Welcome International Students!

Welcome to the University of Maine and the University of Maine at Machias! We are so excited to have you here.  We hope the information on this page will assist you in transitioning to your new life in Maine and on our campus.  

Please contact the Office of International Programs should you need further information or assistance at international@maine.edu or at 207.581.3437.

Orientation Resources

Essential Technologies

Best Apps to use at UMaine:
Hear what current UMaine students have to say about the apps they use.  Watch the recording here.   

Academic Success

U.S. Academic Culture: Watch our recorded videos to help you succeed in the US higher education system. More videos on academic culture are posted below. 
 

Purchasing Textbooks

  1. Grab your course schedule from your MaineStreet Student Service Center. 
  2. Visit the UMaine Bookstore website, and select your courses. Then click “Begin Shopping” to see the list of textbooks. 
  3. Review textbooks for each course and add to your shopping cart. Check out and pay for your purchases.
Buying digital copies from alternative textbook website RedShelf.com, Amazon or another retailer in your country:
 – make sure the ISBN number for each textbook and author match (you can find the unique publishing number ISBN for each textbook in the Textbook website for each course).
 
What is the Academic Materials Program (AMP)?
Convenient access to all the required materials that your professors identify as essential for successful learning, available on the first day of class and in one place. Of course, students have the ability to opt out if they choose — but we think you’re going to love this program!

Things to Do

Are you an early arrival looking for something to do?  Explore the area in person or online. 

Do a Campus Selfie Tour:
Explore the campus with a self guided tour, take fabulous selfies, share them with us on Instagram @umaineinternational and Facebook @umaineoip. Best selfies will get UMaine branded prizes!

Virtual Campus Tour: 
Explore our beautiful campus! Take the Virtual UMaine campus tour.

Learn the History of UMaine:
Watch this short video. Explore more videos here UMaine history and UMaine student stories.

Welcome to the State of Maine Through Videos:
 Learn more about the state of Maine by watching People of the Dawn and explore more videos.

Maine in the Movies:
The State of Maine has featured prominently in major motion pictures throughout the years.  Check out this article for a list of movies featuring Maine.

What I like about Maine:
Hear what current students say about why they like Maine at this recorded panel here.

Explore the town of Orono:
Take a self-guided tour using this illustrated map of Orono.

Attend one of the Versant Power Astronomy Center Events:  Cost to students is only $6.  You can review the schedule and purchase your ticket here.

Websites & Videos About Campus Services

Housing
Students in class
Navigate
UMaine Rec Center
UMaine Recreation
Jeff Rampe
Student Accessibility Services
Students at UMaine hockey game
Office of Diversity and Inclusion
University Bookstore
Bookstore
Phong Nguyen News Feature
Writing Center
Cutler Health Center
Student Wellness Resource Center
Mainebound Adventure Center
MaineBound and Outdoor Recreation

Recorded Sessions from Fall 2020


U.S. Academic Environment and Culture:

Section 1: Section 2: Section 3: Section 4:
0:00 Introduction
00:29 Structure of the University
4:08 Academic Titles 		7:55 Terms for Classes
10:20 Types of Classes
12:21 Class Standing
13:32 Majors, Minors, and Concentrations 		16:21 Advising 
19:13 Academic Calendar
20:38 Grades
27:51 GPA 		31:12 General Education
34:09 Other Academic Terms
40:53 Thank you!


Tips for Success in Online/Remote Courses with Elisa Sance

Section 1: Section 2: Section 3:
0:00 Introduction
01:38 Communication and US Norms
2:55 Brightspace pt. 1
4:16 Clarification and Interaction
7:14 Emailing Professors  		10:13 Bright Space pt. 2
14:47 Changes During the Semester and How to Know
15:59 Conditional Release and What is it?
18:15 Time Management
22:46 Time Management with Reading in English
25:20 Organization and Time Management pt. 2 		26:51 Roles in the Learning Space
33:01 Student Roles and Norms in an Online Format
36:29 Attendance in an Online Format
38:52 Asynchronous Participation
40:21 Thank you

Academic Success Tips – Questions and Answers with Elisa Sance

Section 1: Section 2: Section 3:
0:00 Introduction
00:28 What if You Can’t Hear?
2:53 Brain Fatigue and Operating in English
7:27 ADA and Accommodations on Campus
10:42 Tutoring and Other Resources  		12:57 Varying the Speed of the Recording
16:39 Embedded Quizzes 
18:09 Discussion Boards and US Norms
22:29 Group Work and US Norms 		25:19 Oral Exams and Recording
29:53 Citations
32:44 Final Tips (Take Advantage of Opportunities)

Other Resources