is a form that records the courses you intend to take at the partner university. This form is signed by the UM-Flint academic coordinator and sent to the partner university. An advisor or academic coordinator at the partner university will review the Learning Agreement, provide feedback regarding availability of courses, and send the signed Learning Agreement back to you. If a course is not available or approved, other options will be provided.

If you intend to amend your Learning Agreement at any stage, you must inform your academic coordinator as soon as possible.

ECTS Credits

Many of the partner universities in Europe utilize the ECTS grading system. European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is a standard for comparing the study attainment and performance of students of higher education across the European Union and other collaborating European countries. The ECTS is based on the principle that 60 ECTS credits are equivalent to the workload of a full-time student during one academic year (30 ECTS credits per semester). In general, 1 American Credit = 2.5 ECTS.

The number of ECTS credits you take whilst on exchange is directly related to the amount of UM-Flint credits awarded to you. The academic coordinator at UM-Flint will work with you to ensure you select the best courses that fit your academic plan.

Registration of Course(s) at UM-Flint

When registration for the semester for which you intend to study as an exchange opens, you should register for the appropriate course(s) in SIS. The academic coordinator at UM-Flint will provide instructions on how to register for the appropriate course(s).

As mentioned above, the amount of UM-Flint credits you register for is directly related to the number of ECTS credits you register for at the host university.

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Financial Matters

Tuition & Fees

The Exchange Program works on a reciprocal basis which enables UM-Flint students to attend Partner Universities for one to two semesters without having to pay any additional tuition fees at the Partner University. UM-Flint students participating on exchange programs continue to pay tuition and fees to UM-Flint and are considered to be ‘enrolled,’ even though they will not be on campus. This means access to University email, and other online facilities remains available to students whilst they are abroad.

After you register for the course(s) associated with the exchange program, you will be charged tuition and fees which you should pay by the deadline provided by the Office of Student Accounts.

Personal Finances

Living costs will vary depending on the location and university you decide to study at as an exchange student. Typically, you can expect the following expenses for your trip abroad:

• Round-trip airfare
• Passport & Visa fees
• Health Insurance
• Housing
• Meals
• Books
• Local transportation
• Personal items
• Emergency funds

We suggest contacting your bank in the first instance and asking them whether or not you will be able to access your money for free whilst abroad. If you are not able to do this
you may change banks or open an account in your destination country, particularly if you plan to work as well as study. Some banks require proof of credit before you can open an account.

Financial Aid

Because you will be in ‘enrolled’ status at UM-Flint while abroad, all applicable financial aid that you qualify for will be provided. Please speak to a financial aid advisor to verify.

Other forms of funding support include:

• University Scholarships
• Federal Scholarships
  • Boren (http://www.borenawards.org)
  • Gilman (http://www.iie.org/gilman)

Pay attention to deadlines. It is important to you apply for financial aid, and any other forms of funding in a timely matter.

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Health Insurance & The UM Travel Registry

Health Insurance

Students, faculty and staff from all UM campuses who travel abroad for University-related purposes must have UM Travel Abroad Health Insurance and register in the UM Travel Registry. (University-related purposes may include but are not limited to study, research, internships, service, conferences, presentations, teaching, performances or athletic competitions). Visit www.uhs.umich/tai  for information about Travel Abroad Health Insurance and the UM Travel Registry.

Many partner universities and embassies also require proof of international health insurance at the time of application. Make sure to include proof of enrollment in your application packet(s).

How to Purchase Health Insurance

UM contracts with HTH Worldwide, a leader in international travel health insurance, to provide health insurance coverage. The cost is $1.10/day plus a $5 administrative fee. This rate is subject to change. Visit www.hthstudents.com to purchase health insurance.

U-M Travel Registry

The UM Travel Registry is a secure website that records travel plans and contact information. The Registry is a convenient, one-stop service that supports emergency communications and access to University approved travel abroad health insurance. In accordance with UM’s International Travel Policy, SPG 601.31, University students, faculty, and staff, are required to register their international travel plans when traveling for University-related purposes.

Visit www.global.umich.edu/going-abroad/planning/registry/ to register your travel.

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Visas & Travel Arrangements

Visas

A travel visa is a travel document required by many countries in addition to your passport. It is usually in the form of a stamp or sticker. The visa shows that a person is authorized to enter the territory for which [the visa] was issued, subject to the permission of an immigration official at the time of actual entry.

Visas are obtained from the proper embassy or local consulates of the country to be visited. To determine whether you need a travel visa to travel to your host country, you will need to visit the website of the local embassy or consulate to view visa requirements and visa fees. You will be required to submit all visa requirements via mail, or you may be required to go to the consulate to submit an application in person.

Traveling to Your Host University

It is also your responsibility to arrange travel to your host University. Check the Partner University website for directions and forms of transportation and to determine if they offer an airport or train station pick-up service. Most of our Partners offer some kind of Orientation Program for inbound exchange students so be sure to arrange your travel dates accordingly. You will find this information on the University’s website or you may contact the Partner University for more information. Be prepared to start your exchange program earlier than the official start of term. The orientation program is an important part of the exchange experience, enabling you to make friends and contacts from the moment you arrive. When you arrive at your destination country you will have to pass through immigration control. Make sure you carry these documents in your hand luggage:

• your acceptance letter/email from the host university
• passport
• your visa
• any other documentation related to immigration

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Contact Information

Office of Study Abroad Coordinator
Asinda Sirignano
Email: agadzama@umflint.edu 
Phone: 810-762-0867
For general questions about exchange programs and questions about the application process.

School of Management Academic Coordinator
Dr. Yener Kandogan
Email: yener@umflint.edu 
Phone: 810-237-6675
For questions about the coursework at KHU, ZSEM, FBS, AICU, GU, and BUW.

School of Management Academic Coordinator
Dr. Jacob Peng
Email: jcpeng@umflint.edu 
Phone: 810-762-0019
For questions about the coursework at NTNU.

Honors Program Academic Coordinator
Dr. Maureen Thum
Email: mthum@umflint.edu 
Phone: 810-424-5354
For questions about the coursework at BUW.

JCMU Academic Coordinator
Dr. Roy Hanashiro
Email: okuma@umflint.edu 
Phone: 810-762-3366
For questions about the coursework at the Japan Center for Michigan Universities.

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