International Programs and Services

With faculty members and students from over eighty countries, the College of Engineering recognizes the global nature of the engineering profession and the value of overseas experience. In response, the College offers numerous international programs and opportunities for cross-cultural interaction among its students.

International Programs in Engineering (IPE)

The International Programs in Engineering (IPE) office helps CoE students add an international dimension to their college experience. The IPE office manages study programs, international internship resources and global academic programs. In addition, our staff members assist international students through orientation and social programming and support student organizations such as the Society of Global Engineers. The IPE office also works closely with faculty members to coordinate teaching exchanges and international research initiatives.

Academic Programs

The IPE office oversees two academic programs that promote cross-cultural learning and international experience: the International Minor for Engineering and the Engineering Global Leadership (EGL) Honors Program. The IPE also works with students who are completing the Program in Global Engineering (PGE), a CoE concentration that was offered to incoming students until 2007. Prospective students should visit the IPE office early in their careers to ensure proper planning for these academic programs.

Study and Work Abroad

The IPE office sponsors full-year, semester and summer study abroad programs throughout the world. English language programs are available in Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Foreign language immersion programs are available for students with the requisite skills. For students seeking overseas internships, the IPE office provides information about placement organizations and practical guides to working abroad.

IPE staff members advise students about program options and provide assistance with applications and transfer credit evaluations. Students who are interested in earning degree credit through participation in study abroad should contact the IPE office early in their programs to plan their overseas courses. Applicants for IPE programs must be in good academic standing; additional requirements may apply for certain study abroad programs.

The IPE office also provides resources for locating financial aid and maintains a searchable scholarship database. Most forms of student financial aid can be applied to College of Engineering study abroad programs.

International Student Support

The IPE office coordinates applications and orientation for incoming exchange students from partner institutions and organizes social events and networking activities throughout the year. The IPE International Buddy Program is open to all incoming international students who wish to be paired with a current UM student. The IPE office also advises the Society of Global Engineers, a student organization that promotes professional development and interaction among students from all countries.

Campus Resources for International Students

English Language Institute

The English Language Institute (ELI) offers advanced instruction in the English language to non-native speakers enrolled in the University. Before enrolling in ELI courses, most international students will take the Academic English Evaluation (AEE) as a condition of their admission to the University. Results of the AEE are then used to help the students choose the most suitable ELI courses. The College of Engineering requires students to take the ELI courses they placed into. These courses do not yield degree credit.

International Center

International Center services are available to international students, faculty, and visiting scholars in addition to all students considering work, travel, or study abroad. The International Center helps international students deal with the Department of Homeland Security regulations, with their sponsors and governments, and with other individuals and organizations. International Student/Scholar Advisors are available to discuss and advise on visa and immigration issues, employment regulations, cross-cultural issues, health insurance, personal and family concerns, cross-cultural adjustment, finances, and other matters.

American and international students may obtain information regarding options for overseas study, internships, work, volunteering, travel and international careers through individual consulting and informational programs. The Center's Overseas Opportunities Office library has one of the largest collections of overseas opportunities in the United States.

International Institute

The University of Michigan International Institute (II) promotes research, education, and service in international and area studies. The II and its constituent units offer programs, services and funding opportunities that contribute to internationalizing undergraduate and graduate-level education and is a particularly valuable resource for graduate students and faculty seeking interdisciplinary relationships with area studies and language faculty.