michigan state travel abroad

Spartan Pathways Travel Program

Explore the world with fellow spartans.

The MSU Alumni's Spartan Pathways travel program offers you the opportunity to experience hassle-free domestic and international tours with fellow Spartans.

We offer a large selection of travel opportunities that introduce you to each destination's social, cultural and recreational activities. All our tours are of the highest quality and offered by only the most reputable and experienced travel companies.

Spartan Pathways Travel Catalog

View our catalog online. Please contact Regina Cross via email for additional information.

Looking for a no-fuss, easy-to-print brochure? Click here for an easy-to-print brochure . To be environmentally conscious, we are not printing and mailing brochures.

For more information, read about travel insurance, the MSUAO disclaimer and COVID-19 protocol information .

2024 Travel Tours

2025 Travel Tours

Travel Insurance Highly Recommended

We strongly recommend that you be adequately insured against last-minute trip cancellation and other travel-related risks. If you are unable to travel due to illness, family illness, or unforeseen circumstances, purchasing travel insurance will help to recoup payments you have made. Travel insurance will also cover the cost of trip interruption, delays, medical emergencies and evacuation, loss of baggage or baggage delays, and any pre-existing medical conditions that you may have. You are welcome to insure with any provider you desire. The MSU Alumni Office is affiliated with USI Travel Insurance , and information on their services will be sent as a part of your Spartan Pathways tour confirmation letter.

Michigan State University Alumni Office Disclaimer - Spartan Pathways Travel Program

The Michigan State University Alumni Office (the MSU Alumni Office or MSUAO) and the Spartan Pathways Travel Program is not the Tour Operator. The MSUAO is not responsible for the changes of flight times, fare changes, dishonor of airline, hotel or motor coach transportation and car rental reservations, delays, losses, injuries, inconveniences, cessation of operations, airline or tour operator bankruptcies, acts of God, or any other event beyond our control. The MSUAO acts only as a sponsor with respect to the travel services, and it shall not be responsible for changes to flight times, fare changes, dishonor of airline, hotel or other reservations, injury, damage, loss of baggage, accidents or for the acts or defaults of any person or entity engaged in providing services to participants or in carrying out other arrangements of the tour. Further, the MSUAO shall not be responsible for losses or additional expenses of the participant due to sickness, weather, strike, civil unrest, acts of terrorism, pandemic, epidemic, quarantine, acts of God, governmental intervention, or other causes beyond its control. The MSUAO shall not be responsible for alteration in the itinerary as deemed necessary for carrying out the tour and the Tour Operator may substitute hotels of similar quality. The Tour Operator may postpone or cancel any tour prior to departure. The MSUAO or the Tour Operator may decline to accept or to retain any person as a member of the tour should such person's physical or mental health, actions or general deportment impede the operation of the tour or the rights or welfare of the other participants. No refund will be made for the unused portion of any tour. By embarking upon travel, the participant voluntarily assumes all risk involved in such travel, whether expected or unexpected. Participant is hereby warned of the above risks as well as possible travel industry force majeure, bankruptcies and medical and climatic disruptions, and the possibility participant may be unable to travel as scheduled because of personal emergency. Participant is advised to consider obtaining appropriate insurance coverage against these risks. Applicants for participation on this tour accept in full all the conditions set forth above. The MSUAO partners with other universities and alumni from other universities will be on many departures. While some of the Spartan Pathway's tours are exclusive to just MSU alumni, on many of the tours we partner with other universities/organizations that have travel programs. Space allotments for these tours are given to each university and after a guaranteed time allotted for reservations, available space is opened to all universities/organizations. Therefore, some departures may have universities with greater numbers of alumni on the tour than MSU.

COVID-19 Statement:

The MSU Alumni Office is dedicated to ensuring that travelers participating in Spartan Pathways Travel programs have a safe and enjoyable experience. Our travel vendors have been safely and securely operating travel for many years and have put in place protocols to ensure everyone's safety during tours. We fully support the recommendations of our travel vendors regarding COVID-19 precautions for upcoming trips.

It is important to remember that MSU is not responsible for trips canceled by our vendors, or any illnesses or quarantines you might experience. We strongly urge all our guests to purchase travel insurance and to make sure you are purchasing the level of coverage that is right for you. Please work directly with our travel vendors on your questions regarding cancellations and other concerns.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization are regularly updating their websites regarding travel safety to various locations. These sites also contain frequently asked questions and answers for travelers. Refer to www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov and/or www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019.

Travel Partners Safety Protocols:

• AESU Alumni World Travel
• American Queen Steamboat Company (Go Next)
• Oceania Cruise Line SailSAFE (Go Next)
• Victory Cruise Lines (Go Next)
• Nature’s Kennel/Lead Dog Travel
• Odysseys Unlimited
• Orbridge, Inc .
• Poseidon Expeditions
• Premier World Discovery
• Safari Legacy
• Sports & Entertainment Travel
• Thomas P. Gohagan & Company
• WWII Museum Travel
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Office of Admissions

• Education abroad

See the world. Change it for the better.

As one of the  leading education abroad programs  in the nation, MSU's Education Abroad is a global powerhouse. Destinations for students span the world, with opportunities to live, learn and experience more than 60 countries and all continents. Yes, even Antarctica.

Every year, close to 2,500 students participate in education abroad and can be found in classrooms, research labs, field stations, internship sites and communities throughout the world. Programs are offered each semester —  including all university breaks —  so education abroad can fit into any student’s academic program.

Go abroad before college

You can explore another country before you even arrive on campus!  First-Year Seminars Abroad  provides the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture and expand your worldview while preparing for academic life at MSU.

Learn more about Education Abroad Discover First-Year Seminar Abroad options

• Honors programs
• Entrepreneurship programs
• Living-learning communities
• Residential College in the Arts and Humanities
• James Madison College
• Lyman Briggs College
• Academic support

International Studies & Programs

Office for Education Abroad

Education Abroad Overview

Administering over 300 programs in more than 60 countries on every continent, the Office for Education Abroad is proud to be ranked among the top U.S. institutions for education abroad for more than 20 years. Thousands of Spartans engage in cultures different from their own every year and gain meaningful skills that can position them for academic and professional success.

In addition to MSU students traveling abroad for study, the Office for Education Abroad welcomes international students from all over the world through the American Semester Program (ASP) and the facilitation of exchanges between MSU and partner institutions.

Vision, Mission and Values

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Enrollment Trends and Stats

Advisory Council on Education Abroad

Association Memberships

Education Abroad at MSU

• National leader in education abroad participation for more than 20 years (according to IIE Open Doors report ).
• Ranked #1 for study abroad among public universities (8th place overall) in U.S. News & World Report Best College Ranking .
• Cited as one of the reasons Michigan State University was awarded one of the 2023 Best Colleges in America by Money.
• High-quality, good value programming connected to university and college strategies, leveraging faculty research with strategic partners, and building on MSU’s history and culture
• More than more than 300 programs in over 60 countries and on all 7 continents
• One-week programs over spring break to full academic year options
• Wide range of valuable experiences including international internships, undergraduate research abroad, and global service-learning opportunities around the world
• Focus on the value of education abroad including the knowledge, attitudes and transferable skills students can acquire that prepare them for success after graduation
• Unique  First-Year Seminars Abroad that give students an academic and social head start at MSU
• Generous scholarship opportunities available to help students offset financial concerns from endowments totaling more than $4.5 million
• Students welcomed from all over the world through the American Semester Program (ASP) and the facilitation of exchanges between MSU and partner institutions.
• Cooperation with the MSU Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities to open opportunities to students facing physical, emotional, or mental challenges
• Collaboration with academic advisers to ensure education abroad programs meet student academic needs and interests and fits within their academic plan
• Pre-departure orientation and re-entry activities to enable students to gain the maximum benefit from their experience abroad
• Full-time staff dedicated to overseeing international health and safety concerns, and responding to emergencies abroad involving students, faculty or staff. 
• Nationally-recognized  Risk and Security Assessment Committee (RSAC)  that serves in an advisory capacity on policy and procedures and as a liaison to senior MSU leadership

Subscribe To The Education Abroad Newsletter

Student Stories

Perspectives from Spartans Abroad

2024 First-Year Seminars

Program Search

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Experience your defining moment while connecting with the world around you.

As a Natural Science major, you can gain global exposure through education abroad. Students can take classes, conduct research, and get involved in local communities all over the world while earning credit toward graduation. Living and learning abroad offers students a valuable opportunity to experience new cultures and perspectives, and develop skill sets valued by employers and graduate schools, such as flexibility, resourcefulness, and self-confidence.

We support many options for both Natural Science and others interested in studying science abroad.

• Witness and apply environmental science firsthand in faculty-led field studies around the world.
• Study math and science for a semester in a completely different university system.
• Conduct research with a team in an international lab or field station.
• Enhance your foreign language skills by living and learning overseas.
• Earn required Integrative Studies credit in general science, social science, or arts and letters.

NatSci majors are not limited to “science” study abroad programs. Most MSU programs welcome students from all colleges. Search by country or by subjects that intrigue you.

For more opportunities, search all MSU Study Abroad programs by country, subject, semester, and length.

Two Types of Programs

• Germany - Molecular Biology Research in Düsseldorf
• Iceland - Land of Fire and Ice
• Kenya - Behavioral Ecology of African Mammals
• Malawi - Infectious Diseases of Africa
• Malaysia - Wild Borneo and Indonesia: Where Worlds Collide
• United Kingdom & Italy - Foundations of Neuroscience
• Antarctica/Argentina - Studies in Antarctic System Science (odd years only)
• Costa Rica - Environmental Studies
• New Zealand - Natural Science
• South Africa - Quantitative Literacy

Semester Abroad

• Australia - Monash University in Melbourne
• Australia - University of New South Wales in Sydney
• Australia - University of Technology Sydney
• Ecuador - Universidad San Francisco de Quito
• New Zealand - Conservation Medicine
• Norway - University of Oslo
• United Kingdom - Lancaster University, England

Many more universities are open to ALL MSU majors - Meet with advisors to determine what school is best for you. Search Study Abroad Programs

Program Costs & Aid

Program costs vary and depend on factors like location, program length and type of housing offered. NatSci Study Abroad scholarships are available for students with a degree major in the Natural Sciences. Additional information on financial aid and scholarships is available from the MSU Office for Education Abroad .

How to Apply

The Education Abroad Online Application must be submitted for each student applying to any MSU-sponsored Study Abroad program. The MSU Office for Education Abroad also provides resources to aid in all aspects of studying abroad.

For clarification or any help in the process, contact our Director of Education Abroad and Off-Campus Programs, Sarah Whitaker .

Education Abroad

Travel the world, gain new experiences and learn more about your chosen field. One in three MSU students studies abroad, making the program one of the top in the nation.

Spartan Destinations

As one of the top study abroad programs in the nation, MSU offers many opportunities for students to learn and grow abroad. From the U.K., to France, Italy, China, Argentina and more - choose the right fit for you.

Explore education Abroad Opportunities

Stories from Abroad

Student view: graduating senior discovers and embraces his love of storytelling at msu.

Austin Curtis is graduating from MSU in 2023 with a B.A. in Digital Storytelling with a Concentration in Filmmaking, and a B.A. in English with a Literary Studies concentration. As Curtis wraps up the final days of his undergraduate education, he reflected on his personal journey at MSU and his relationship with storytelling.

Graduate Translates Internship into Job Opportunity for European Travel Company

Advertising Abroad with ComArtSci

Jennifer Olson: Technology for Tanzania

Noushin Mahmood: Helping women join STEM Fields

Making experience accessible, affordable and possible.

