In order to officially become a semester exchange student at Ross, your home institution must have an exchange agreement with the Stephen M. Ross School of Business through the Office of Global Initiatives. Check with your home institution's international office to see if you qualify. The nomination process is housed entirely within your home institution's international office. 

BY COMING TO MICHIGAN ROSS AS AN EXCHANGE STUDENT, YOU WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO: 

• Spend a semester taking stimulating courses with our world-class faculty in top-ranked MBA and BBA academic programs
• Take full advantage of career advising and job recruiting with Ross Career Services 
• Make friends within a diverse student body drawing from all 50 U.S. states and 129 countries
• Get involved on campus with other students who share your interests (whatever they are) with more than 1,000 student clubs and organizations 
• Live in one of the "happiest cities in the United States" (we're pretty happy at Ross too!)
• Join the extensive Ross and University of Michigan networks, with more than 58,000 Ross alumni living and working in 107 countries, and more than 682,000 U-M alumni residing around the globe 

For more information, check out the 2019 -2020 Ross School of Business Fact Sheet.

Application & Admissions

Once you have been nominated by your home institution, you will receive instructions from Global Initiatives will then work to review your application, admit you to the University, and provide documentation necessary for your student visa. 

Preparation

Before you set foot in Ann Arbor and experience life at Ross, there are several important items that require your attention: 

Incoming Exchange Handbook 

The Incoming Exchange Handbook a detailed and informative resource for exchange students coming to Ross. The handbook includes a pre-arrival checklist and helpful information about the culture in Ann Arbor, finding housing, academics, the University campus, and much more. 

Securing Housing in Ann Arbor

Securing rental housing in Ann Arbor can be a challenge, particularly during the fall semester. We recommend you begin searching apartment and short-term housing listings as soon as possible after accepting your exchange placement at Ross. Reviewing pages 8-10 of the Incoming Exchange Handbook is a great place to start your search! 

U.S. Visa Processing 

Once you submit all admission application materials in our online application system (M-Compass), the Global Initiatives team will send your information to the International Center for I-20 processing; this may take up to several weeks. Once processed, your I-20 certificate will be mailed to you. You will need to make an appointment with the nearest U.S. consulate to continue with the student visa application process. For more information, check out the U-M F-1 Student Visa page. 

Access to U-M E-mail and Student Account 

After being admitted as a student, you will receive a series of important e-mails (to the e-mail account that was provided with your nomination/application) granting you access to a University of Michigan student account and e-mail address.

Course Registration  

Once you are admitted as a student, you will receive an e-mail from the Ross Registrar's Office with instructions on how to register for courses via Wolverine Access. 

Mandatory Incoming Exchange Orientation 

A few days prior to the beginning of each semester, Ross, in partnership with the International Center, conducts a mandatory exchange student orientation. This orientation includes the mandatory International Center Check-In required to activate student visas, an Academic Services presentation, and a great deal of helpful information regarding the university, Ann Arbor, and American culture. All incoming exchange students are required to attend this meeting. 

Academics

The faculty and staff at Ross are deeply committed to helping you succeed and gain as much knowledge as possible from your exchange experience. We strongly recommend that you meet with a Ross academic advisor early in the semester to discuss your academic goals and options. An advisor can also offer guidance if you find yourself struggling with your coursework. You will learn about how to meet with an academic advisor at the Mandatory Incoming Exchange Orientation at the beginning of the semester. 

The University of Michigan also offers several services to help students succeed academically, including the Sweetland Writing Center, the Language Resource Center, tutoring, and research assistance from U-M librarians. 

Course Registration

Course registration for the Fall semester begins in April, and registration for the Winter semester begins in November. You will receive instructions via e-mail on how to register for classes online in Wolverine Access, the University of Michigan's student information system. You will use your new U-M log-in credentials to access the system. 

Exchange students are not permitted to take core classes. Also, students should note that there are sometimes prerequisite requirements for classes. If you register for courses that have prerequisites, you may be requested to provide relevant documentation of courses taken at your home institution. If such proof cannot be provided, you may be removed from the course. 

Ross course descriptions can be found online, but note that not all courses are offered every semester and some courses may not be offered due to staff availability. You will be able to check the availability of classes in Wolverine Access prior to registration.

Career Services

We want your exchange experience to not only benefit you personally and academically, but also with opportunities for career prospects. At Ross, you will have the same access to career resources as full-time students, including recruiting for jobs and internships, career workshops and resume review services, and career advising. Learn more about Career Services.  

