MSCM Relocation Assistance and Orientation

International Student Check-In

The MSCM Program office will schedule a dedicated International Student Check-In Session for all international MSCM students with the International Center as part of the MSCM Program orientation. This session is required to finalize your visa. 

In addition, the International Center is an excellent resource to assist you in getting acclimated to life in the U.S. and at Michigan. We encourage you to take advantage of this resource prior to your arrival at Ross.

You can always contact the MSCM Program office with any questions or requests for assistance. In addition, the MSCM Google Group has current international MSCM student representatives accessible to assist with any topics as well.

INTERNATIONAL CENTER WORKSHOP TOPICS INCLUDE:

  • Adjusting to American and U-M culture inside and outside the classroom

  • Banking

  • Driving in the U.S.

  • Buying a used car and car maintenance

  • Driver’s license written test*

  • Getting to know Americans and U.S. social customs

  • Health insurance and healthcare

  • Information for spouses and partners

  • Introduction to U-M and the Ann Arbor area

  • Legal issues in the United States

  • Local transportation options

  • Personal safety

  • Shopping on a student budget

  • Suggestions for U.S. travel

* You must attend your mandatory check-in program before taking the written test for a Michigan driver’s license.

Health Insurance

All F-1 and J-1 international students and their F-2 and J-2 dependents are required to have health insurance.

The university automatically enrolls all F-1 and J-1 students and their F-2 and J-2 dependents in the university’s International Student/Scholar Health Insurance Plan. If you have health insurance for yourself and any F-2 or J-2 dependents, you may apply for a waiver of the health insurance requirement after you arrive in the United States and complete the required check-in. However, the university will only grant this waiver if your insurance meets all of the requirements listed on the International Center’s website. In almost all cases, it has been our experience that individual health insurance plans purchased by students do not meet these requirements. Otherwise, you must remain enrolled in and will be billed for the international student/scholar plan through your student account.

For more information about health insurance and rates for the university-sponsored plan, see the International Center’s Health Insurance page.

Customs

U.S. Customs has guidelines on moving household items to the United States as a student. This site provides detailed instructions for packaging, what can be imported (including motor vehicles), and paperwork needed for entry.

Banking

You should have a local bank account since you usually will pay rent, utilities, insurance, and other bills by check. Minimum balance requirements, interest rates, and commissions differ among banks, so compare rates and services before you open an account. The banking section of the International Center’s website has links to detailed information about many Ann Arbor-area banks. You can open an account with one piece of identification and any document with your local address, such as a lease or rental agreement.

Banking in the United States is highly automated. You will receive a bank card (commonly known as an ATM card) to withdraw cash, check account balances, transfer money between accounts, etc. Cash transfers from your home country can take between five days and three weeks to clear. Ask the bank sending the transfer whether it has agreements with any Ann Arbor-area banks. If so, open an account with one of them.

Credit Cards

If possible, bring a credit card from your home country, and be sure to have an international card (American Express, Visa, or MasterCard). F-1 international students’ ability to get a U.S. social security number is very restricted, which may make it difficult to obtain a credit card from a U.S. bank. Another option is a charge card. (You must pay off the balance in full each month.) If you have a credit card in your home country, see if you can convert it into a U.S. dollar-based one.

Note: You cannot pay tuition with credit or bank (ATM) cards.

Work Permission for Spouses

Partners who hold a J-2 visa and wish to work part time or full time first must apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for permission to work. Find detailed information about applying for J-2 employment authorization on the International Center’s website. This process may take several months.

International Neighbors

International Neighbors is a community volunteer organization created to offer friendship and understanding to women who have come to the Ann Arbor area from other countries.

Membership has grown to more than 700 women who represent more than 50 countries. International Neighbors offers a variety of activities that make it possible for women to share their cultures and learn from each other. Events include large group gatherings, such as the Fall Reception and International Days, as well as smaller, more personal groups. All women are welcome to participate. Knowledge of English is not necessary, and participation is free.