The Office of Education Abroad is committed to helping students make their experiences abroad affordable. 

View available scholarships

For additional information, please contact our team .

Important Dates

Don't miss these important dates and events. There are multiple opportunities to learn more about MSU Education Abroad.

View upcoming dates and events

Fund Your Journey

Get Started

College of Engineering

• Education abroad

Welcome to education abroad in the College of Engineering. Here you will find a selection of programs for your experience. Most programs are specifically designed for selected majors in order to assure your academic success. To get started, have a conversation with your academic advisor about how education abroad works with your academic plan.

University College Dublin (Dublin, Ireland)

May 26 - July 12 (7 weeks) Courses: PHY 184, PHY 192 and ISS 315 Priority Deadline: January 15

CEA CAPA Paris Center (Paris, France)

May 13 - June 22 (6 weeks) Take 1 technical course + 1 non-technical course Technical: MTH 234, MTH 235, CE 221, ME 201 Non-Technical: ISS 320, IAH 241C, HST 452 Priority Deadline: January 15

CEA CAPA Rome Center (Rome, Italy)

May 13 - July 6 (8 weeks) Courses (can take up to 3): CSE231, CHE 321, ME 201, IAH 211+, HST 332, HST 452  Priority Deadline: January 15

CZECH REPUBLIC

Cea capa prague center (prague, czech republic).

May 30 - July 26 (8 weeks) Courses (can take up to 2): MTH 234, MTH 235, MTH 309, STT 351, CSE 260, IAH 241F, IAH 231A, HST 452, REL GCU Priority Deadline: January 15

Summer Engineering in Madrid (Madrid, Spain)

June - August (6 weeks) Option 1: ME 222 and SPN 290 (no pre-req) Option 2: MSE 250 and SPN 290 (no pre-req) Deadline: March 1

Designing Technology Solutions for Schools in Africa

April - May (4 weeks) EGR 488 (3 credits) credit available. Deadline: February 15

Ecological Engineering in the Tropics

May (2 weeks) BE 475 or BE 491 or EGR 475 (4 credits) Deadline: February 1

SOUTH KOREA

Yonsei university (seoul, south korea).

June - August (6 weeks) Courses: Selection of technical, general education, and elective courses. Deadline: February 15

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)

June 17 - August 10 (8 weeks) Courses: Selection of technical, general education, and elective courses. Deadline: January 15

Course Offerings and Equivalencies

NETHERLANDS

Vrije universiteit amsterdam (amsterdam, netherlands).

Fall Semester: August to December Spring Semester: February to June Selection of CSE, technical, general education, and elective courses. Deadline: Feb 15 (Fall)/Sep 1 (Spring)

SKEMA Business School (French Riviera, France)

Fall Semester: September to December Spring Semester: January to April Selection of CE, ME, MTH, PHY, IAH/ISS, other technical courses and general electives. Deadline: Feb 15 (Fall)/Sep 1 (Spring)

Universidad Pontificia Comillas ( Madrid, Spain)

Fall Semester: September to December Spring Semester: Mid-Jan to May Selection of ME, MTH, PHY, MSE, CEM, BS, SPN, technical, general education, and elective courses. Deadline: March 1 (Fall)/September 1 (Spring)

Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (Madrid, Spain)

Fall Semester: September to December Spring Semester: February to May Selection of MSE, CHE, ME, technical, general education, and elective courses. Deadline: March 1 (Fall)/September 1 (Spring)

Fall Semester: September to December Spring Semester: Late-Jan to Late-May Selection of ME, CSE, CE, ECE, CHE, MTH, other technical courses and general electives. Deadline: March 1 (Fall)/October 1 (Spring)

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Hong Kong, China)

Fall Semester: Late-August to December Spring Semester: Late-Feb to Late-June Selection of ME, CSE, ECE, CE, ENE, other technical courses and general electives Deadline: March 1 (Fall)/August 15 (Spring)

To apply for an Engineering Education Abroad Scholarship, please complete this online application.

MSU Education Abroad - Getting Started: Costs and Financing MSU Education Abroad - Getting Started: Scholarships

MSU Education Abroad - National Scholarships

MSU Honors College: Scholarships

•  Meet with an education abroad advisor and your academic advisor to talk about program options, how to fit into your academic plan, and course selection.
• Look at the course equivalencies to see what you can take
• Complete an application through the MSU Education Abroad portal

Email Us ( [email protected] )

Do I need a passport or visa?

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport both to enter other countries and to return to the United States. If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date. If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of eight to ten weeks is usually required for processing. During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required. Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices. You can also apply or renew online at the U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose. The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the entire "passport-plus-visa process" may take several months, so start early. It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your education abroad program. If you are not a U.S. citizen, consult the embassy or consulate of the countries you will visit to learn their document requirements. For more information about U.S. Visas, see the U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs website. For more information about passports and visas visit the MSU Office for Education Abroad 'Passports and Visas" webpage.

Africa, Tanzania

Experience how information technologies can be harnessed to create practical solutions that make the world a better place. This service-learning program will give you the real-world opportunity to design and implement information technologies to help Tanzanian students in East Africa. Many companies are looking to international markets for future growth. Having this experience will broaden your worldview and increase your competitiveness.

The program gives you an opportunity to use your knowledge to create real-world solutions, and to make a positive impact in a developing part of the world. If you have an interest in IT, solar power, education, video creation, Africa or related issues you are encouraged to participate. TECHNICAL EXPERTISE IS NOT REQUIRED. ALL MAJORS ARE WELCOME! Also open to non-MSU students.

Location: Arusha, Tanzania and Mto wa Mbu, Tanzania

Semester: Summer (May - June) Program Type: Faculty-led Deadline: February 15

Housing: Students will be first staying at the Training Centre for Development Cooperation (MS-TCDC), a well-equipped training institute like a college campus with bungalows, internet, a library and classrooms. We will then move to Mto wa Mbu town to work in the schools and will stay at Twiga Campsite and Lodge in a nice motel-type accommodation.

• MI 488 - Information and Communication Technologies for Development - 3-4 Credits
• EGR 488 - Information and Communication Technologies for Development - 3-4 Credits - enroll initially in MI 488 (can be changed to EGR 488 on return from Tanzania)

Program Contact: Dr. Erik Goodman ( [email protected] ), Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Apply on via-TRM

Costa Rica, San Jose

Ecological Engineering in the Tropics Summer Faculty-led Program

Location: San José, Costa Rica Semester: Summer Program Type: Faculty-led Deadline: February 1

Housing:  Program participants will visit cities, villages, Universities, University research facilities, industries (e.g., ICE, ICafe, etc.), non-profits (e.g., INBio), museums, national parks, agribusinesses, and forests, as well as selected cultural and historical sites. Students also will be exposed to situations that help foster their growth as global citizens and professionals where hands-on labs/activities will be conducted in active-learning format to understand design, performance, installation and system evaluation.

University- related accommodations will be used where available, practical and cost effective with the desired standards and services needed. When used, motel/hotel accommodations would rate in the 3-star range using the US rating systems. All accommodation selection are in secure/safe areas per University standards and policy.

On average, 2 ½ meals per day will be included.

Students will select one course.

• ANR 475 (International Studies Agriculture and Natural Resources) 4 credits
• BE 475 (International Studies in Biosystem Engineering) 4 credits
• EGR 475 (Special Topics in International Engineering) 4 credits
• BE 491 (Special Topics in in Biosystem Engineering) 4 credits

Program Contact: Dr Luke Reese ( [email protected] ), Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering

Czech Republic, Prague

CEA CAPA Prague Center Summer Direct Enroll Program through CEA CAPA

With a reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, you’ll study engineering and math amidst the backdrop of centuries-old bridges, cathedrals, and church spires. Prague is also home to a rich modern culture filled with public art and whimsical architecture, and an inspiring intellectual community. Opportunities will abound to apply concepts learned in class to real-life examples in this historic city.  

Location: Prague, Czech Republic Semester: Summer Program Type: Direct Enroll through CEA CAPA Deadline: January 15 (Priority), February 1 (Final)

Housing: Shared apartment. Students can choose standard CEA CAPA housing - living in an apartment shared with other CEA CAPA students – or arrange their own independent housing. Assignments are based on availability and confirmation date.

Students can take 1 technical course and 1 non-technical course (total of 2 courses) or just 1 technical course while on this program:

• MTH 234 (Calculus III)
• MTH 235 (Differential Equations)
• MTH 309 (Linear Algebra)
• STT 351 (Engineering Statistics)
• CSE 260 (Discrete Mathematics)

Non-Technical

• IAH 241F (Architecture and Art in the Golden City)
• IAH 231A or HST 452 (Sport & Culture in Contemporary Czech Republic)
• IAH 231A or FSC GCU (Czech Culture, Food & Brewing Tradition)
• IAH 231A or REL GCU (The Jewish Experience in Prague)

Program Contact: Jeffrey Tsang, Assistant Director of Advising Initiatives ( [email protected] ) Engineering Education Abroad

Apply on via TRM

France, French Riviera

SKEMA Business School Semester Direct Enroll Program through CEA CAPA

Take core courses for your science or engineering major or general electives in math, sciences, and humanities. You’ll attend class with French, European, and North American students at one of France’s leading schools in Europe's very own "Silicon Valley". Here, you'll have an extraordinary opportunity to study hard sciences—such as chemistry, biology, and physics— as well as courses in computer science and artificial intelligence or chemical, computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering, all taught in English. Most courses are geared toward first- or second-year students to provide a solid foundation in science and engineering. Supplement your studies with business, and communication courses, as well as general education courses such as humanities and psychology. While not required, you're encouraged to study French language, offered at all levels.

Location: Sophia Antipolis, France Semester: Fall or Spring Program Type: Direct Enroll through CEA CAPA Deadlines: February 15 (Fall) | September 1 (Spring)

Courses: Students will take between 12-15 credits. Selection of CE, ME, MTH, PHY, IAH/ISS, other technical courses and general electives. Check course offerings and equivalencies page for more information.

France, Paris

Set yourself apart from the competition by taking engineering courses abroad. Paris is an ideal destination for engineering majors, a city where many scientists and mathematicians have made significant contributions to the field. You’ll experience Paris as a learning lab through site visits and lectures which complement your classroom curriculum. Additional elective courses focus on aspects of French culture and may fulfill a humanities or social science requirement. While French language skills are not required for the program, you’ll likely acquire basic French and use it to navigate this historic city.

Location: Paris, France Semester: Summer Program Type: Direct Enroll through CEA CAPA Deadline: January 15 (priority), February 1 (final)

Courses: Students will take 1 technical and 1 non-technical course in Paris (total of 2 courses).

• CE 221 (Statics)
• Me 201 (Thermodynamics)
• ISS 320 (French Civilization & Culture)
• STA GCU (Photography in Paris)
• IAH 241C (Haute Couture in Paris: History of Style & Fashion)
• HST 452 (Sport & Culture in Contemporary France)
• IAH 241C (History of Paris: An Architectural Perspective)

Germany, Aachen

Mechanical, Chemical, and Materials Engineering students are invited to spend their summer participating in an undergraduate research experience in Western Germany. Open to Mechanical, Chemical, and Materials Science Engineering majors only.

MSU’s Department of Mechanical Engineering has partnered with the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) at RWTH Aachen University to provide students with a world-class 10-week undergraduate summer research experience in German labs abroad. Juniors and Seniors will be able to conduct their own research project while being supervised by a member of the RWTH research staff. Students admitted to the program will also get to explore industrial activities and experience first-hand German culture and lifestyle.  RWTH is considered one of the top technical universities in all of Europe. Therefore, expectations for this program are high, especially given the course load. The schedule is flexible, allowing most students to take 3-day weekends to allow for travel and exploration to surrounding communities.

