Feature: Study Abroad
Every year, MSU students learn to think globally and prepare for an international future via the nation’s most comprehensive study abroad program.
As the world becomes more interconnected and interdependent, and as MSU moves from “land-grant” to “world-grant,” preparing students for the future demands an international perspective. Michigan State has stepped up to provide perhaps the most comprehensive global experience available anywhere.
For starters, MSU leads the nation in study abroad opportunities—with more than 230 programs in more than 60 countries on all continents. The Institute of International Education, in its annual Open Doors report, ranked MSU number one in study abroad participation among all public universities in the U.S. for the fourth straight year.
Every year some 3,000 or so students enhance their undergraduate education by participating in a study abroad program—a number that ranks among the top few in the nation and continues to increase every year. Many students are able to take part in study abroad thanks to a scholarship fund established by the MSU Federal Credit Union.
What follows are first-hand accounts, along with photos, from some participants of study abroad programs last summer. These snapshots reflect the quality and sheer diversity of global experiences that current students can enjoy.
Study abroad, of course, is only one component of MSU’s vast international engagement, a time-honored tradition dating back more than a half century. MSU boasts one of the most comprehensive, vibrant and award-winning international studies and program in the nation (see cover story, Summer 2006). There are currently more than 4,300 international students and scholars from more than 130 countries attending MSU. The university continues to produce winners of prestigious international awards, such as Rhodes and Churchill Scholarships. MSU boasts some of the top international centers of study anywhere, and has pioneered many innovative linkages throughout the globe, with more than 150 such partnerships in place today. MSU is one of the few universities hosting a Confucius Institute in partnership with China, and actually boasts an office in Beijing.
In 2006, MSU won the prestigious Senator Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization for its efforts to expand globally focused research, teaching and outreach activities.
When President Lou Anna K. Simon refers to MSU’s “world-grant” mission, it is both a recognition of the globalization of MSU’s mission as well as an acknowledgment of MSU’s international leadership in areas such as agriculture, economic development, education, the environment, health and technology. MSU students benefit from this vast history of international engagement and, as can be seen in the accounts that follow, most consider their study abroad experiences as life-transforming.
Normandy, France, Mary Burleson, a senior social science major from Eaton Rapids
My study abroad program was “The U.S. and World War II Europe: Memory and Memorials.” We visited England, France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany. It was an intense experience, and I came to love it. We walked in the footsteps of Americans who fought in World War II—from Normandy, Bastogne and Buchenwald to the steps of the Berlin Reichstag. (We went to) George Patton’s grave at the Hamm Cemetery in Luxembourg, where 5,076 American soldiers are buried. We felt the emotions, and horrors, of the past. History came alive and I’d like to do the same for my students one day.
Stratford-upon-Avon, England, Sara Tomek, junior theatre major from St. Charles, IL
Theatre has always been my passion, so MSU’s “Theatre in London” study abroad program in July was like venturing to a theatrical holy land. One highlight was Shakespeare's hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon, where we visited the Tudor-style home of Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare's wife. The thatched roofs, small doorways, and expansive gardens brought us face to face with the landscape of England as it was about 500 years ago. We saw The Taming of the Shrew and hung around the actors' pub of choice. They were more than happy to talk with us while having a pint.
Machu Picchu, Peru, Miguel Torres,’06, lives in East Lansing and works with MSU migrant services
I’m a migrant farmworker and graduate of MSU’s College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), and travel to foreign countries is a step beyond expectations. Going on the “Land of the Incas” study abroad program last summer was a very profound experience. A highlight was Machu Picchu, a breathtaking place. My experience with the people, culture and environment of Peru enhanced my multicultural competence. I was able to bring positive feedback and strengthen the vision of my Latino fraternity, Phi Iota Alpha Inc. MSU’s excellent study abroad program made it possible.
Santander, Spain, Elizabeth Ferry, a junior Spanish and education major from Kalamazoo
This summer I participated in the “Spanish Language, Literature and Culture” program in Santander, Spain. We (displayed) a Spanish flag as we (made) our way to the Plaza, where a late-night celebration included drummers and chants. Our classes were in Spanish and covered culture, literature and language. I also took the business elective class. I now realize the vast differences in educational systems and intend to apply this knowledge when I become a teacher.
Tanjung Malim, Malaysia, Renee Liberman, a graduate student in education from W. Bloomfield
I took part in MSU’s “Pre-Internship Teaching in Malaysia” study abroad program this summer. The Universiti Pedidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) hosted a welcoming ceremony that blew us away. In attendance were our host families, students, professors, media and officials including Haji Idris Bin Haji Haron, Malaysia’s Deputy Minister Of Higher Education. We realized the global presence of MSU’s College of Education. MSU is the first American university with a study abroad program in Malaysia.
