The Dearborn Experience as an International Student
September 30, 2021
Undergraduate transfer student Parth Amin on his journey from India to UM-Dearborn
We mean it when we say, University of Michigan is world renowned. Students venture across the globe to earn the Michigan degree from our quaint campus in the heart of southeast Michigan. Parth Amin, a mechanical engineering student within the College of Engineering and Computer Science, relocated from his home base in Mumbai, India for the unique opportunity to learn from UM-Dearborn’s esteemed faculty and to explore hands-on learning experiences within metro Detroit’s historic auto industry. Here, Parth shares his journey as a Dearborn Wolverine.
What led you to UM-Dearborn?
I studied mechanical engineering in India and wasn’t sure whether I wanted to continue studying further. My parents actually convinced me to go for my degree in the U.S. We did a little bit of research and found a consultancy called IDP and decided it would be a great resource to help us to find good universities. I applied to about 10 universities and got accepted into all of them, but my major concern was finding a university with a good mechanical engineering program. In Michigan — especially in Dearborn — there are so many automobile and mechanical companies, like Ford and GM, so I thought this would be a great place.
Why did you decide to pursue an education in the U.S. over India or somewhere closer to home?
I wanted to go to a different country so that I could grow as a person and meet new people.
Beyond a strong mechanical engineering program, what were some of the things that you were looking for in a university?
I was originally looking for a big campus so that I could have more opportunities for research with a professor or maybe a campus job because it can be difficult for a foreign student to survive in the U.S. if you're not earning. It gets easier if you can get a campus job, so that's what I was looking for. I was also looking to get into the best-ranked school according to my profile.
What made you land on a smaller university like ours?
I just weighed the pros and cons. I had a talk with my advisor at IDP who said that UM-Dearborn was offering a good scholarship and the mechanical program is really good. She said there was a good chance of securing a good job after graduation and that was the aim.
Are agencies like IDP common resources for international students, or do many try to apply to abroad universities on their own?
Most of the students who plan to come to the U.S. consult some agency. There are a lot of consultancies in Mumbai where I am from, so even before I got to know about IDP, I visited a few others. I don't think many students apply by themselves because it's a complicated process. The agency helps you with absolutely everything from getting your certificate and transcript from your previous college, to deciding what colleges will be suitable for you. Once you have short-listed a few schools, they’ll help you prepare recommendation letters that can help in the admission process and guidance on how to write a statement of purpose.
Transferring to UM-Dearborn must’ve been a major transition. What was your first-year experience like?
It was not a big shock. I really enjoyed my first semester. I didn't find anything difficult, it was just a great learning experience. I’m living with three roommates and became great friends with them, and there are a lot of Indian students here, so I don't feel alone. All of the classes are also great. I’ve learned a lot. The teaching method and class setups are a bit different than India. Teachers are really open to taking questions and patient with explaining things. It’s easy to go up to professors if you don't understand something, or if you are curious about the topic. You can also schedule breaks between classes, so there's a lot of flexibility in the schedule.
So, you live in an off-campus apartment with three roommates — how do you like it?
I'm in Fairlane Meadow Apartments and it’s amazing. We have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a living room and it’s affordable. My roommates are all graduate students studying at our university. One guy is doing mechanical engineering so he helps me out on assignments if I need it, so it's been a good learning experience. We can also take the shuttle to campus, so that is a great service. It comes every 40 minutes and only takes about 20 minutes to get to campus — 10 minutes from here to the Fairlane Center, and from the Fairlane Center to the university takes another 10 minutes.
Are your roommates also international students?
They're all from India. We got to know each other through IGSA, the Indian Graduate Student Association. When you’re admitted to the university, someone from IGSA will add you to their WhatsApp group with all the people who are coming in that semester. Then they ask you details about what date you are coming and what state you're coming from. If people are coming from the same state maybe it's better for them to live together. They gave me the contact of three other people suggesting that I talk to them and that's how we got to know each other.
Has the International Affairs Office been helpful in your transfer process?
Yes. Randy, [the International Recruitment Coordinator] is always accessible. If I have any questions, I just shoot him a WhatsApp text and he always replies. He's been a great help.
Have you been able to get involved on campus?
I did get an internship. It's a quality engineering position with a company, which manufacturers interior parts like the center console and the side panels in cars for companies like Ford, GM and even German companies like Mercedes and BMW.
I also volunteered for the student pantry for a while. My friend introduced me to the pantry as a really great help for us students from different countries to get basic stuff like canned and frozen foods. There’s also a little fridge, which has fruits and vegetables, and there are bathroom essentials, like razors, pads, shampoos, body wash, and deodorant. This semester, I had a lot of free time between my classes so I was like, why not take part and volunteer for them? I’d help with the sign-up and issue students new cards.
Have you had an opportunity to explore metro Detroit?
When I was taking a music history course, our professor asked us to visit a concert and write a report on it. The professor informed us that there were some concerts going on at the Ann Arbor School of Music, so I took the Campus Connector and went. That day was great. I really like Ann Arbor. I’ve also gone to downtown Detroit a lot of times with my friends, and last month, I went Up North to Pictured Rocks and Mackinac Island. I really had a great time there.
Is there any advice you would give a student from India or another country who is considering transferring to UM-Dearborn?
The only advice I would give is to really research your program and your school. Don't just get excited or attracted by the size of the campus or the location because what you're taking is really important. The main thing you're going there for is to study. Even if the campus is small, in the future, you can have a lot of different opportunities if you choose the right program.