Location: Aachen, Germany Semester: Summer Program Type: Exchange

Housing: MSU students will live in RWTH accommodations for the duration of their program.

Courses: The RWTH research program is a two-part experience spanning 2 semesters, with the summer semester spent on site.

The research topic is determined during the application process in the preceding fall semester. Upon applying, students will select their top two research areas as part of their RWTH application with guidance from Dr. Feeny. RWTH will notify students of research placements upon acceptance to the program.

Students are encouraged to explore research project ideas in the UROP Research Database

Part 1: Spring Semester preceding the summer study abroad term

• Student will enroll in one credit of ME 490, CHE 490 or MSE 490 Independent Study
• Research area will be the same as the area they will pursue at RWTH
• Each participant will have an MSU faculty member overseeing the students work

Part 2: Summer Research Experience at RWTH

• Students will earn 9 MSU credits. All courses will be taught in English.
• Enrollment will be composed of ME 490 Independent Study (5 credits) for ME majors. For CHE majors, enrollment will be composed of CHE 490 for 3 credits and CHE GCU for 2 credits. For MSE majors, enrollment will be MSE 490 for 3 credits and MSE GCU for 2 credits. All students will take an intensive German language class (GRM 101, 201, 202, 290, 490 - appropriate to students proficiency level) (4 credits).
• Each student’s final research report will be assessed by the research faculty on-site. This assessment will be shared with the MSU faculty who oversaw the student’s spring studies. They will also make the final grade determination.

Program Contact: Dr. Brian Feeny ( [email protected] ), Department of Mechanical Engineering

China, Hong Kong

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Summer and Semester Exchange Program

Engineering students are invited to soak up all that Hong Kong has to offer during a semester experience at HKUST.

This program type is designed for students seeking a rigorous and self-guided experience. To be successful, students must commit to uphold a significant degree of proactivity and professionalism. Students are often required to secure their own housing, book individual flights, obtain a student visa/residence permit, etc. Students are expected to familiarize themselves with program information and seek out additional support and resources as needed. Additionally, students can anticipate being one of few MSU students on this program during any given term.

Location: Hong Kong Semester: Fall, Spring, or Summer Program Type: Exchange Deadlines: March 1 (Fall) | August 15 (Spring) | January 15 (Summer)

Housing: During the semester, MSU students studying at HKUST are offered on-campus housing in dormitories and university apartments. During the summer, program participants will be housed in double occupancy rooms on campus.

Courses: Selection of ME, CSE, CE, ECE, CHE, MTH, other technical courses and general electives. Check course offerings and equivalencies page for more information.

Semester: Apply on via TRM

Summer: Apply on via TRM

Ireland, Dublin

Housing: Students will live in on-campus housing

Courses: Student will take all the following courses-

• PHY 184 (Physics for Scientists and Engineers II)
• PHY 192 (Physics II Lab)
• ISS 315 (Modern Irish Studies

Italy, Rome

Stay on track with your engineering degree while setting yourself apart from the competition. Study in Rome, where you’ll explore more than 2,000 years of global power and influence. You’ll have the opportunity to enroll in a core engineering course alongside elective courses. Elective courses focus on an aspect of Italian culture, which may fulfill a humanities or social science requirement. While Italian language isn’t required, we’ll help you gain some basic communication skills to navigate this historic city.

Location: Rome, Italy Semester: Summer Program Type: Direct Enroll through CEA CAPA Deadline: January 15 (priority), February 1 (final)

Courses: Students can take ONE technical plus ONE or TWO non-technical courses. Max of 3 classes.

• Thermodynamics (ME 201)
• Introduction to Programming (CSE 231)
• Thermodynamics with Chemical Engineering Module (CHE 321)
• Art & Archaeology of Ancient Rome (IAH 221A)
• Social History of the Italian Mafia (IAH 221C/HST 452)
• The Culture of Food & Wine in Italy (FSC GCU)
• The Imitation of Nature (IAH 231A)

Netherlands, Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Semester Direct Enroll Program through CEA CAPA

Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands Semester: Fall or Spring Program Type: Direct Enroll through CEA CAPA Deadlines: February 15 (Fall) | September 1 (Spring)

Courses: Selection of CSE, technical, general education, and elective courses. Check course offerings and equivalencies page for more information.

Program Contact: Liz Kubias, Academic Advisor ( [email protected] ) Engineering Education Abroad

South Korea, Seoul

Yonsei University Summer Exchange Program | Summer Direct Enroll Program

Experience living life like a local. Spend a semester in Seoul, South Korea taking courses alongside local Korean and international students.

Location: Seoul, South Korea Semester: Fall, Spring, or Summer Program Type: Exchange Deadlines: March 1 (Fall) | October 1 (Spring) | February 15 (Summer)

Housing: Yonsei University offers international student dormitory-style housing. On-campus housing is not guaranteed due to extremely limited spaces. If full, students will be required to secure their own accommodation in Seoul. The dorms consist of a mix of Korean and international students. Occupancy: Yonsei offers double and single-occupancy room options.

Courses: Selection of ME, CSE, ECE, CE, ENE, other technical courses and general electives. Check course offerings and equivalencies page for more information.

Spain, Madrid

Summer Engineering in Madrid Summer Faculty-led Program

During this summer engineering program, MSU students will have the opportunity to study Spanish and take an engineering course at one of the oldest and largest of the Spanish Technical Universities, Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM). UPM has more than 3,000 faculty members, 18,000 undergraduate students, and 8,000 graduate students. UPM is the leading technical university in Spain, and many of the leading Spanish educators and researchers have been involved either as students or teachers. Participants will also be able to visit nearby historical and cultural field trips as a part of the program.

Location: Madrid, Spain Semester: Summer Program Type: Faculty-led Deadline: March 1

Housing: Students will live in dormitory-style residences with furnished bedrooms and full bathroom. Three meals will be provided each day.

Courses: Students will pick one option-

• Option A: ME 222 (Mechanics of Deformable Solids) + SPN 290 (Independent Study)
• Option B: MSE 250 (Materials Science and Engineering) + SPN 290 (Independent Study)

Program Contact: Dr. Carl Boehlert ( [email protected] ) Department of Chemical Engineering

Engineering students are invited to spend a semester in Madrid studying alongside local Spaniards.

Location: Madrid, Spain Semester: Fall or Spring Program Type: Exchange

Deadlines: March 1 (Fall) | September 1 (Spring)

Housing: Students participating on the UPM program are responsible for securing their own accommodations for their time in Spain. UPM recommends students book temporary housing for the first 2 weeks on-site and secure your housing contract once you have had the opportunity to see it in person. Although accommodation is the responsibility of the student, UPM does provide some guidance on reputable places to begin your search. For more information, please visit their accommodation website.

Courses: Selection of MSE, CHE, ME, technical, general education, and elective courses. Check course offerings and equivalencies page for more information.

Program Contact: Margo Glew, Academic Advisor ( [email protected] ) Engineering Education Abroad

Location: Madrid, Spain Semester: Fall or Spring Program Type: Exchange Deadlines: March 1 (Fall) | September 1 (Spring)

Housing: Universidad Pontificia Comillas does not have its own student accommodations. It is the student’s responsibility to secure their own housing for the duration of their program. However, the university does provide resources that connect students to reputable student housing options in MadridFor additional options, please visit the Universidad Pontificia Comillas accommodation website.

Courses: Selection of ME, MTH, PHY, MSE, CEM, BS, SPN, technical, general education, and elective courses. Check course offerings and equivalencies page for more information.

General questions, please email us at [email protected]

Undergraduate studies

• First-year Engineering CoRe Experience
• New student orientation
• Current student advising
• Financial aid and scholarships
• Student groups
• The Center for Spartan Engineering
• Undergraduate research
• Enrollment data
• Professional licensure and certification
• Student resources

James Madison College

Jmc education abroad.

James Madison College is committed to expanding understanding of other countries and cultures by encouraging you to plan an Education Abroad experience. Education Abroad contributes to academic advancement, personal growth and professional development. In addition, you will gain an understanding of cultures and intellectual traditions outside of JMC course material. 

Together with Michigan State University’s Office for Education Abroad, James Madison College sponsors several summer and semester-long education abroad programs, allowing students to fulfill degree requirements (including the Field Experience requirement) while gaining valuable experiences abroad.

In addition to Madison-sponsored programs (offering Madison courses and/or content directly complementary to the Madison curriculum), Michigan State University offers numerous other programs which you might also consider. For a Madison-sponsored program, please select a destination from the selection below. For the complete range of MSU-sponsored Education Abroad programs, go to the   MSU Education Abroad   website.

Faculty-Directed

• Students participate on a program directed by MSU faculty, alongside other MSU students.
• Predominantly offered in the summer.
• JMC courses available.

Semester Programs

• Exchanges: MSU Students enroll as a visiting student at an international institution, transferring credit back to MSU.
• Direct Enrollment: MSU students enroll as a visiting student at an international university and pay tuition and fees directly to the host institution, transferring credit back to MSU.
• Full semester courses. Variety of courses available (see program page for course lists).

International Internship Programs

• Full-time internships ranging from 8-12 weeks.
• Students enroll in MSU internship credit (JMC Field Experience: MC400/401)
• Several locations and wide variety of internship placements avialable.

To view JMC-sponsored Education Abroad programs, click the drop-down menu for Faculty-Directed, Semester, or International Internship Programs:

Click the link in the program title for more information and to apply:

International Relations in Brussels  – Belgium Summer Semester (4 weeks) Designed for students with an interest in international relations, law, political science and international business. Students will participate in lectures, discussions, and field trips to important European Institutions likely including the European Union, NATO Headquarters, and the Supreme Headquarters of the Allied Powers-Europe.

• Courses: MC299, MC 324e, MC329, MC399 (8 credits)

Comparative Republicanism in Rome and Florence  - Italy Summer Semester (6 weeks)  Focused on two powerful and influential cities, this summer program explores ancient, renaissance, and modern Western experiences with Republicanism. Multiple excursions will introduce students to treasures of Rome and Florence and be integral parts of required courses.

• Courses: MC272, MC299, MC390, MC399, MC490H (8 credits) 

Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Sexual Politics in Amsterdam  - Netherlands Summer Semester (4 weeks) Students will study sexual & gender politics, policy, and history at the University of Amsterdam. Working with local scholars, students will explore how Dutch liberalism conflicts and contrasts with the social intolerance of recent, more conservative immigrants. Students will visit world-famous cafes, museums, and canals as well as the European Parliament.

• Courses: MC388, MC390, WS201, WS202, WS304, WS490, WS492, ENG130 (8 credits)

Global Development in South Asia: Practice and Policy  – India Summer Semester (4 weeks) This program is designed to build students’ understanding of critical issues faced by agriculture-based developing societies through field visits with local experts. Knowledge gained through this program will help students interested in pursuing post-graduate studies or careers in international development.