Milford Sound, New Zealand, Joel Griffith, senior zoology major from Chelsea
My travel abroad experience, "Natural Science in New Zeeland," was during the three-week Christmas break. Our group meshed well. The professors were excellent and the learning environment was amazing. This trip not only introduced me to people I will never forget, but also deepened my respect for nature's beauty. While in Queenstown I was reminded of Spartan Nation when a man, recognizing my sweatshirt, exclaimed, “Go Green!”
Tours, France, Sue-Bunch Saydee, senior accounting major from Lansing
This summer I took MSU’s “French Language, Literature and Culture in Tours” study abroad program. Growing up in war-torn Liberia, my childhood dream was to come to America. After my family re-settled in America, Paris became my next fantasy—which I have now fulfilled. My favorite castle in central France was Villandry, built in 1532 along the Cher River and one of the homes of Francis I. The garden is laid out in sections—including one for lovers, complete with valentines—and is set up to produce food without soil depletion. I advise every student to do at least one study abroad program.
South Africa, Britt Larson, senior zoology major from Maineville, OH
Last summer I went on MSU’s “Conservation and Biodiversity in South African Parks and Nature Reserves" study abroad program. We traversed across breathtaking landscapes and saw incredible wildlife. This program was the perfect introduction to Africa, allowing me to explore independently and travel through six countries in three months. The culmination was the climb atop Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise money and send medical supplies to a hospital in Tanzania. These experiences help support my future endeavors in veterinary medicine and international development.
Tamil Nadu, India, Chadd Dowding, sophomore international relations and comparative cultures and politics major from Rives Junction
This summer I participated in “Culture, Politics and Globalization in South Asia,” a five-week study abroad program in Tamil Nadu, India, which is integrated with the curriculum of MSU’s James Madison College. The opportunity to immerse myself in a different culture helped me confirm my life’s ambitions. (We went to) Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur (Tanjore), a vast temple constructed thousands of years ago to honor the Hindu gods. The sheer size and detail is said to rival the pyramids. This site is protected as a world heritage site through UNESCO.
Jerusalem, Israel, Tiffany Vauters, senior psychology major from Muskegon
This summer I took the “MSU Jewish Studies Summer Program at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.” I was able to apply concepts in psychology to the social dynamics within Israel—such as the Palestinian/Jewish conflict and the relationship of religion and state. We connected with the people, culture, historical and biblical knowledge of Israel. Memorable visits included Mt. Zion, Mt. Masada, King David’s Tomb, the Western “Wailing” Wall, the Via Dolorosa and Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Knesset, the Holocaust Museum, the Dome of the Rock, Petra and Gethsemane. I strongly recommend this transformative experience!
Antarctica, Madison Hall, doctoral student in forestry from Okemos
I was part of the “Antarctic System Science” study abroad expedition at Neko Harbor on the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula. We were about 1,750 miles from the Geographic South Pole. When we landed, Gentoo penguins were everywhere. We saw calving glaciers, amazing vistas and wildlife. There was camaraderie on the ship, yet, gazing out onto the horizon impressed a sense of vast wilderness and inaccessibility upon me. I was aware of our vulnerability in the icy cerulean waters and inhospitable environment. This journey sharpened my love for all things polar.
Rome, Italy, Lindsay Nichols, senior education major from Dearborn Heights
The “Social Science in Italy” study abroad program this past summer was an amazing experience. We stayed in Rome for five weeks but on weekends traveled to Florence and Venice. One highlight was the Colosseum in the center of Rome. The Colosseum was built around 80 A.D. and still stands along with many other great examples of Roman architecture, such as the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, and St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. The memories of this trip will always stay with me.
Hangzhou, China, Mitchell Brown, senior finance major from Olivet
Participating in the “Chinese Language and Culture at Zhejiang University” study abroad program was a memorable highlight of my college career. This was my first trip overseas. Zhejiang University is located in Hangzhou, a relatively modern city with a lot to offer. Outside of 15 hours of Chinese language coursework each week, I was able to interact with students from around the world. After fall semester, I traveled to Beijing. It was a really awesome experience.
London, England, Dana Perkins, graduate student in communicative sciences and disorders from Howell
I was in the “Communications Disorders in the United Kingdom” study abroad in London this summer. I will never forget this transformative, month-long overseas experience. Visiting historic structures of England—like Big Ben and Stonehenge—were highlights. More importantly, it opened my eyes to the world and pushed me to learn in new ways. I flew on an international flight by myself. I learned to navigate a mass transportation system. I took home new ideas that can help me in the future as a speech-language pathologist.
