International Education Week (IEW) is a great occasion to celebrate education abroad at Michigan State University. For nearly 50 years, MSU has offered students a life-changing opportunity to participate in academic programs around the world.  Living and learning abroad is stimulating, challenging and provides a valuable opportunity for students to combine their studies with unfamiliar experiences to develop meaningful skills that will help position them for a successful career.

IEW kicked off last Friday with the eighth annual Learning Abroad Conference.  It featured 35 presentations from students who studied abroad as well as international students currently studying abroad here in East Lansing. This year’s presenters discussed how their education abroad experiences related to a central theme of “Growing through Challenge: Learning Abroad in a Time of Global Change.”

Today, the Institute of International Education released its Open Doors report providing current information about U.S. students who study abroad as part of their academic experience.  This year marks the 22nd time MSU has ranked in the top 15 institutions for study abroad participation.  Nationally speaking, MSU exceeds participation in the following categories

• STEM majors (+10%)
• Communication/JRN majors (+3%)
• Legal studies majors (+2%) 
• Social Sciences majors (+2%)
• Freshmen (+4%)
• Graduate students (+1%)
• Black/African American students (+2%)
• Undergraduate participation (10%)
• Short-term programming (+20%)
• Participation in Sub-Saharan Africa (+2%), Latin America (+3%) and Oceania (+3%)

In addition, as part of its U.S. News Best Colleges ranking, U.S. News & World Report included a special section recognizing colleges and universities with stellar examples of education abroad believed to lead to student success.  Michigan State University was ranked #9 among the top 15 institutions listed in the report for having substantial academic work and considerable interaction between the student and the culture.

The Office for Education Abroad never stops striving to improve program quality and innovation that will result in greater affordability and accessibility to education abroad, larger numbers of high impact programs, a greater variety of programs, and alignment of curricular needs within individual degree programs.  Look for even better things to come as the innovations we are implementing take shape!

FAST FACTS

• MSU in top 15 for education abroad participation for 20+ years
• 26% of MSU undergraduates participate, far exceeding the national average (16%)
• 275+ programs in more than 60 countries
• Over 400 scholarships awarded each year
• Programs are offered every semester, including breaks
• Experiences abroad include internships, research and service-learning
• 96% of EA alumni felt their experience was valuable
• 74% of EA alumni talked about their experience in job interviews
• Principles of diversity, equity and inclusion are priority
• Pre-departure and re-entry activities help students gain the maximum benefit
• Dedicated office for health and safety with 24/7 emergency assistance

International Education Week Events at MSU