• Courses: MC 299, MC 300, MC 399, MC 469, MC 490, CSS 490, CSS 491 (8 credits)

An MSU Jewish Studies Summer Program at Hebrew University  - Israel Summer Semester (4 weeks) This program in Jerusalem focuses on Israeli politics and society & investigates the relationship between social and ethnic cleavages, cultural politics, political institutions, and the Jewish state. Levy Scholarships are available to students with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

• Courses: MC290, MC335, MC399, IAH211D, ISS330B (8 credits)

Dubai in the UAE: The Globalization of Consumerism and Community  – United Arab Emirates Winter Break (2 weeks) This program explores the cultural, social, and political effects of contemporary globalization on a city that seems to represent the divergent outcomes of today’s capitalism. Students will explore these themes in Dubai as well as visits to other cities in the United Arab Emirates. The program includes experiences Dubai’s famous New Year’s Eve forewords and celebrations.

• Courses: MC325, IAH211D, GSAH391 (4 credits)

Click the link in the program title for more information and to apply:  

Politics, Culture and Society in Brazil   - Salvador, Brazil Summer Semester (6 weeks) This program examines the domestic and international politics of Brazil and analyzes patterns of conflict and cooperation around economic globalization, socioeconomic development, democracy, security, and socio-environmental policymaking. We will focus on the issues of race, ethnicity, class, status, nation building, development, and environment in and beyond Brazil and the United States.

• Courses: MC 320, MC 385, or equivalent (8 credits)

Corvinus University of Budapest  – Hungary Fall/Spring Semesters  (Direct Enroll) Budapest is an exciting city, rich in history and cultural achievement, but also undergoing massive change as Hungary adapts to the challenges of a market economy and a democratic political system in the wake of the fall of Communism. This program gives students the chance to study business, economics, political theory, international relations, and public affairs - all in English.

University of Cambridge International Summer Program – United Kingdom: Summer Semester (4 weeks) The International Summer program has provided international students a chance to study at the University of Cambridge on short courses since 1923. Renowned for the breadth of courses, the summer school attracts up to 1,000 students each year, creating a strong international community with opportunities such as special lectures and events. Courses are taught by a mixture of leading Cambridge lecturers and specialists from beyond the University.

ADA University  – Baku, Azerbaijan Fall/Spring Semesters  (Exchange) Study international relations in the capital of this strategically important state on the coast of the Caspian Sea. Students will benefit from small classes focused around regional & environmental politics, international development, political economy, ethnicity and nationalism, international trade and finance, energy resources and sustainable development.

City University of Hong Kong   Fall, Spring, Summer Semesters  (Exchange) Study in a modern metropolis that is a unique hybrid of western and eastern traditions. One of the top universities in China, students can enroll in courses related to social science, business, law, and energy and the environment. All courses are conducted in English, and Hong Kong provides an excellent hub for exploring mainland China and the entire Asian continent.

Public and International Affairs at the Institut d'Etudes Politiques in Lille  – France Fall/Spring Semesters  (Exchange) AKA Sciences Po Lille. This program focuses on European politics, comparative state and society relationships, political economy, and international relations with a US-European focus in both French and English. Located in northern France, Lille is well-situated with an easy super-fast train commute to Paris, Brussels, and London.  1 semester of French language is required.

Lund University  – Sweden Fall/Spring Semesters  (Exchange) Spend a semester at one of Scandinavia’s oldest and most prestigious universities and one of the top 100 universities in the world. Lund is a small university town filled with medieval architecture and various historical landmarks. Students will have access to an array of major specific courses taught in English by Lund faculty.

Aarhus University  – Denmark Fall/Spring Semesters  (Exchange) Immerse yourself in Danish culture in a city that offers both the attractions of an urban environment and beautiful natural surroundings. During the semester, students will take classes in English at a distinguished state institution and will have ample opportunities to explore local museums, galleries, gardens, and the nearly 400 islands of Denmark.

Click the links below for more information and to apply:

Internships in...(city name):

• Spring, Summer
• Summer; Language requirement: SPN 310 or equivalent

Jmc education abroad preview, questions or concerns.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding Education Abroad, please contact Assistant Dean Jeff Judge ( [email protected] ) or Field Experience Coordinator Lauren Michalak ( [email protected] ).

Education Abroad

International Studies & Programs

International travel safety.

The Office for Global Health, Safety, and Security  supports the health, safety, and security of all MSU international travelers including students, faculty, and staff.

MSU employs three full-time staff persons dedicated to overseeing international health and safety concerns, and responding to emergencies abroad involving students, faculty or staff. These staff members evaluate risk, plan for emergencies, and manage crises for over 5,000 student, faculty, and staff international travelers each year.

24/7 International Assistance: 517-353-3784

MSU maintains this line for students, faculty, and staff to report an emergency situation or request emergency assistance. You may call direct or collect. If you don't know how to call from abroad, use this international calling guide .

MSU-Sponsored International Travel

Faculty, staff, and students engaging in MSU sponsored international travel are eligible for health and safety support and must register their travel before departure.

Non-Education Abroad Travelers

Travel health and safety information for MSU students, faculty, and staff traveling on MSU-sponsored international travel that isn't associated with an Education Abroad program.

Education Abroad Travelers

Travel health and safety information for education abroad participants and program leaders.

Fill the Peace Corps Lending Library

May 1, 2024

Linguistics student shares CLACS fellowship experience

Fulbright Program Information Session

May 9, 2024

Leadership program seeks to address scientist gender gap

#MSUinternational

Office of Financial Aid

Frequently Asked Questions

• Aid Eligibility & The Aid Process

Need is calculated as the difference between your MSU budget and your EFC (Expected Family Contribution). The table below shows an example of this formula:

How your EFC is determined

Your EFC (Expected Family Contribution) is a number that describes how much you (and your parents if you are a dependent student) are expected to contribute towards your educational costs. This number is calculated using a formula established by Congress, which takes into account all of the data that you and your parents supply on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). If you suspect that your EFC is incorrect, please review your Student Aid Report (SAR) and correct any errors at studentaid.gov . Awarding of need-based aid The Office of Financial Aid offers need-based grants (such as the Federal Pell Grant), loans, and work-study to students who are eligible based on the results of their FAFSA. Your award notification from MSU will list your eligibility for these programs. After need-based awards have been offered, the remainder of a student's budget may be met with a Direct Unsubsidized Loan or Parent PLUS Loan. Graduate students may also be eligible for a Grad PLUS Loan. In general, the amount of all your financial aid cannot exceed your budget, and the amount of your need-based aid cannot exceed your need.

Eligibility for any financial aid program depends upon which degree you are pursuing and the type of aid in question. First-time undergraduate students with one major working on their first degree are eligible for all federal and MSU aid programs . Once you have met undergraduate degree requirements or pursue additional credentials, some types of aid become unavailable. Refer to  this chart   to see programs for which you qualify based on your degree category.

Some MSU programs allow students to take graduate courses before the undergraduate degree has been conferred. A student may fall into one of three different categories, and the student's financial aid eligibility will be affected depending upon the category they are in.

• The student is an undergraduate who is taking graduate courses as part of the undergraduate degree program. The courses are being used to complete the undergraduate degree. This student is treated for financial aid purposes as a normal undergraduate student and no special financial aid processing is required.
•   The student is admitted to a graduate degree program near the end of their undergraduate program. MSU allows up to 12 credits of graduate coursework to be applied towards a graduate degree, even though the courses are taken while the student is still an undergraduate. This student must be monitored and eligibility for certain financial aid programs may be restricted.
• The student may be concurrently admitted to both graduate and undergraduate degree programs, taking both undergraduate and graduate courses, with the two degrees being conferred only when the requirements for both are completed. This student must be monitored and eligibility for certain financial aid programs may be restricted.

Monitoring and eligibility adjustments Students in programs 2 and 3 above will be eligible for undergraduate aid only until they have earned their 120th credit. (Most undergraduate degree programs require 120 credits for the degree. If you are pursuing an undergraduate degree requiring a higher number of credits, you should contact the Office of Financial Aid to be reviewed as an exception). The Office of Financial Aid will monitor aid in the “transition semester” (the semester in which the student earns the 120th credit) and manually pro-rate financial aid using only the credits that bring you to 120 total credits. If the 120th credit will be completed within a term, you may receive undergraduate aid for the credits needed to reach 120, with excess credits within the semester not being counted for financial aid purposes. It's possible that you will be less than half time when counting undergraduate credits in the term and thus be ineligible for federal aid that term. It's also possible that you may receive no undergraduate aid for a semester even though still classified as undergraduate if you completed 120 credits in the prior semester but have not had your status changed to graduate. Notification You will be notified of aid changes as soon as possible. You should keep in mind that your academic status may change mid-semester. If the academic change is made retroactive to the beginning of the term, it may then trigger a bill for aid you received earlier in the semester.

C ourses students are required to take in order to be officially admitted into a regular degree program are known as "preparatory coursework." These courses do not count toward the requirements of that degree program, but they may be covered by financial aid. A student taking preparatory coursework must contact financial aid and work individually with a financial aid officer unless the academic department has identified a group of students in this category. These students may be classified as Lifelong Graduate (LG) or Graduate (GR) students. Enrollment requirements

• Student must be enrolled in preparatory coursework REQUIRED for admission to a regular graduate or graduate/professional degree program.
• Student must be enrolled at least half-time (5 credits).
• Only those courses REQUIRED for admission may be considered when determining enrollment level and student aid eligibility.

Documentation Documentation must be received from the student's academic advisor and must include the following:

• A statement that the coursework is required for admission to a specified graduate or graduate/professional degree program.
• A list of the specific courses required for admission.
• A statement that the student will be admitted to the degree program if the courses are completed with the required grade.

Aid eligibility

• Aid eligibility is limited to Federal Stafford Loans
• Loan amounts are the same as independent undergraduate seniors.
• Loan eligibility is limited to a single consecutive 12-month period.
• Students will be monitored throughout the enrollment period to ensure they remain eligible.

Students who are not fully admissible to a graduate program may be offered provisional admission to the program. The academic department sets certain conditions that the student must meet, such as completing three courses with a GPA of 3.0 or above, before the student will be admitted to the degree program. Students who are provisionally admitted to a degree program are not eligible for federal, state, or MSU financial aid , although they may be eligible for private student loans. This policy is based upon federal regulations requiring a student to be fully admitted to a degree program as a condition of receiving financial aid. If you are required to do preparatory coursework  before being admitted to a graduate degree program, you may be eligible for federal loans. You must file a FAFSA and submit documentation from your academic advisor to the Office of Financial Aid to be considered for this exception. You must be enrolled at least half time and your eligibility is limited to a single, consecutive 12-month period.

Federal regulations limit the number of times a student may repeat a course and receive financial aid for that course.

• A student may receive aid when repeating a course that was previously failed (received a 0.0 or No Pass) multiple times.
• Once a student passes a class, they can only receive aid for retaking that course one additional time, regardless of the grade earned for that additional attempt. Any subsequent attempts will not be eligible for aid.
• If a student retakes a course that is not aid eligible, a recalculation of aid is done to exclude the credits for the repeated course.
• This rule applies whether or not the student received aid for earlier enrollments in the course.
• Not all aid will require adjustment. Students can see the effect on their aid offers by comparing their enrollment level with and without the course(s) using the Enrollment Chart for Fall/Spring Semesters or for the Summer Session .
• A course that is dropped is not considered an attempt for purposes of this policy.
• Students must also adhere to MSU's repeat polic y.

Per federal law, Michigan State University must monitor Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for all federal financial aid recipients. Students can fail to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress due to a low GPA, taking too long to complete a degree, or failing to complete 67% of their courses.

Students who are federal financial aid recipients are evaluated for SAP at the end of each semester of enrollment. For an in-depth look at SAP requirements, visit the main Satisfactory Academic Progress page.

