Finding an Education Abroad Program

MSU offers over 275 credit-bearing education abroad (EA) programs in over 60 countries all around the world. There is truly something for everyone! 

Studying abroad allows a student to take classes and earn credits through instruction from MSU faculty or a host institution abroad. Programs at MSU can be broken into 3 broad categories.

1. Faculty-Directed Programs = Led by Michigan State University faculty, alongside other MSU students, and earn direct MSU credit on your transcript, same as if the class was taught on campus.
2. Partner Programs = Enroll in courses with an international institution, transferring credit back to MSU. Partner Programs include:
   1. Exchanges: MSU students enroll as a visiting student at an international university and a student from the host institution comes to East Lansing. MSU students pay MSU tuition and fees.
   2. Direct Enrollment: MSU students enroll as a visiting student at an international university and pay tuition and fees directly to the host institution.
3. Undergraduate Research and Internships Abroad = Students develop practical skills in a professional setting based on interests, background, and goals. Students may be conducting research in a lab or field setting under the supervision of an international faculty member or exploring a professional industry or field of interest in a global workplace. In both cases, students will earn credit for the learning associated with the experience.
   

See a handy breakdown of program-type characteristics here:

Faculty Directed

• Led by MSU faculty
• Earn MSU credit
• Peers are other MSU students
• Most are short-term winter or summer programs
• Activities usually take place with the group
• Pay MSU tuition and program fee

Exchange Program

• Attend a foreign institution
• Usually earn transfer credit
• Peers are host-country students and other international students
• Programs take place during academic term (fall/spring/academic year)
• More independent experience
• Pay regular MSU

Direct Enroll

• Attend a foreign institution
• Usually earn transfer credit
• Peers are host-country students and other U.S. or international students
• Programs may take place during an academic term or summer
• More independent experience
• Pay host institution tuition/fees

Undergraduate Research or Internship

• Work 32-40 hours a week in a lab/field setting or at an internship
• Earn transfer credit or direct MSU credit (varies by program)
• Host country staff help find research/internship placement and provide on-site support
• Peers are other MSU students or international students
• Programs are during the summer
• Highly independent experience
• Pay host institution tuition/fees or MSU tuition/fees (varies by program)

When you start your program search, first ask yourself “What do I want to do abroad?” Choose an experience that aligns with your academic, professional and personal goals. Use the NatSci EA Goal-Setting Worksheet to help guide your thinking.

To explore education abroad programs, visit the MSU Education Abroad Program Search. 

For questions about getting started with EA, please visit the Education Abroad Advising Center in Room 108 International Center or schedule a virtual appointment with an EA peer advisor.