What is MEAL @ Michigan?
MEAL @ Michigan is an opportunity for U-M faculty and staff to host international students at their home for dinner. The program is a great opportunity for cross-cultural exchange, as well as to showcase the diversity of U.S. households.
MEAL @ Michigan dinners are meant to be informal and relaxed, and we provide both hosts and students with guides filled with tips, suggestions, and advice from past participants so the night runs as smoothly as possible. You will find these guides at the bottom of the page.
Take advantage of the opportunity to meet and share a meal with people from all around the world at Michigan!
For questions regarding MEAL @ Michigan, contact Kelly Wagner at kellwag@umich.edu.
Who participates?
U-M faculty/staff are the hosts and international students are the guests! Up to four international students will be matched with one host through an application process that is coordinated by the International Center.
When does it happen?
MEAL @ Michigan dinners happen on a Friday or Saturday night (hosts and students are only matched for one date, depending on availability). We usually suggest eating between 6-9pm, but the timing is flexible and can be changed if a different time works better for hosts and students.
Hosts will communicate what time students should arrive and how students will get to and from their home.
MEAL @ Michigan dates for this academic year:
- Winter 2023: March 17 or 18
How do I become a host or guest?
To become a host or a guest, you must complete an application so that we can appropriately match everyone. Matches for students and hosts will be announced around March 6, 2023.
- Hosts: Winter applications Due February 24
- For more information about hosting students for MEAL @ Michigan, read the Hosting Guide.
- Students: Winter applications Due February 24
International students are matched with hosts on a first come, first served basis, and we may not be able to accommodate all requests to participate. Students who are not matched will be put on a waitlist to fill spots if they become available.
Hosting Grants: U-M Faculty/Staff who are hosting and would like financial support to purchase groceries for their dinner, can apply for a grocery gift card to support this cost. Hosts are awarded up to $10 per student they host. Applications are due March 6 and gift cards will be distributed by March 13.
COVID-19 and Wellness Considerations:
All participants of MEAL @ Michigan are encouraged to take a COVID-19 test before attending. Rapid at-home tests can be purchased at any pharmacy, or participants can take a test through the U-M asymptomatic testing program. If you feel sick, please stay home. Mask wearing is optional, but any host or participant requests you wear a mask, please be respectful of that request.