While the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is intended to determine the amount a family can reasonably be expected to pay toward a student's college costs, circumstances occasionally arise that make the FAFSA data an inaccurate picture of family resources. A Professional Judgment (PJ) allows us to evaluate your current financial circumstances with the possibility of increasing your aid. Some special conditions that may be reviewed:

• Retirement of dependent student's parent
• Death of dependent student's parent
• Parent's loss of employment
• Reduction of untaxed income (child support or Social Security income)
• High unreimbursed medical expenses in the base year (the tax year reported on your FAFSA)
• Circumstances that may complicate your dependency status
• Additional education expenses not already included in the standard budget, such as child care for a child or dependent, computer costs, travel for educational conferences, or additional coursework.

How to request a Professional Judgment

Contact an advisor at the Office of Financial Aid to discuss whether you might benefit from completing a Professional Judgment form, which requires substantial documentation on your part.

There is also a PJ request form in your student portal , but contacting our office directly is the preferred method.

Financial Aid for Summer Semester

If you have unused financial aid for the current aid year (after aid has been applied to fall and spring terms), it is applied to any tuition and fees for summer semester. For many students, all available aid has been expended prior to summer term. If you require additional aid for summer, Federal Direct Parent PLUS or Grad PLUS summer loans are available. This PDF has information on applying for summer PLUS loans.

Beyond using remaining aid and PLUS loans, you can search for summer aid scholarships from your department or other agencies.

Financial aid has special rules and consequences when offered for summer sessions. Please read all of the information below and contact us  if you have any questions.

• All Federal Direct Subsidized / Unsubsidized loans require you to be enrolled at least half-time.
• Aid begins the process of applying to your account 10 days prior to the starting date of your earliest starting summer class. This means, for instance, that if you are attending only during the second subterm, your aid will not begin to apply until 10 days prior to the start of that subterm.
• The amount of aid OFFERED to you is based on half-time enrollment. If your enrollment is less than half-time, you will not receive any funding from most of the awards. You do not receive a greater amount if you are enrolled three-quarter or full time.

Summer Enrollment Status

Use this chart to determine your enrollment status for the summer session based on your credit load.

Summer Disbursement

If a summer Pell Grant is awarded, the actual disbursement will be based on the total number of credits a student is enrolled for the summer term.  Please contact the Office of Financial Aid if there are questions about summer Pell Grant eligibility, or the amount disbursed.

Note: If you are an education abroad student , most of your aid will disburse at the actual amount indicated in your package but you must still be enrolled at least half-time.  However, you must notify the Office of Financial Aid if:

• the number of credits for your study abroad program changes, or
• you add or drop any courses, either study abroad or on-campus credits

What happens to my summer aid if I drop courses?

You may consider yourself independent because you don't receive support from your parents or you don't live in their home. You may even qualify as independent for income tax purposes, but the U.S. Department of Education has stricter standards for financial aid purposes. In order to file your financial aid application as an independent student, you must meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Age 24 by January 1 of the aid year
• Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
• Currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training
• Graduate or graduate/professional student
• Married prior to filing and signing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
• Financially supporting legal dependents other than a spouse
• Orphan, foster youth, or ward of the court
• Emancipated minor or unaccompanied homeless youth

The online FAFSA will guide you through questions designed to determine whether you are dependent or independent. If you are independent it will allow you to skip the parent section. If you do not meet the criteria to be considered independent, you must file as a dependent student and provide information about your legal parent(s). If your parents are divorced and your custodial parent (the parent you reside with most throughout the year) has remarried, your stepparent's information must be included as well, even if your parent and stepparent file separate tax forms, and even if they have an agreement not to assist each other's children with college expenses. The only exception to the dependency rules at Michigan State is in very rare instances where it can be proven that there is a total breakdown in the relationship between student and parent(s). If you believe that this describes your situation, contact a financial aid advisor  for advice on how to document your circumstances. Filing incorrectly as independent when you're actually a dependent student can seriously delay the processing of your financial aid. If you have questions about your status, contact a financial aid advisor before filing your FAFSA.

Notification and Disbursement of Awards

You will receive notification in your student portal when your aid package has been established or changed. Visit your financial aid portal regularly to make sure you do not have any outstanding alerts.

To view and take action on your financial aid awards:

• Activate your MSU NetID and password. Instructions are provided by IT Services.
• Login to student.msu.edu. Click the 'Financial Aid' tile, the ‘Financial Aid Portal’, and then ‘Open Financial Aid Portal.'
• Consent to conduct financial aid business electronically. Since our electronic processes are faster and more accurate than other means of communication, we encourage you to consent.
• Share your information (optional). If you want your parent(s) or spouse to have access to certain features of student.msu.edu, see our page on online guest authorization.
• View your awards. From the Financial Aid Portal main menu, select "Messages", then choose the most recent Award Letter. Your awards will be listed on the "Financial" tab.

Financial aid awards may be revised for any of the following reasons:

• Your residency has changed.
• Your enrollment status has changed.
• You have declined one or more awards.
• We have been notified that you received other aid or had other resources (Veteran's Benefits, MET, etc.) of which we were unaware when the previous awards were made.
• Your data and/or your parent data on the FAFSA was incorrect and the error has been corrected.
• Your summer financial aid has been processed.

If you have questions about why an award was changed, please contact our office.

Loans are accepted in the Financial Aid Portal. The Financial Aid Portal is accessed by logging into Student Information System and clicking the Financial Aid tile.

View this PDF for instructions on accepting loans in your portal, or follow the instructions below:

• Navigate to the Financials page and view financial award offer
• To take action on the displayed financial aid select one of the following:
• Adjust my funding
• Update Acceptance
• On Step 1 – Awards Summary, select the button stating “Start Loan Acceptance”
• On Step 2 – Accept your Awards, select one of the available options
• Accepting the full amount of loans available
• Accepting a reduced amount of the loans available ***Note: If you select this option you will be prompted to enter the total loan value for the year
• Declining the full amount of the loans available
• On Step 3 – Confirm your awards selection. The page will differ based on what is selected in step 2. At the end of each option, the student should select continue.
• If you accepted the full amount, you can continue with the award allocation as shown or edit the amounts for each term to the full amount of the award selected in Step 2.
• If you accepted a reduced amount, you’ll determine the split of the award for each term to equal the amount selected in Step 2.

***Note: If the student has both subsidized and unsubsidized loans, they will be required to use the maximum amount of their subsidized loan available prior to funds being allocated to their unsubsidized loan.

• If there is enough aid to cover cost of attendance you can continue to the next step.
• If there is not enough aid to cover cost of attendance you will be prompted to return to previous steps to accept aid.
• On Step 4 - E-Sign, students must accept the econsent acknowledgement and sign the page using their student ID and last name
• On Step 5 – Done, students will receive confirmation of their loan actions

Assuming you have completed each item of your "to-do" list in the Financial Aid Portal of the Student Information System (e.g., signed all of your master promissory notes, accepted your loans, etc.), your financial aid will be "disbursed" to you as follows:

• Financial aid begins being applied to your MSU student account 10 days before your first day of class.
• Your tuition, fees and other charges listed on your MSU bill are paid.
• If excess financial aid remains after your bill is paid, you will receive a refund from the Controller's Office the week prior to your first day of class.
• If excess financial aid is available after the start of the semester, refunds and the disbursement of financial aid are applied to your account on a daily basis for the first two weeks of the semester. After that time, refunds and financial aid disbursement occurs once per week. You may contact us and request an immediate disbursement when there is need to pay an award earlier than a scheduled disbursement as long as it is no earlier than 10 days prior to the start of classes.
• Special Populations

In most circumstances, Executive MBA and Supply Chain Management students are eligible for financial assistance in the form of loans. Common loan programs are the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan and the Federal Grad PLUS Loan. Unsubsidized Stafford Loan This loan is not based on financial need, and interest begins accumulating at disbursement, but no payment is required until six months after the student ceases enrolling on a half-time basis. The two semester loan maximum is $20,500. Grad PLUS Loan This loan is not based on financial need, and interest begins accumulating at disbursement, but no payment is required until 30 to 60 days after the student ceases enrolling on a half-time basis. The annual loan maximum is the student's estimated cost of attendance minus all other aid.

The Loan Process Step 1 Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for the academic period for which you are seeking funding.

• Executive MBA Students: If you are seeking funding for the entire program, you may need to complete the FAFSA for two aid years covering 5 semesters. Your first term will be during the fall semester.
• Supply Chain Management: If you are seeking funding for the entire program, you may need to complete the FAFSA for three aid years.

Step 2 When your loan eligibility is determined, an award notice will be sent to your MSU student portal. Follow the instructions included in order to accept, reduce, or decline loans offered.

MSU scholarships, grants and work

External information, for canadian students, nonresident students.

The cost of attending MSU for out-of-state students can seem daunting. The Office of Admissions offers this page outlining resources that help lower the cost for nonresident students. In many cases, no additional forms are required for scholarship consideration. Students are encouraged to submit their application for admission by November 1 for maximum scholarship consideration for the following fall semester.

Our Scholarship search  page also offers tips and resources for funding your MSU journey. 

For more information on MSU's residency policy, read the Regulations for Qualifying for In-State Tuition

We are happy to discuss funding options with you and your family. You can reach an advisor at  [email protected]  or 517-353-5940 .

Financial Support for Non-US Citizen Students

Scholarships & resources, emergency resources at msu, alternative loan providers, msu office of financial aid.

The MSU Office of Financial Aid is committed to providing support for our students who are ineligible for federal and state financial aid. Please contact our office for further questions and support about financial aid at: Phone:  517-353-5940

Email: [email protected]

Resident Assistants

Students with children, financial aid for student parents.

MSU Child Care Grant : The MSU Child Care Grant program provides funds to students with children to assist in meeting the cost of licensed child care during the school year. Applications are available 30 days prior to each semester.

Spartan Kids Child Care Grant: The Spartan Kids Child Care Grant is available to undergraduate, graduate, and international students who demonstrate financial need. Students must be willing to use one of the contracted childcare providers for this program. Applications are made available through the Student Parent Resource Center.

Additional resources

Students with disabilities, appointments, athletic scholarships.

The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics provides scholarships in 26 sports. The head coach of each sport may request a full scholarship that covers tuition and fees, food and housing, and books. Partial scholarships cover a portion of one or more of these expenses. All scholarships are awarded for a period of one year. Scholarships are reviewed and renewed annually based upon Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, MSU, Big Ten, and NCAA policies. The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics may choose to award a student-athlete a scholarship for summer school, but the department is not obligated to do so. Summer Session Policies & Procedures for Student-Athletes can be found in the Student-Athlete Support Services ' Student Handbook. Please do not hesitate to contact the Athletics Financial Aid Office with any questions regarding your athletics grant-in-aid at (517) 432-5510.

Renewal of athletic scholarships

  Notification of renewals and nonrenewals will be sent to athletic scholarship recipients no later than July 1 prior to the award year in which it is to be effective. Information concerning the signing of renewal scholarships will be provided at the spring check-out meeting for each team.

Applying for financial aid other than athletic scholarships

The Office of Financial Aid (OFA) offers a variety of grant, work, and loan programs to give financial options to all families, no matter what their need or resources. You should file a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to apply for both need-and non-need-based aid at MSU. This free form is used nationwide to determine aid eligibility by collecting income, asset, and demographic data about the student and family. MSU's federal code for the FAFSA is 002290.To find out more about financial aid, visit our office's Undergraduate Aid  page.

