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Nervous about starting at Michigan State? Worried about your class schedule, living away from home, or where to even start? The Spartan Orientation Station (SOS) is a podcast hosted by New Student Orientation staff and was created by students for students. This podcast will launch twice a week throughout the summer, and each episode will feature a unique interview with campus departments discussing their services, common misconceptions, and fun Spartan engagement opportunities. When you need help at Michigan State, it is okay to signal SOS! Don’t worry – MSU is there for you.
You're listening to the Spartan orientation station on impact 89 FM. The podcast by students for students. Now, this week's episode.
Faith 0:18
All right, hello, hello, everyone, and welcome back to another episode of the Spartan orientation station. So today we're discussing an awesome resource we have here on campus, which is education abroad. So to start off with, I'm just gonna do a little bit of introduction for myself. So hi, my name is Faith. I'm a recent MSU grad just a couple of weeks ago, and I graduated with my degree in business management with a minor in International Business. I also worked as a peer advisor for the Office of Education Abroad this past year and I studied abroad myself this last spring semester, I went to Swansea University, which is in Wales, which is in the UK for those you didn't know. So just kind of introduced the Education Abroad program here. So MSU is actually known for being one of the top schools in the US for our study abroad programs. So we actually offer more than 300 programs that run to all seven continents, even Antarctica, which is super fun. We do offer programs for over 175 different majors. So you might be wondering, you know, is there a program for me, will I be able to go on one, there is definitely a program for you. We really can't wait to hear more from our amazing guests today, Ryan and Nolan. They are here with us from the office of education abroad. And we're gonna just be discussing, you know, getting ready to pack your bags and set sail for education overseas. So we're just gonna start off by having you both introduce yourselves and kind of say like, what is your role within the Education Abroad office?
Nolan 1:48
Hello, everyone. Just like Faith, I'm a peer advisor with the Office for education abroad. A little background on myself, I'll be a senior this upcoming academic year. And I study international relations and German here at MSU. Yeah.
Ryan 2:01
And I'm Ryan, I work in the office for education abroad as the digital outreach coordinator. And way back in the day, I also went on a Education Abroad program.
Faith 2:13
All right, amazing. So to start off with, I know the Education Abroad Office offers some amazing resources that a lot of students may not know about just coming into Michigan State. So if you want to just touch on some of the kind of most important ones that your office provides, feel free.
Ryan 2:29
So our office is sort of the central hub for everything education abroad. No matter where you hear about it, you'll want to come talk to us at some point, we have a lot of different resources on our website, we have information about financial planning, majors, how it can, how you can find credits that work for you on various kinds of programs. We are also the best place if you have questions about what's best for you, what are you interested in. Just come on by our advising office, and during the school year, and we'll be able to help you, including peer advisors, like you're hearing from today, who have themselves studied abroad.
Nolan 3:16
And not to worry, we offer Zoom advising during the summer months. So if you want to get some help during the warmer months, when it's warm outside, feel free to make a zoom appointment on the website.
Faith 3:26
Alright, awesome. And I know when I worked there, I also did a couple of webinars every week that did kind of go over like education abroad 101 where you can learn in general information. So that's all just on our website educationabroad.msu.edu. So another great place to look, like Ryan was saying. But going off of that, I know there are a lot of different types of study abroad programs that our office offers. If either one of you guys want to kind of go over what different types they are, and kind of kind of what ones are best suited for different types of students.
Nolan 3:53
Yeah, so the Office offers many different kinds of programs, but the big categories are faculty directed or led programs. And that's where an MSU Professor faculty is going abroad with the students. And they're gonna be the ones teaching an MSU course and it has an MSU course code. So there's no need to worry about transferring credits back to the university. And then next we have the traditional exchange program. That's where you're going to university overseas and sitting there for a semester or possibly even a year. And then in addition to that, we have less traditional types, but pretty cool programs nonetheless, internships, research and community engaged learning programs. They're also all great options to choose from.
Ryan 4:30
We're also looking at some things currently like first year seminars where students who haven't even started at MSU get their start abroad on a small little trip, shorter program. And you can meet some people even before you step foot on campus. There's also our domestic study away programs where you're having the similar kind of experience as going abroad but you're staying within the United States.
Faith 4:58
Yeah, that's a really great point. Um, I know like even going to Hawaii kind of seems like an exotic country to me. So there's just some really cool opportunities that we have. And kind of leading off of that, you know, I know there are so many benefits to studying abroad. I know for me personally, I loved, you know, getting to know different culture, getting to know you know, now I have friends really from all over the world that I can go and visit and they can come visit the US. And just what are some of the benefits that you both have seen from, you know, doing a study abroad program?
