220 options for study abroad

By Matt Flint | Originally Published: 06/06/07 12:00am |Modified: 08/28/09 6:31pm | No comments

MSU's study abroad program provides many students with opportunities for international learning and experiences.

Last year, a total of 2,787 students participated in MSU study abroad programs. This is a drastic change from the 1994-95 school year, when 1,004 students participated.

"We have a long, long history of being out there and doing work in other countries," said Inge Steglitz, assistant director in the Office of Study Abroad.

There are 220 programs currently on record, most of which are annual, Steglitz said.

Sociology senior Jessica Fischman studied in Australia in January and February 2006. Although she has traveled all over the world throughout her life, including trips to Mexico, Europe, Asia and two prior trips to Australia, she said she enjoyed her study abroad experience.

"It gives other people a perspective outside the U.S.," Fischman said. "If I wasn't graduating this year, I'd do study abroad again."

The thousands of students who travel on study abroad programs each year must go through a lengthy process of application and enrollment.

"Study abroad begins the moment they start thinking about it, and it doesn't end when they come back," Steglitz said.

The first thing students must do is narrow their choices and decide which program best suits their interests. Academic advisers are available to help students effectively fit a study abroad trip into their curriculum.

To gain further information about specific programs, a Study Abroad Fair takes place each semester.

"All of these sources of information are there for the students to get an idea of the breadth and depth (of study abroad) so they can make some choices in their own goals," Steglitz said.

After choosing a specific program, students must apply and wait about three or four weeks to be accepted.

An important facet to the study abroad experience is safety. To ensure safety of the students on the programs, there is a risk and analysis committee within the university. This committee must approve any program before it officially becomes available.

"We have a reputation for being really conservative with (safety), and I am happy with that," Steglitz said.