If you are unable to file the online FAFSA you may obtain a paper application from your high school or college, and mail it to the federal processor or provide data on the federal government’s World Wide Web site. However, the online FAFSA is faster and more accurate. Four to six weeks after you submit your FAFSA, you should receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR lists all the data you reported on your FAFSA. Possible errors are in bold print. Review the entire SAR carefully to ensure that all information is accurate. If corrections are needed, follow the instructions on the SAR. About the time you get the SAR, the same data is released to MSU electronically. This information is used to determine your eligibility for a variety of financial aid programs. Outside assistance Scholarship possibilities beyond those offered at MSU can be found by using a (free) national computerized scholarship search service. We recommend the following websites: FastWEB Sallie Mae Scholarship Search

After entering information about your background, educational goals, and interests, you will be given a list of organizations that offer scholarships for which you may be eligible. Remember that search services provide only a preliminary match. You must complete any applications and other requirements, and meet specific deadlines in order to be considered. It is your responsibility to notify OFA of any outside aid you receive. Notification should be on the donor's letterhead and include the type of award, the amount, the criteria for selecting recipients, and the terms under which the award was given. If you are other than a first time freshman, the funds must be sent to MSU for disbursement to your student account. Checks should be sent to the Office of Financial Aid and must include the student-athlete's name and personal identification number or social security number. Please be aware that NCAA rules may prohibit the receipt of financial aid or athletic aid in combination with outside aid in excess of the cost of attendance or, in some instances, the cost of a full grant-in-aid. The Pell Grant is currently exempt from these limits. Head coaches may place certain restrictions on the receipt of countable (delete outside) aid as part of the athletic award. The Pell Grant is currently exempt from these limits. Head coaches may place certain restrictions on the receipt of countable outside aid as part of the athletic award.

Notification of aid eligibility

MSU will notify you about your aid status as soon as possible after the FAFSA record is received at MSU. If you receive any outside awards, your financial aid package will be revised accordingly when OFA is notified of the award. If you have been offered an Athletic Grant-in-Aid, the first notification you receive may not include your Grant-in-Aid. When you have been determined to be eligible for your Athletic Grant-in-Aid according to applicable NCAA, conference and institutional regulations, your financial aid package will be revised accordingly to include your Athletic Grant-in-Aid. Review your financial aid award notification carefully. You and your parents might be required to send tax returns, W-2’s and/or other documents before your financial aid can be finalized. You may also need to take action to have the aid that is offered applied to your registration bill. If you do not provide the information that is requested or take the necessary action to accept awards, your aid may be delayed or cancelled.

NCAA Special Assistance Fund

A special fund has been established by the NCAA to meet the student-athletes' needs of an emergency and essential nature for which financial assistance is not available.

Pell-eligible student-athletes (except non-qualifiers in their initial year of residence), student-athletes who have demonstrated financial need as determined by the Office of Financial Aid, or a foreign student-athlete who has been certified by the Office of International Students and Scholars as having financial need are eligible to apply for these funds.

Permissible uses of the fund are as follows:

• Cost of clothing and other essential expenses up to $500 per year
• Cost of expendable academic course supplies (e.g. notebooks and pens)
• Medical and dental costs not covered by another insurance program
• Costs associated with student-athlete or family emergencies

To apply for the NCAA Special Assistance Fund or for additional information, please contact the Office of Compliance Services .

If you're interested in participating in education abroad, please visit the MSU Office for Education Abroad website. In addition to information about the many programs available, they describe the additional steps you must take to receive financial aid for your study abroad program . There are also many scholarships available for students studying at home or abroad. For more information about studying abroad, please visit  MSU International Studies and Programs.

Eligible students enrolled in a study abroad program approved for credit by Michigan State University’s Office of Study Abroad may receive federal student aid through MSU. Before a student can receive federal aid to study abroad, they need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students who plan to study abroad can work with the Office of Financial Aid to learn how scholarships, grants, and loans can be applied to their education abroad program.

Teaching Internships 

How do i apply for aid , when do i apply for financial aid , important changes for filing the fafsa during your internship year , four-year model , five-year model .

Anyone who was a junior or senior in the 2022-23 school year is on the five-year model. In addition, students who were freshmen or sophomores in 2022-23 may have chosen to follow the five-year model. As a professional student in the Teacher Certification Program, these students are considered independent for the purpose of receiving financial aid. This means they do not have to report parental information on their financial aid application and will have different answers when filling out the FAFSA.   5-year model: What questions do I have to watch for on the FAFSA? 

Question No. 28 asks if you will have a bachelor's degree before you begin the 2023-24 school year. Answer yes to this question even if you have courses to take in the summer. 

Question No. 29 asks what your grade level will be when you begin the 2023-24 school year. You should answer “first-year graduate/professional or beyond (code 6)” since the internship is considered a professional program. 

Question No. 30 asks for the type of degree/certificate you will be pursuing during 2023-24. You will use code 7 for “teaching credential program”. 

Question No. 47 asks if you will be working on a Master’s or Doctoral degree. Answer “yes” since you are pursuing a degree beyond a bachelor's degree (grad/professional program) in 2023-24. The internship makes you independent for aid purposes. 

The institutional code for Michigan State University is 002290 .  Note: If you are admitted to the Post B.A. Program as a second-degree student, you may have to report parental income and asset information until you complete the second degree and move into your internship year. You should also review Step 3 of the FAFSA to determine if you qualify for independent student status based on other criteria.  5-year model: Does this mean that my parents cannot claim me on their tax return?  Your parents should follow IRS regulations to determine if you can be claimed as an exemption for tax purposes. Your aid eligibility is based on your enrollment in a professional program, not on whether your parents claim you on their federal tax return.  5-year model: What kinds of federal financial aid are available?  Stafford (Direct) Unsubsidized Loan  Grad PLUS Loan  5-year model: What about the grants I received as an undergraduate?  Because MSU's teaching certification program is designed as a graduate/professional program, students are not eligible for undergraduate aid, including the Pell Grant.  When do I find out if I have been awarded a financial aid package?  You will receive an award notice in late May if you filed the FAFSA soon after October 1. However, if you are on the five-year model but are still considered an undergraduate at the time you receive your aid package, your financial aid may be incorrect. Expect a revised award based on your new status of Teacher Certification after the Office of Financial Aid receives notice that you have graduated with a Bachelor's degree.  What about scholarships?  See our scholarships search page  for help locating non-loan funding.  The College of Education also offers scholarships.  What if I need more money than I am awarded?  Sometimes special circumstances, such as supporting a child, can be considered for allowing a budget increase.  The financial aid calculations make the assumption that your income during the internship year will be approximately the same as during the previous year.  However, a reduction in your income during the internship year does not necessarily translate to an increase in aid eligibility.  Do I have to take the whole package I am awarded?  No. You can choose to accept an amount that best suits your needs.  When do I have to start repaying the loans?  Repayment begins six months after you complete the Teacher Certification program unless you have already used your grace period. Payment of current loans is deferred during the internship year as long as you maintain half-time enrollment.  Where can I get information about teaching service cancellation and deferment options?  StudentAid.gov describes how you may cancel or defer your student loans by teaching in a low-income or subject-matter shortage area. These options may be available to you if you have a Perkins Loan, Federal Stafford Loan or the Paul Douglas Teacher Scholarship.  Questions  Four-year model students with questions about student aid, please email [email protected] for assistance. Five-year model students with questions about graduate student aid, please email [email protected] for assistance. 

General information for veterans

• MSU has assembled a web page for student who are veterans, reservists, or have other military affiliation. See the MSU Student Veterans Resource Center page.
• U.S. military veterans may be eligible for various benefits through the GI Bill®. See the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website for more information.
• For more information about veterans' benefits at MSU and to apply for certification, contact the MSU's Veterans' Certification Office .
• For services including educational/vocational counseling for veterans and eligible dependents, contact the Ingham County Veteran Affairs Office , 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing, 887-4331.
• All veterans are required to submit their military transcript for review at the time of admission. Complete the Joint Services Request Form to have your transcript sent to Michigan State University.

MSU policies in place for veterans

• MSU will readmit a service member who must suspend attendance for a short period of time.
• MSU has a refund policy in place for students who withdraw prior to completing all courses.
• MSU recognizes and adheres to the Principles of Excellence  established by the federal government regarding student veterans.

MSU Disabled Veteran's Assistance Program

New and returning undergraduate veterans with a military-related disability who are Michigan residents and working on their first baccalaureate degree may qualify for an aid package that covers full costs without loans.  The student must document his or her status as a disabled veteran with MSU.  The student will be awarded a combination of federal, state, and MSU gift funds, combined with veteran's educational benefits and Michigan Rehabilitation Services benefits (if eligible), along with a work component.  If the student cannot work due to the disability, the work component will be omitted in favor of additional grant funding.

Expenses covered - tuition and fees, room and board, books, health insurance, and personal and miscellaneous costs of attendance.  The cost of supporting a spouse or dependents is not covered with these funds, although federal and/or private student loans may be available on a case-by-case basis.

Students must apply for federal aid by submitting the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Students are also expected to apply for Veteran's Educational Benefits if eligible. For more information, see the MSU Veterans' Certification Office website.

For more information on this program, see the document Quick Facts about Disabled Veteran's Assistance .

• Notification & Disbursement of Awards

Study Abroad

Study abroad is a great way to enhance the overall student experience. Exposure to the richness of another culture allows students to learn different languages, study in academic systems unlike their own, form a network of contacts helpful to their future careers, and grow personally, becoming more self-confident and independent.

Several study abroad opportunities are available through the department. Students can study in England, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, and Denmark—just to name a few.

English Literature in London

This Literature in London education abroad program offers students the opportunity to explore London as one of the great urban cities in human history and as one of the premier centers for theater both historically (during the birth of the commercial theater in the early modern period) and in its twentieth century renaissance. Striking a balance between the London of Chaucer, Jonson, Spenser, and Shakespeare, on the one hand, and Zadie Smith, David Hare, and Neil Gaiman on the other, our objective is to bridge the old with the new, exposing students to a variety of literary and cultural traditions that have come to life in the globally-vibrant city of London.

In addition to outings to many museums and important architectural sites such as the Tate, National Gallery, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Globe Theater, Keats’ House and the British Library, as well as to London neighborhoods like Southwark, Hampstead, and the parks of Westminster, students will take two trips outside of London: a day trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon, where they will see Shakespeare’s birthplace and a performance by the Royal Shakespeare Company; and a full weekend trip to Wessex, which has a number of literary connections. This latter trip will include stops in Bath, Glastonbury, Sherborne, Avebury, Old Sarum and Stonehenge.

Literary Studies in Dublin

Ireland, a beautiful and complex country, is a land of writing, speech, and gesture. The historical consciousness of the Irish has made their vivid art and literature particularly appropriate for study abroad. Its countryside and cities have given birth to writers such as Swift, Goldsmith, Joyce, Shaw, and Beckett; and poets such as Yeats, Kavanaugh, Heaney, and Boland. From the period of British imperial rule to the contemporary global context, Irish writers and artists have engaged the burning issues of their moment. 

The main location of the program will be Dublin but we will visit Galway, the Aran Isles, and Sligo, which has become known as Yeats Country.  We will meet for classroom lectures, discussions, and film screenings. Guest lecturers will speak on Irish history, art, music, drama, and poetry. Lecturers may guide us to historical, artistic, and architectural sites.  Providing easy access to theaters, museums, films, music, and writers, the summer literary study in Dublin program offers the definitive example of what onsite study abroad can achieve.

For more information, see the Office for Education Abroad website.

Travel at State – Office of the Controller

Welcome to Michigan State University's Travel Website

• To learn more about the Concur Fiori update, and to see it in action:
• Read the FAQ
• Check out the Fiori on the web demo video
• Check out the Fiori on mobile app demo video

Travel@State provides faculty, staff, students, and guests with resources and information related to traveling on behalf of the University.

