LTU International Programs

Welcome to your new home, Blue Devils! 💙🌍
From all around the world to one campus, we’re so excited to welcome our new international students during Orientation Day!

Here’s to a new semester filled with global connections, academic success, unforgettable experiences, and meaningful campus engagement. We can’t wait to see all that you’ll accomplish! 💙

Welcome to the Blue Devil family!

📢 CPT Workshop – September 9!
Are you ready to learn more about Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and how it can support your career goals?

Join the Offices of International Programs and Career Services for an informative workshop covering:
✅ CPT eligibility
✅ Application steps
✅ Effective job-search strategies

📅 September 9
🕒 3:00–4:00 PM
📍 S100

This workshop is for students who have completed one full traditional academic year (Fall & Spring semesters).

Come prepared to learn, ask questions, and take the next step toward your career! 💙

The Office of International Programs will present an OPT Workshop for students graduating in December 2026
When: Wednesday, September 2nd
Where: S100
Time: 4:00 p.m.
What: Step by step instruction on the OPT application process with time for questions with the International Programs Advising Team
*This workshop is open to December 2026 graduates only based on limited space. Another workshop will be offered for the May 2027 graduates in the Spring of 2027. All December Grads are highly encouraged to attend as new information regarding Extension of Stay will be provided.

Meet Jordan Getachew from Ethiopia, a Mechanical Engineering junior at LTU! Jordan chose Lawrence Tech because of its hands-on approach to engineering and the opportunity to gain real-world experience in the classroom. For the past three years, he has been actively involved with Blue Devil Motorsports and the LTU Formula team, helping build and work on the Formula car. One of his favorite parts of the experience has been solving problems, collaborating with new teammates each year, and getting the chance to drive the Formula car. Outside of campus activities, Jordan enjoys spending his free time working on cars, learning more about mechanical systems, doing car maintenance as a hobby, and exploring Downtown Detroit with friends. His passion for engineering and teamwork truly reflects the spirit of LTU innovation and student involvement.

Meet Pooja Madhukar Borade from India!

Pooja recently graduated from Lawrence Technological University with a Master of Science in Information Technology (Class of 2026). During her time at LTU, Pooja made a meaningful impact both inside and outside the classroom. She served as an Academic Tutor, mentoring an international student in Project Management, and worked as a Graduate Research Assistant, collaborating with faculty on research involving academic writing, literature reviews, citations, and research development. Pooja chose LTU because of its strong emphasis on hands-on learning, technology, and research opportunities. Through her academic and research experiences, she developed valuable technical, analytical, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while building lifelong connections within LTU’s diverse community. Outside of academics, Pooja enjoys traveling, exploring new cultures, trying local cuisines, and discovering hidden gems throughout Michigan. Her favorite destination is Mackinac Island, where she enjoys the beautiful scenery, peaceful atmosphere, and unique car-free experience.

Congratulations, Pooja, on your graduation and all of your accomplishments! We wish you continued success in your future endeavors.

Meet Sumedh Ghawalkar from India, a graduate student in Automotive Engineering at LTU! Sumedh chose Lawrence Tech because of the strong research opportunities, Detroit’s connection as the automotive capital of the world, and the chance to build friendships while pursuing his passion for engineering. His research focuses on developing a novel Hierarchical Proactive Event-Triggered Model Predictive Control (HPET-MPC) framework for autonomous vehicle trajectory tracking. With a background in Mechanical Engineering, he enjoys exploring Motion control for Autonomous Systems including vehicles, rockets, humanoids and multi-agent systems. Outside of academics, Sumedh enjoys playing soccer, traveling, cooking, working out, gaming on PlayStation, and trying Japanese and Chinese food. He also enjoys going on walks and spending time with friends. Sumedh believes that “Freedom doesn’t mean fewer responsibilities — it means more, if you have a goal in your life.”

🌍 Looking to launch your career in the U.S. after graduation?

Global Detroit is hosting a virtual Lunch & Learn: “You Got the Job, Now What?” featuring international alumni currently working at Meta, General Motors, and Lear Corporation.

Learn about:
✅ Transitioning from student life to the workplace
✅ Navigating U.S. corporate culture
✅ Building visibility and advocating for your career growth
✅ Real experiences from international professionals

📅 Friday, June 12, 2026
⏰ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST
💻 Virtual Event

This opportunity is shared by Global Detroit and is open to international students interested in career success after graduation.

🔗 Register using the link in the flyer.

Are you interested in startups, innovation, or building connections in the tech world? Don’t miss Emerging Tech Connect — an exciting event designed to bring students and tech startups together.
✨ What to expect:
• Student Pitch Competition (10 AM – 12 PM)
• Networking with startups & founders (12 PM – 2 PM)
• Opportunities to explore career paths and funding ideas
📅 Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
📍 Location: College for Creative Studies, Detroit
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
This event is open to the public — all are welcome to attend the pitch competition!
🔗 Learn more: emergingtechconnect.com
📲 Register by scanning the QR code on the flyer

Please note: This event is hosted by Global Detroit and is not sponsored by our office or the university.

Travel Reminder for International Students ✈️
Before traveling, make sure you have the correct documents.
• Domestic Travel (within the U.S.): Carry your current I-20 and latest I-94. No travel endorsement needed.
• International Travel: Submit a travel notification so International Programs can confirm your travel endorsement and provide return instructions.
Safe travels and plan ahead!

An upcoming webinar on OPT logistics, hosted by Global Detroit, will cover the application process and timelines for securing work authorization.
🗓 April 2, 2026
⏰ 12:00–1:00 PM EST
📌 This event is not hosted by our office.
🔗 Register using the QR code in the flyer.