Housing

Securing rental housing in Ann Arbor can be a challenge, particularly during the the fall semester. We recommend you begin searching apartment and short-term housing listings as soon as possible after accepting your exchange placement at Ross. 

Global Initiatives will send information regarding housing as soon as your home institution nominates you for the semester exchange program. Make sure to check out pages 8-10 of the Incoming Exchange Handbook for more details and resources regarding housing. 

The International Center at the University of Michigan also provides great housing resources. Note that some housing options are require a full-year commitment, which would not accommodate semester exchange students.

Our Team

The Global Initiatives team is here to help! As you prepare for your semester abroad, please feel free to reach out with any questions you might have.  

Clubs and Organizations

The University of Michigan has a proud history of student activism and student organizations. Currently, there are over 1,100 registered student organizations on campus. 

During the beginning of the semester, the Office of Student Activities and Leadership organizes activities that offer an opportunity to meet various organizations and learn more about the numerous clubs on campus. These campus information fairs are Festifall (occurs in September on the Diag), NorthFest (occurs in September on North Campus) and WinterFest (occurs in January). Ross also has a MBA and a BBA "Meet the Clubs" event in the fall. 

Watch this video to learn about previous incoming exchange students' experiences at Ross! 

Check out the Ross Exchange Student Directory for features on exchange students currently studying at Ross and explore the testimonials from past students below: 

"What I like most about Ross is the professors who are very passionate about and professional in their research field. Their passion makes me energetic, and their professionalism inspired me to think more beyond the knowledge."  - MBA Exchange Student 

"The exchange program was a pretty nice experience for me who hadn't been in America before. The people in Midwest America are friendly, humble and easy-going. It's a great chance to allow me to get closer to American culture, people and education. I'm impressed by the management, infrastructure and value of U of M. It's an open and free environment, which encourages any student to pursue excellence in academy, sports, leadership, and other perspectives. International students have access to assistance and care from school, which made us feel that we were welcome and not isolated by any local community. I opened my eyes and got more confidence and positive thinking during the exchange at Ross. I'd like to recommend students from my home school HEC Paris to have exchange experience here." -Shun Chen, MBA Exchange Student from HEC Paris 

"I loved my first football game in Ann Arbor. It was an exhilarating experience! Fall is probably the most beautiful time to visit Ann Arbor. You get a bit of summer, fall and winter, with a touch of snow. Ann Arbor is a proper student town that is fun to live in as it not only has a young vibe to it but also the University spirit you are looking for." -Devika Punchhi, BBA Exchange Student from Cass Business School, City University of London

"During my exchange period in Ross, I truly enjoyed the inclusive environment with students that embrace innovative mindsets and pursue excellence. The World Class programs have broadened my insight into a broad area of business and granted me a valuable network to global leaders." -Tsz Tsung Tam, BBA Exchange Student from HKUST Business School

" Overall, I could not have asked for a better outcome of my exchange abroad. When choosing Ross School of Business I had high expectations, that were exceeded. I enjoyed every moment of being part of the U of M student body and I am eager to stay involved as a U of M alum. Ross is a great place to grow as an individual while also meeting great people and benefiting from an amazing environment. GO BLUE!!!" -Lukas Ebner, MBA Exchange Student from University of St. Gallen

"I really enjoyed my time in ann Arbor and had a great experience. The town offers everything you need and Ross is an excellent Business School. I take away many new friendships, cultural experiences and impressions from my travels throughout the US." -Henrik Harold Engelkamp, BBA Exchange Student from WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Managment

"A semester at Ross is truly a fascinating experience. The possibilities of learning and growing are limitless. Nurture your curiosity by taking classes with top teachers, discover a truly American campus, and meet some of the friendliest students I've ever come across. I've lived those past 4 months at 200%, and I can assure you it was more than worth it. Forever Go Blue!" -Edouard Bapst, BBA Exchange Student from HEC Paris

"I had a great time in Ann Arbor, and it was all about the people! I made friends that I will keep for life. It's best not to be shy, get out there and meet as many people as possible - you can never go wrong making a new friend." -BBA Exchange Student from ESSEC

"Life at U of M had everything! Great classes and teachers, so many interesting people to talk to, this atmosphere in the Big House (buy season tickets!), and even some time to travel. Go and see for yourself what makes Ross and the University of Michigan so perfect!" -Alexander Blum, MBA Exchange Student from WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management

"Robust academic infrastructure and great classes have changed my view on business. I could have access to the school's extensive database, which has improved my research capabilities tremendously. Especially, the Navigating Change class has given me invaluable insight about how to lead an organization and what kind of leader I should become." -Hwanhee Lee, MBA Exchange Student from CEIBS