Bring a global perspective to your education.
Students who study abroad discover that stepping outside of their cultures to live and study in a foreign country influences their careers and educational choices, increases self-confidence, enhances cultural tolerance and understanding, and facilitates lifelong friendships.
The MSU Office for Education Abroad offers more than 260 programs in more than 60 countries on all continents. There are options offered as long as an academic year or as short as a winter break. And students are able to go as early as freshman year or as late as the first semester of senior year.
Program Options
Partner Programs (Semester)
Students participating in a partner program enroll in courses with an international institution, transferring credit back to Michigan State. Typically a semester in length—though there are some summer or full academic year options—these programs are a great opportunity for students to fully immerse themselves in the culture of their host country. Student support services in-country are provided by the host institution, at varying levels depending on location, as well as through MSU when needed. Partner programs are divided into two categories:
Exchange
Students pay MSU tuition and fees just like a semester on campus in East Lansing. MSU students take their courses abroad, and in return, a student from the host institution comes to MSU. Because of this cost structure, exchanges are often ideal for students paying in-state tuition.
Direct Enrollment
Students pay the tuition and fee rates of the host university, typically through a program fee from MSU. This model is often a great financial option for out-of-state and international students.
Faculty-Directed Programs
On faculty-directed programs, students go abroad with one or more dedicated faculty members teaching courses for MSU credits. These programs typically travel abroad for a shorter term during summer, spring or winter breaks. Faculty-led courses use the setting overseas to complement and enrich the academic content, often building in excursions to popular sites in their host countries. Specially designed programs allow faculty to teach content differently than on main campus, making the most of the location. Having smaller groups and faculty accompanying students ensures built in support for students and a great opportunity to get to know the professors.
International Internships
Internship programs abroad give students the opportunity to gain work experience in a new country and culture. These programs can range in length from a few weeks to a full semester. Students earn academic credit for completing their placement and follow-up assignments. Please note that internship programs often have different visa requirements than other study abroad programs.
Selected Programs
When it comes to Belgium, what usually comes to mind is chocolate, waffles and great soccer players, but the Global Finance Studies in Belgium program will show you Belgium is a great place to learn about business as well. This Education Abroad trip will introduce you to local as well as international companies while experiencing the rich Belgian culture. You’ll be able to explore Brussels as well as the quaint enclave of Luxembourg. For more than 10 years, Spartans have been learning about international business in one of Europe’s most beautiful and historic countries!
For more information, you can visit the program’s page at Education Abroad and see a video about the program on Vimeo.
Questions? Contact program leader Antoinette Tessmer.
Explore ProgramThe Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Aegean Sea, fantastic weather—Greece has so much to offer, and it is a great setting to study business! This Education Abroad program offers a unique opportunity to explore Greece and learn its deep history and richly diverse culture while earning academic credit by studying topics in several areas of importance during the week and enjoying free time on weekends. This program includes international site visits, cultural and business field trips, experiential learning activities and multinational business content. This unique study program promises an impactful, interdisciplinary, immersion experience in which each student will cultivate cross-cultural literacy and leadership skills across professional and personal dimensions. The host locations of the program are Athens (two weeks) and Nafplion (two weeks) with many planned trips to nearby destinations.
Find out more about this program on the program’s page at Education Abroad.
Questions? Contact the program leader Harilaos Sorovigas.
Explore ProgramHave an extraordinary learning experience in India! A three-city tour to visit some of the country’s most exciting metropolises – Mumbai, Bangalore, and Goa. Students will have exclusive meetings with a variety of business enterprises including a Big Three global management consulting firm, Bain & Co.; India’s largest beverage company, Tata Global Beverages; one of India’s largest IT and BPO companies, 24/7; and a boutique fashion house, Lola by Suman B.
Find out more about this program on the program’s page at Education Abroad.
Questions? Contact the program leader Jamal Shamsie.
Explore ProgramRussia has long been considered an intriguing and even a bit of a mysterious place by the rest of the world for centuries. But what most people don’t realize is that while it still holds mystery and intrigue, it is also one of the world’s most beautiful and modern countries. Business in the Cultural Capital of Russia will show you the wonders of one of the great cities of Europe: St. Petersburg.
This four-week program includes visits to the world famous State Hermitage Museum, the magnificent Mariinsky Theatre, two of the tsar’s former palaces, as well as local and international businesses (including the Ford Motor plant and Baltika brewery). You will also learn the principles of domestic and international business, including a day of instruction from professors of one of the most highly regarded universities in Europe!
Find out more about this program on the program’s website or its page at Education Abroad.
Questions? Contact the program leader Thomas Rimer.
Explore ProgramThis study abroad opportunity is facilitated by Multicultural Business Programs.
The 17-day program takes place on the campuses of the University of Cape Town and the University of Stellenbosch, and is designed to provide business majors the opportunity to become knowledgeable of South Africa’s increasing position as a major partner in U.S. and world trade.
Students will gain insight into the corporate and social cultures of South African trading partners and customers. They will learn how to balance the needs and demands of shareholders, customers and employers with local customs and government regulations. Site visits to South African companies and businesses will give students first-hand experience in these organizations.
Find out more about this program on its page at Education Abroad.
Questions? Contact the program leader Ernest Betts.
Explore ProgramInternationalizing Your Degree
Minor in International Business
The international business minor is a great academic opportunity for students who plan careers with an international orientation and who wish to add breadth to their major. The minor is designed for students who desire to increase their understanding of various regions of the world and the global marketplace.
Connect with the Office for International Students and Scholars
The Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) provides support to Michigan State University’s international students, scholars and families. There are a number of ways to get involved with OISS, including volunteer opportunities.
Join a Student Organization
There are more than 900 registered student organizations at MSU, many of which include an international focus.
The MSU International Business Organization (IBO) promotes a greater understanding of international business and fosters personal and professional development through networking events, speaker presentations and corporate trips. The student organization is committed to its members’ needs in order to be key innovators, core contributors and successful leaders in today’s global community.
The Spartan Global Development Fund (SGDF) is a student-run initiative working to expand awareness and support for microfinance while building lasting partnerships in the quest for permanent solutions to global poverty. SGDF helps promote the causes of sustainability and entrepreneurship by providing interest-free micro loans to small businesses in less-developed areas of the world.
Start Your Journey
Check out all the business education abroad options through the Office for Education Abroad.
Get Connected with Broad:
- Business College Complex
- 632 Bogue St
- East Lansing, MI 48824