MSU has negotiated contracts with multiple airlines, car agencies, and major hotel chains. Booking travel through one of our preferred agencies also gives faculty and staff the ability to direct bill airfare and rail to their department/unit. For more information on booking through Travel@State, please refer to the Preferred Agencies  page.

What is Concur?

Concur is MSU’s travel and expense system that streamlines the travel process for MSU faculty and staff.

What Concur can do:

• Calculate per diems, currency conversions, and mileage
• Book travel and link itineraries through the mobile app
• Add a receipt to your Expense Report just by taking a picture
• Allows travelers to separate business and personal expenses
• Quicker reimbursements
• Real time business intelligence on travelers and costs
• If an event has occurred, locate our travelers and open a line of communication
• Create cash advances and encumbrances during the pre-trip process
• Automated auditing

Have questions? Learn more by visiting our Reference Library  or by contacting the Travel@State team at [email protected] .

Need Help with Reimbursement?

Visit the Reimbursement Chart  for information on reimbursable expenses and receipt requirements.

Please refer to the Travel Policies & Procedures to ensure compliance with Michigan State University regulations.

Reference Guides

The Travel@State team has created a list of helpful resources to guide you through each step of the travel process. Both PDF and video resources can be found in the Reference Library .

Want to stay updated on the latest Travel@State news? Join our Listserv !

Travel at State – Office of the Controller

Traveler Support

As you prepare for your trip....

Use the following links as a guide to ensure a safe and successful travel experience.

Before You Take Off...

Refer to the resources below for important pre-departure information.

While You're Traveling...

Stay connected by signing up for travel alerts and knowing who to contact in case of emergency during your trip.

Currency Exchange Services

College of Human Medicine

Global health.

Early Clinical Experience (ECE) and Middle Clinical Experience (MCE) students may consider attending the college program offered in Costa Rica during Spring Break. Students in Late Clinic Experience (LCE) may work with the Student Program Administrator on their campus to obtain approval for international electives.

LCE students who are in the Leadership in Medicine for the Underserved (LMU) Certificate Program will work with the LMU Director to establish their international opportunities for their 4th year.

International Experiences

Clinical students should apply for study abroad at least 8 weeks before departure through the MSU Office for Education Abroad (EA). To begin, please complete the CHM Education Abroad Request Form .

See the college's Global Electives JIT page for faculty-led programs, scholarships and websites of other organizations that provide international programs for medical students. This is not an endorsement of other programs but a listing of some sites for programs other medical students have participated in.

If you have already negotiated an international clerkship, submit your letter of approval from the international site which includes the clerkship dates, and a brief program description to your campus Student Program Administrator. This information will be attached to the Inter Campus/Off Campus Clerkship Request form and will be sent to the appropriate department for approval. If approved, the department will forward the information to the Director for Global Health.

College of Social Science

Student commencement speaker spotlight: joseph allen.

April 25, 2024 - Emily Jodway

“With so many people affected by the seasons we experience here, I think that the evergreens are important to seeing that there’s always life even in the darkest hours,” he explained. 

This year’s commencement theme is Evergreen; the idea of holding on to one’s ‘greenery’ throughout life and everything we do. Evergreens are resilient and successful, displaying life even in the harshest, coldest winters. Spartans embody these traits; they are evergreens in a sea of gray that come together and an army of support for each other long after graduation. 

An Urban and Regional Planning and Economic Geography major, Joey has always held a passion for construction and city planning. But when it came time to decide on a college, he struggled to find a school that held its own program for urban planning, not just a major within an architecture or engineering school. 

“Our School of Planning, Design and Construction being part of the College of Social Science really jumped out at me,” he said. “I was pleasantly surprised to see how much advocacy and public policy was automatically weaved into the learning because of the college we were in.”

Despite the excitement, Joey’s first year at MSU was slightly marred by the Covid-19 pandemic and the necessity of taking classes fully online in his first year. But he found instant support from the college when he joined the Social Science Scholars program and its director, Dr. John Waller. 

“Dr. Waller was one of the first friendly faces I got to meet here, and was just so instrumental in making me feel like this was my home,” he said. “The program made me feel like once I got to campus my sophomore year, I was already going to know people and have a good time.”

Joey describes Dr. Waller (pictured below) as an inspiration, and someone who will always advocate for his students as they discover their interests and passions. Another mentor within the Scholars program is Mike Morrow, a College of Social Science alum and community mentor with the program who functions as someone students can reach out to for everything from career advice to a listening ear. “He cares so deeply about everyone he’s paired with,” Joey said. “He’s always interested in how he can find connections for us and how his past experiences might relate to what we’re going through.” Even through some of his lowest lows the past few years, Mike was someone Joey felt he could always rely on. 

“Bonding with that specific group of scholars was life-changing,” he said. “It felt like the first time I was truly an independent young adult. Getting to go and travel and have those experiences with people that you really care about … it taught me a lot about friendship and trusting one another.”

Another organization that had a big impact on Joey’s college career was Mock Trial. Making new friends, even meeting his future partner, and being able to represent his school at competitions and being a part of success is something Joey lists as one of his favorite parts of his time at Michigan State.”

“Especially coming off of our virtual Covid year, you learn how much these little college groups will mean to you for the rest of your life, and how those people impact you,” he said. 

Even with a trove of happy memories to carry away from his college experience, Joey doesn’t shy away from discussing some of the more difficult aspects of the past four years. He talks about a particularly dark time during his senior year when he was struggling to find motivation and feeling unsure about his post-college plans. 

“When I was experiencing this, I talked with a lot of different people, some of which were also going through dark moments in their lives,” he said. “What I realized is you can always commiserate, talk about how bad your life is and you feel like there’s no way out … But the things that can motivate you are the ability to see your friends succeed, and that they’re able to dig themselves out of holes, find their purpose and stick with it.”

Joey again brought up the idea of being evergreen. “That’s exactly what I needed to see and hear from them, is that we can be miserable together. We can experience those winters in our lives without dwelling on them.”

One thing Joey will definitely speak on at commencement is the ability of his fellow graduates, as social scientists, to change the world for the better. This group of students have witnessed firsthand the political strife, economic struggles, and decline of environmental policy that is the reality of our everyday lives. But who better to fix these issues than a group that has spent the last four years learning about the ways in which we can transform the human experience?

“We’re in a period of history where I think a lot of people are tired of seeing the same things happen over and over, and feel like we’ve regressed from a lot of the advancements we’ve seen socially,” Joey said. “We’re seeing violence, injustice, conflict, and different perspectives that feel like they can never be combined. That feeling is very scary to our generation. I think it’s super important to say as social scientists, we can impact change in unique and creative ways. We can still talk about those issues with hope for a solution. Believing that we don’t have any impact is just as dangerous.”

Bilateral International Exchange Agreements

International Studies & Programs

Office for Education Abroad

Broad College Education Abroad Advising Page

First Steps

1. Research your options:

• Search available options in the program tabs based on experience type
• Visit the Education Abroad Advising Center (International Center Room 108)
• Attend an E A 101 session  or watch the video online
• Attend the Broad College Study Abroad Fair and the Education Abroad Expo
• Attend program-specific information sessions
• Meet with  Broad academic advisers  to discuss options that fit into your academic plan

2. Research  financial aid and scholarship opportunities

3. Apply to an education abroad program

4. Visit the Broad Education Abroad webpage  to learn about next steps based on your program type

Back to MAP home

Study Abroad

Study abroad program types.

• Faculty-Directed Programs - Faculty directed programs are run and taught by MSU faculty members who lead a group of MSU students abroad. While on a program, students will directly earn MSU credit and pay the same rate in MSU tuition that they do on campus.
• Semester Partner Progr a ms - Semester partner programs allow an MSU student to apply to and enroll in a foreign university as a student. Students take courses at the university with local and other international students. There are two types of Semester Partner Programs: Exchange and Direct Enroll.

Exchange Program: Students pay MSU tuition and fees just like a semester on campus.

Direct Enroll Program: Students pay host institution tuition and fees.

Note: All Semester Partner Programs require a student to complete a Course Approval Form (CAF) to earn academic credit. Students must submit a copy of the completed CAF, with all required signatures, to the Office for Education Abroad and to the Broad College Education Abroad Coordinators  before leaving for a program . Students should save a copy for their records.

Study Abroad: Faculty-Directed Programs

Business of the Olympics | Sydney & Melbourne, Australia Terms: Summer Required GPA: 3.0 Class Standing: Sophomore minimum *Courses Offered: MKT 393; BUS 291

Global Finance Studies | Namur, Belgium Terms: Summer Required GPA: 3.0 Class Standing: Sophomore minimum  *Courses Offered: FI 311, 320, 451; BUS 491

International Business Studies in Asia | Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam;  Singapore Terms: Summer Required GPA: 2.5 Class Standing: Sophomore minimum  *Courses Offered: MKT 300, 327, 410; IBUS 211

Business Law, Ethics and Sustainability in an Emerging Global Market  | Athens & Nafplion, Greece Terms: Summer Required GPA: 2.5 Class Standing: Sophomore minimum  *Courses Offered: GBL 385, 385H, 323, 460, 490, 491; MKT 393

Marketing and the European Business Climate | France, Spain, & United Kingdom Terms: Summer Required GPA: 3.0 Other Requirements: Broad Majors only or sophomores expected to be admitted w/in the next semester  *Courses Offered: HB 375; MKT 300, 310, 327, 415, 490, 491; BUS 291

Business and Culture in Japan  | Tokyo, Japan Terms: Spring Break Required GPA: 3.0 Class Standing: Sophomore minimum  *Courses Offered: MKT 393, 490

Business and Cultural in St. Petersburg  | St. Petersburg, Russia Terms: Summer Required GPA: 2.5 Class Standing: Junior minimum *Courses Offered: FI 311, 312, 451; MKT 393

Doing Business in South Africa  | Cape Town, South Africa Terms: Summer Required GPA: 3.0 Class Standing: Junior minimum  *Courses Offered: MKT 310; MGT 490

Business and Culture in Spain | Barcelona, Spain Terms: Spring Break Required GPA: 2.5 Class Standing: Sophomore minimum  *Courses Offered: MKT 310, 491; BUS 291, 491

Managing People in a Global Market and the Business of Golf | St. Andrews, Scotland Terms: Summer Required GPA: 3.0 Class Standing: Sophomore minimum  *Courses Offered: MGT 476; MKT 310; MGT/MKT 393; BUS 491

Marketing and Business in London  | London, England Terms: Winter Break Required GPA: 3.0 Class Standing: Junior minimum *Courses Offered: MKT 300, 327, 415, 490; HB 375; BUS 291

*The courses listed for each program provide a sample of the courses available to students. All courses are subject to change. 