Dublin, Ireland, Tami Davis, a senior elementary education major from Wilson
I went on the 2008 “English Department Summer Program in Dublin and Western Ireland.” (I have a) new-found love of William Butler Yeats and his poetry, which rose dramatically after touring the land, seeing the things that inspired him, and hearing his poetry spoken within those settings. We stayed in Galway, Sligo and Dublin, and visited Belfast in Northern Ireland. My trips included Newgrange, Blarney Castle, Connemara, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren and the Giant’s Causeway. What an incredible diversity of Irish land and culture!
Entebbe, Uganda, Jeremy Phan, a senior geology major from Goodrich
The "Evolution of Uganda's Forest Biodiversity: Apes to Aves" study abroad program was an amazing experience. (We went to) Uganda near Semliki National Park where we met the Batwa (Pygmy) Tribe. The tribe members sold us native trinkets. Just before (we took a photo), they started dancing in a circle and welcomed me to join them. It was an experience unlike any other. We saw animals ranging from the endangered Mountain gorillas and the African elephant to free-ranging chimpanzees. I can’t wait to return.
Wales, United Kingdom, Amanda Loznak, a junior education major from Owosso
I participated in the “Political Science and Integrated Social Science in the United Kingdom” study abroad program in July. From London, we traveled weekends. Among other adventures, we visited a coal mine in Wales, kissed the Blarney Stone in Ireland, and stood under the Eiffel Tower in Paris. (We went to) the border of Wales and England, (where I stood) in two countries at once. Our tour of Wales related to what we learned about the sometimes violent history between England and Wales. We visited the site where the Prince of Wales was killed by Englishmen years ago. It was great to explore outside of busy London.
Loch Ness, Scotland, Megan E. Hart, senior journalism major from Lancaster, PA
On July 9, my “Reporting in the British Isles” study abroad class left Edinburgh to tour the Scottish Highlands. We heard tales of bloody battles as we wound through mountains and skirted lochs. In Dunkeld we visited a cathedral, behind which skulls and crossbones marked the graves of crusaders. We saw stone tombs at Cairn Clava and a wall commemorating every soldier to die at Culloden. At Fort Augustus, we got a chance to glimpse “Nessie.” After an hour-long cruise, braving winds that would have demolished even the most gelled hairdo, the closest thing I saw was the purple plastic behemoth at the visitor’s center. But I did get closer to Scotland, a land both bloody and beautiful.
The Arctic, Norway, Caitlin Donnelly, junior fisheries and wildlife major from Harbor Springs
The "Arctic Sciences in the International Polar Year in Norway and the Arctic" was nothing short of amazing. We traveled to Oslo, Tromso, and Longyearbyen in the Svalbard archipelago. Every day was an adventure. My passion for climate change and its influences on our earth grew. I learned a great deal and gained many friendships. We met with influential scientists. We saw polar bears, walruses, caribou, arctic fox, and abundant bird life, as well as stunning landscapes. We’d like to share what we learned about these ecosystems with others at home.
Berlin, Germany, Jessica Ports is a senior International Relations and Social Relations and Policy major in James Madison College from Cleveland, OH
This summer I took the “Internships in Germany” study abroad program in Berlin—a city with cultural and historic layers. I worked in Kruezberg, populated by Turkish people, young families and students. My morning greetings were either “Morgen!” or the Turkish “Gunydian.” I helped immigrant youths develop job skills. Today the Platz boasts tourists, restaurants, a shopping gallery, and the Sony Center, as well as embassies and modern skyscrapers. Fifteen years ago, it was an empty square centered by the Wall dividing East and West Germany.
Nairobi, Kenya, Holly Mincks, ’08, a zoology graduate from Tecumseh
My study abroad program in Kenya, “Behavioral Ecology of African Mammals,” was the experience of a lifetime. On twice-daily safaris, I learned first-hand of the complexity and splendor of Africa’s wildlife through intimate encounters with the animals. (We visited) a giraffe rescue center. I even took measurements and samples from a darted hyena! By the end of the three-week trip, I felt like I received months’ worth of knowledge. The experience I gained will help me achieve my goal of becoming a veterinarian. I would love to return to Kenya.
Sydney, Australia, Jessica Aliyeh Jazayeri-Nejad, a junior advertising major from Kalamazoo
I’ll never forget my experience in the “Summer Sports Program Down Under” study abroad program. We were exposed to a great mix of education and sports while experiencing Australia. Highlights included going to a symphony at the Sydney Opera House, running through Hyde Park, and seeing the Blue Valley Mountains. I got the opportunity to visit Tasmania for a weekend. I also visited New Zealand. Three months after the program ended, I still talk to people from my trip.
