The Global Ambassador program at EMU is designed to help new international students transition to life at EMU. New international students are assigned a Global Ambassador, either an American student, faculty, or another international student who has studied at EMU for at least one full semester. The Global Ambassador will be in contact via e-mail with the international student, well before he or she arrives at EMU. The goal is to make the new international student feel welcome and at home at EMU.

The Global Ambassador will be assigned around 10 students each, and will exchange emails during the summer, answering questions which the international students may have. Examples of international student questions may include:

• What is the weather like in Michigan?
• What is EMU like?
• What are some fun things to do/ see in the area?
• Are there any good restaurants in the area?
• What is Ypsilanti like?
• What is Michigan like?
• Why did you choose to study at EMU?

The Global Ambassador will attend a 1 hour training session in order to prepare for communication with his or her students. The training session will outline the role and expectations of the Ambassador and where to seek information if the Ambassador is unable to help an international student with a particular issue. The main job of a Global Ambassador is to make the international student feel welcome, by answering questions via email correspondence.

The international students who attend EMU come from all over the world, and he or she may have never even traveled to the U.S. prior to attending college. As a Global Ambassador, you will be one of the very first people at EMU with whom the international student interacts. Their first impression of you can make a big difference on many levels; you have a great opportunity to help a new student feel welcome and transition to their new environment!

Global Ambassadors will be invited to International Student Orientation, where they will have the oportunity to meet the new students and personally welcome those that they have been communicating with prior to the semester.

If you are interested, please fill out the application and submit to the Office of International Students at ois@emich.edu. You will be notified by email if you have been accepted, and of upcoming training dates.

For any questions, please contact Julia Wells at jwells24@emich.edu.