Michigan State Education Abroad

"On a personal level, this program has helped me become more confident and independent. Living in a non-English speaking country forced me to become more effective in communication, even in unfamiliar situations. It also taught me that studying abroad is not simply a vacation. It is a learning experience which challenges you academically, culturally, and personally."

Mario Rosario, a junior Marketing major, studied abroad on the Business and Culture in Spain program. Read Mario's Student Story and the education abroad stories of many other students on our website (link in bio).

has it really been that long?

Register today for the COIL Info Session and 4th Cohort open call launch on Wednesday, May 13th at 8 AM, link in bio.

Learn more about Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) at MSU and becoming part of the 4th Cohort of higher-education teaching faculty (i.e., faculty or academic staff with teaching appointments) from all disciplines exploring the theory and practice of COIL through global partnerships connecting Michigan State University and African institutions.

Our Advising Center may be closed for the summer, but you can still get Zoom advising from the comfort of your own home! Make an appointment on our website (link in bio).

Congratulations to our wonderful graduating Peer Advisors, Makena and Norma. They have done so much to support Global Spartans during their tenure by advising students, sharing their experiences on and off campus, and acting as model global citizens in their wide and varied international travels.

Though we already miss them, we're so proud of them and excited to see what they do next!

"This experience has enhanced my academic pursuits and career goals by allowing me to experience mini dissertations and horticultural crop trials while creating a final report including statistical analysis…Pushing myself to explore and take this opportunity has allowed me to challenge myself academically and explore my interests sooner. "

Lariah Tissue, an Agricultural Operations sophomore, studied abroad at the CAFRE - Greenmount campus in Northern Ireland. Read Lariah's Student Story and the education abroad stories of many other students on our website (link in bio).



Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Thank you for celebrating the Program Directors that make education abroad at Michigan State incredibly rewarding with us! We are so impressed and thankful for their dedication to their students and we're happy we could spend this week celebrating them with you.

From Dina Y:

"Dr. Sanjay Gupta truly enhanced my study abroad experience by sharing valuable insights from his time at the Broad College and as the former Dean. Through multiple sessions held before and after our program to Switzerland, he helped us deepen our understanding of international business, specifically within accounting and finance.

He also went out of his way to connect me with Dale McDowell, giving me an opportunity to speak one-on-one about his experience at PwC and working internationally, which was incredibly impactful. Sanjay made a genuine effort to get to know his students throughout the program, and I am very grateful for his support."

From Sydney K:

"Dr. Arpon Shahed radiates positive energy. He helps his students feel confident while giving them a safe space to try new things. He is always willing to give tips and tricks he learned over the years. Dr. Shahed is a great leader and someone I look up to very much."

From Makena S:

"I had such a great experience studying abroad! Jorge Pena Marin created such an impactful experience during our program and truly went above and beyond for our group. He is from Spain and shared and explained the cultural importance of many things while we were there. He was very personable and was always excited to share everything he knew about the professional studies of our program along with the cultural side."

We're continuing Program Director Appreciation Week with some more shout outs from our grateful students!

From Gabriella D:

"I had an amazing experience abroad with my instructors Bethany Judge and Nathan James. They not only made the experience a fun, enjoyable, and memorable one, but they also organized lectures that provided a new perspective of the role that women have played historically throughout different cultures and environments. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them as instructors, and as genuine people."

From Sydney K:

"Dr. Flanders gives her all to making sure her students are learning and get the most out of each experience. Global health is lucky to have such a kind, committed leader. She is a wealth of knowledge and is always willing to share it. "

From Mason S:

"Jorge Pena Marin greatly improved the trip by including his personal understanding of the culture and taking the time to connect with each student individually. Through the addition of his natural charisma and life experience, our education and experience abroad was made all the more valuable."

More Program Director Appreciation Week shout outs from education abroad program alums!

From Mario R:

"Coming into the Business and Culture in Spain study abroad program, I already knew Professor Jorge [Pena Marin] from a previous marketing course. He made this experience exceptional by sharing deep insights into the culture and history of Spain, especially given that he was born and raised there. I truly see him as a mentor, and he provided me with valuable global perspectives that I will carry into my marketing career."

From Nora R:

"I would like to recognize my program director, Elizabeth (Lizzie) Fisher, from the Wines, Mines, and Exports in Chile program.

Lizzie helped us all have a positive experience by encouraging us to ask questions and engage with the people we met. She also fostered a strong sense of community within our group, which made the program fun and meaningful!"

From Anne L:

"Liz Boltz and Chris Sloan are phenomenal teachers and mentors. I am eternally grateful to them for making my two summers in Galway possible. These two would be incredible professors anywhere in the world: their encouragement, their mastery of critical pedagogy, and their ability to stretch students beyond our comfort levels was inspiring. Their instruction will inform my teaching career forever. And, the opportunity that they made possible to do this work in Galway, Ireland was incredible! The overseas aspect of the program allowed my perspective to shift in important ways, helped me make connections to another place in the globe, and pushed me to think differently about myself as a person and as an educator. Liz and Chris made me a better teacher, gave me the opportunity to connect to my heritage, and taught me more than I can say!"

We're continuing Program Director Appreciation Week with some more shout outs from our grateful students!

From Ann J:

"During my study abroad last year, Ecology: The Birth and Development of a New Science in Oxford, England, I had the privilege of getting to know Dr. Georgina Montgomery. She was a wonderful program director. As an English native herself, Dr. Montgomery provided us a holistic view of the city of Oxford, from its controversial roots to its Harry Potter history. Beyond that, Dr. Montgomery was true friend, she was always looking to connect with us and we had very fruitful conversations. In my time at Michigan State she has definitely become one of my favorite professors."

From Ethan V:

"Professor Mi Ran Kim has done an exceptional job planning and organizing the trip. She has always been available to help if any questions arise, and I am confident about our trip this May."

From Sophia K:

"I'd like to shoutout Thomas Rimer. He was so helpful during our Dubai Spring break. He helped the students, made sure we were safe, and made jokes to cheer us up. He taught us about the uncertainty in difficult situations."