Semester Partner Programs

Monash University  | Melbourne, Australia  Terms: Fall and Spring Required GPA: 3.0  Class Standing: Sophomore minimum  Enrollment Type: Direct Enroll and Exchange

University of New South Wales  | Sydney, Australia  Terms: Fall and Spring Required GPA: 3.0  Class Standing: Sophomore minimum  Enrollment Type: Direct Enroll and Exchange

University of Technology Sydney  | Sydney, Australia  Terms: Fall and Spring Required GPA: 2.8  Class Standing: Sophomore minimum  Enrollment Type: Direct Enroll and Exchange

University of Sydney  | Sydney, Australia  Terms: Fall, Spring, and Summer Required GPA: 3.0  Class Standing: Sophomore minimum  Enrollment Type: Direct Enroll and Exchange

City University of Hong Kong  | Hong Kong, China  Terms: Fall, Spring, and Summer Required GPA: 3.0  Class Standing: Sophomore minimum  Enrollment Type: Exchange

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology  | Hong Kong, China Terms: Fall, Spring, and Summer Required GPA: 3.0  Class Standing: Sophomore minimum  Enrollment Type: Exchange

Corvinus University of Budapest  | Budapest, Hungary Terms: Fall, Spring, and Summer Required GPA: 2.5  Class Standing: Sophomore minimum  Enrollment Type: Direct Enroll

Hebrew University of Jerusalem  | Jerusalem, Israel Terms: Fall and Spring Required GPA: 3.0  Class Standing: Sophomore minimum  Enrollment Type: Direct Enroll 

Tel Aviv University  | Tel Aviv, Israel  Terms: Fall, Spring, and Summer Required GPA: 3.0  Class Standing: Sophomore minimum  Enrollment Type: Direct Enroll

American University of Rome  | Rome, Italy Terms: Fall and Spring Required GPA: 3.0  Class Standing: Sophomore minimum  Enrollment Type: Direct Enroll 

John Cabot University  | Rome, Italy  Terms: Fall, Spring, and Summer Required GPA: 2.75 Class Standing: Junior minimum  Enrollment Type: Direct Enroll

BI Norwegian Business School | Oslo, Norway Terms: Fall, Spring, and Summer Required GPA: 2.5 Class Standing: Sophomore minimum Enrollment Type: Exchange 

Chulalongkorn University  | Bangkok, Thailand ( Broad Only ) Terms: Fall and Spring Required GPA: 3.0  Class Standing: Sophomore minimum  Enrollment Type: Exchange

Northumbria University International Summer School  | Newcastle, United Kingdom Terms: Summer Required GPA: 2.5  Class Standing: Junior and Senior Enrollment Type: Direct Enroll  

For approved course equivalencies at partner universities, visit transfer.msu.edu and the Registrar's Education Abroad Partner Programs page. 

Note: The programs listed provide a sample of available program options. Use the Program Search to find more options available to you.

Internships Abroad

Internships abroad are designed to engage students in a variety of experiential opportunities that reflect their career interests and typically provide an academic component to reflect upon their professional development.

An internship abroad is a great way for students to:

• gain on-the-job experience in their field of study
• build a strong resume by adding an international dimension
• experience foreign work cultures firsthand
• build a global network to help support professional growth

Internships in Argentina  | Buenos Aires, Argentina Terms: Summer Required GPA: 2.0  Class Standing: Sophomore minimum  Other Requirements: SPN 310 or equivalent Courses Offered: SSC 493

Internships in Australia  | Sydney, Australia Terms: Fall, Spring and Summer Required GPA: 2.5 Class Standing: Sophomore minimum  Courses Offered: SSC 493

University of Sydney | Sydney, Australia Terms: Summer Required GPA: 3.0 Class Standing: Sophomore minimum  Courses Offered: Speak with your academic adviser about available credit

Internships in China | Shanghai, China Terms: Summer Required GPA: 2.5 Class Standing: Sophomore minimum  Courses Offered: SSC 493; CHS 490

Internships in Paris | Paris, France Terms: Summer Required GPA: 2.5 Class Standing: Junior minimum  Other Requirements: FRN 320 or 321 or equivalent Courses Offered: SSC 493; FRN 490

Internships in Ireland | Dublin, Ireland Terms: Summer Required GPA: 2.5 Class Standing: Junior minimum  Courses Offered: SSC 493

Internships in Singapore | Various Destinations, Singapore Terms: Summer Required GPA: 2.5 Class Standing: Junior minimum  Courses Offered: SSC 493

Internships in Cape Town | Cape Town, South Africa Terms: Fall, Spring and Summer Required GPA: 2.75 Class Standing: Junior minimum  Courses Offered: SSC 493

Business Internships in Spain | Madrid, Spain Terms: Summer Required GPA: 3.0 Class Standing: Sophomore minimum Other Requirements: Resume with cover letter; interview Courses Offered: BUS 491

Internships in London | London, England Terms: Summer Required GPA: 2.5 Class Standing: Junior minimum  Courses Offered: SSC 493

Visit the Broad Careers & Internships page for more information on international internships. 

Course Guidelines

Guidelines for choosing courses abroad   .

Direct Enroll and Exchange Course Selection and Approval in the Eli Broad College of Business

Broad Academic Education Abroad Guidelines

NOTE: These do NOT apply to faculty-directed programs.

For more information, contact:

Ben Ladd Program Coordinator Office for Education Abroad

Max Olivero Assistant Director | Global Support Services | Undergraduate Academic Services Eli Broad College of Business

Office for Education Abroad Advising Center International Center | Room 108 (517) 353-8922

Student Stories

Perspectives from Spartans Abroad

2024 First-Year Seminars

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RFK Jr. is scaring Biden’s allies. But he is a threat to Trump, too.

Joe Biden’s allies are racing to blunt the presidential campaign of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., casting his third-party effort as a stalking-horse bid designed to boost Donald Trump’s chances — even as his wide-ranging policy positions make him a threat to both.

Kennedy injected new urgency into the Democratic effort this month by securing a spot on the ballot in Michigan, a swing state vitally important to Biden’s victory plans. Trump narrowly won the state in 2016 and Biden nabbed it back in 2020. If Kennedy draws more votes from one or the other, he could flip the state’s 16 Electoral College votes and maybe the election.

Both sides are racing to define Kennedy. For Democrats, he’s a fringe conspiracy theorist not even backed by his own siblings in the famed political dynasty, a vaccine skeptic who has waffled over prosecutions of Jan. 6, 2021 riot participants. Trump most recently called him an environmental extremist and open-border advocate unworthy of a protest vote against Biden, though he has also touted Kennedy’s Democratic roots to try to hurt the president.

Kennedy’s rise, from unsuccessful primary challenger to mystery-box third party contender, illustrates the volatile nature of the 2024 campaign, with polls showing voters wish they had a choice other than the Biden-Trump rematch.

Kennedy, 70, is viewed favorably by 29% of swing-state voters who opted for Biden in 2020, but viewed favorably by 50% of voters who selected Trump that year, according to the latest Bloomberg News/Morning Consult poll, with similar numbers in Michigan.

“He is a challenge for both sides,” said Jim Messina, who managed Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection bid. “But on the Democratic side, I feel comfortable that, once we get education, we can drive his numbers through the floor.”

Trump’s top campaign adviser, Chris LaCivita, quickly shut down rumors that the former president was considering Kennedy as a running mate, writing on social media that Kennedy was “a leftie loonie that would never be approached to be on the ticket.”

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Kennedy’s biggest donors come from the world of Trump backers.

Timothy Mellon gave $20 million to American Values 2024, Kennedy’s allied super political action committee, and has also given $15 million to a group backing Trump. Leila Centner, an anti-vaccine activist, gave $1 million. Venture capitalist David Sacks and Jacqueline Sacks donated $93,400 to American Values 2024 through their own political action committee.

Kennedy’s running mate is also a big contributor. Nicole Shanahan, a prominent investor in Silicon Valley whose ex-husband is Sergey Brin, co-founder of Alphabet Inc.’s Google, has given $6.5 million, including $2 million she donated directly to Kennedy’s campaign in March. Candidates can spend their own money without limits to run for federal office.

She also gave $4 million to American Values 2024 to pay for a Super Bowl ad that mimicked a John F. Kennedy 1960 campaign ad that offended the family.

Kennedy is a chimera-like candidate who could pull from Trump or Biden supporters on any given day.

He’s pledging to make 3% mortgages available to first-time homebuyers and to further curtail American military interventions abroad. Yet despite his long-standing environmental activism, environmental groups this month called him a “dangerous conspiracy theorist and science denier.”

He’s pledging to “end the chronic disease epidemic,” by studying the role of “ultra-processed foods,” electromagnetic pollution and pharmaceuticals. On abortion rights, a key issue for Biden’s victory, Kennedy only says he wants to give “more choices than they have today,” including by advocating for widespread daycare subsidies, while also hoping to “see a lot fewer abortions.” He’s pledging to use technology to tighten control of the US border.

Kennedy has also promoted conspiracies about vaccines and questioned their efficacy. That could sap support from Trump, who as president at the height of the pandemic, criticized government-mandated vaccines. He’s a frequent guest on right-leaning podcasts.

“I don’t think anyone really knows what he does here. I think there’s likely an anti-establishment group of Republicans that would be interested in Kennedy in a way that there just isn’t in the Democratic Party,” Messina said. “What we need to do is just explain who he really is and use his own comments.”

Trump is trying to keep his supporters in his camp, labeling Kennedy as a “radical leftist,” and the Biden camp is leaving little to chance.

Biden allies have formed the Clear Choice political action committee to counter third-party candidacies. The Democratic National Committee has also mustered a team aimed at ensuring candidates are lawfully on the ballot — and taking direct aim at Kennedy.

The DNC erected two billboards in Arizona, where Kennedy held a fundraiser last week, emblazoned with Kennedy in a Make America Great Again hat and a slogan: “RFK. Jr.: Spoiler for Trump.”

“There will be a clear choice facing voters this November, and the more they learn about him, the more we’re confident that they’ll recognize that a vote for him is a vote for Donald Trump,” DNC spokesman Matt Corridoni said.

Kennedy himself has characterized himself as neither right nor left wing.

“I consider myself a traditional liberal, which was somebody who was for free speech, somebody who was for the Constitution, somebody who supported an idealistic vision of America,” he said in a recent podcast.

Trump’s main super-PAC also launched a website that highlights Kennedy’s environmentalist views and his opposition to voter ID, a favorite GOP issue. Trump himself posted a video this month saying Kennedy’s candidacy was great for his movement.

“I guess that means he’s going to be taking away votes from Crooked Joe Biden and he should because he’s actually better than Biden,” Trump said in the video. “If I were a Democrat I’d vote for RFK Jr. every single time over Biden because he’s frankly more in line with Democrats.”

The Kennedy campaign is confident it will get on the ballot in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, an official familiar with the campaign’s plans said. The official downplayed questions about his candidacy’s impact in swing states, saying a three-way race gives otherwise uncompetitive states a choice.

How much of a threat Kennedy poses to either major-party candidate depends on how successful that effort is. In Michigan, he’s running on the Natural Law Party ticket. The party was formed in 1992 and advocates solving problems with transcendental meditation, said Doug Dern, the state chair. It also advocates national organic farming, a flat tax, limiting unwanted pregnancies and responsible gun use, he said.

Dern described the party as “a kind of freestyle independent party where we will accept anybody” and predicted Kennedy would carry Michigan.

“About 40% of the population are just sick of the two-party system. They don’t like the Democrats and the Republicans telling them how to think,” Dern said. “Kennedy’s going to fix it.”

Richard Czuba, an independent pollster in Michigan, said Kennedy could capitalize on Biden’s weakness among Independent voters.

“I don’t think independents are going to look at Kennedy as ‘he is anti-vax’ or ‘he is a conspiracy theorist.’ They’re going to look at him as: is he our opportunity to deliver a message? ‘We don’t like our choices.’ That’s where particularly Biden can be hurt,” Czuba said.

“You can tell that neither of the establishment parties understand what’s happening here,” Kennedy said in a recent advertisement, appealing for donations to fund ballot-access efforts. “The Kennedy-Shanahan ticket is neither right nor left.”

With assistance from Bill Allison and Stephanie Lai.