Ryan 5:25
Well, Nolan will be able to touch on this part better than I can. But certainly, language skills, you can massively improve your ability to converse and languages you're learning if you're going on a program for that full immersion, but there are other sort of career oriented goals. Studies have shown that students who go on education abroad programs not only find jobs faster, but they're usually looking at higher salaries when they do. It's a way to set yourself apart in a competitive field. And of course, it's an incredible experience where you get to meet all kinds of people, learn about other cultures, engage as a global citizen, things you couldn't get doing anything else.
Nolan 6:13
Yeah, Ryan touched on most of the great benefits that come from education abroad. But I would say in addition to that, to cultural awareness, and being able to kind of pull back on content that you learned in classes here in East Lansing, to other situations and experiences abroad, and of course, you're getting college credit out of all of it. It's not just traveling abroad, you're actually learning abroad, and not to mention the friendships that you might have-- not have otherwise have made.
Faith 6:36
All right, amazing. And so kind of the next one. A lot of students might be wondering, you know, when can I study abroad, like a lot of students think, Oh, it's just the summer or it's just, you know, like, a week long program, but kind of touched on, you know, are they offered all year round? And how far ahead should you plan to go on a study abroad program?
Nolan 6:54
Of course, so you can study abroad at almost any point during your time at MSU, as a student, even the summer after your senior year, if you were looking into that. Programs range and duration, but can last anywhere from a week up into entire year, like the program that I did. And then the applications can be due anywhere from three to six months before the program start date. So it helps to get a head start and look for a program today.
Faith 7:17
All right, amazing. And so I think another big question is, you know, where can you study abroad at? I mean, are there specific countries? Is it anywhere you want? And where do you find the list of programs that are available?
Ryan 7:30
We have so many programs available, you are going to find something that just absolutely floats your boat. Now the best place to find all the programs available, is via global. via global is a website that we utilize in the office to both organize all the programs, learn what fits your interests best, and you apply directly through this service, via global. So with your MSU.edu email, you automatically can sign in through single sign on, it'll populate some of your information to make the application process easier. And you just go on there, you click around, you find a filter, I want to go here. I'm interested in a program of this length. You can even take a program match quiz, where there's a bunch of questions they throw at you and you're like, Okay, let's-- it's like a Buzzfeed quiz. You just figure out what fits you. And it'll give you rankings of what is best for your major, interests, and life.
Faith 8:37
All right, awesome. Yeah, I know, I loved using via. So streamlined, everything is in one place. And Like Ryan said, the program matching is a great start to-- maybe you don't know where you want to go or how long and just having that feature is really nice. So how do you really find the program? That's right, for certain students? Like I know, you said, you know, you can use via, and we do have our advising office, you know, what are some steps that students should be taking when they're thinking about going on a program?
Nolan 9:03
Yeah, it really depends on what you have in mind for a program. Using the via global system there are different filters you can play around with, including term or semester, subject, country and even language of instruction. And messing around with those filters can help you find a good program that fits for you.
Faith 9:18
All right, amazing, kind of what's the application process for going on a program? Is it pretty streamlined? Is it more extensive, is their essay questions?
Nolan 9:28
Once you find your dream program, if you go to the term tab, you can then apply by clicking on the Apply Now button. It's pretty much streamlined. The application itself is pretty straightforward. You'll provide some basic information about yourself. And your studies here at MSU. Sometimes programs require a short essay response that's typically 500 words and why you want to study abroad. But for most people, that's just a small hurdle to building their dream program.
Faith 9:52
All right, awesome. And so now touching a little bit more on the financial side of it. I know a lot of students will have questions about the cost. So are there certain scholarships available? And kind of, can you use your current MSU scholarships? Or do they have to be more specific?
Nolan 10:06
There are a number of scholarships that you're automatically considered for when you apply for any MSU Education Abroad programs, but we also have a whole page that are dedicated to scholarship information on our website under the plan tab. If you receive scholarships from the university or an outside source, just check with the financial aid office or your scholarship provider for any stipulations regarding how you may use your scholarship funds. But for the most part, all scholarships are able to be applied to Education Abroad Programs.
Faith 10:31
Right, that's awesome. I know, for any incoming students to have like a Presidential Scholarship, for instance, actually has funds set aside to study abroad. So if you have that, I definitely recommend checking out the programs we have available. Um, so Nolan I know, you kind of touched on this, but um, in terms of the native language, you know, is that a requirement to go on any of the programs say like, I want to go to France, but you know, I've never spoken a day of French in my life, like, that's kind of the requirements for that?
Nolan 10:56
You don't have to know the language of study abroad in a foreign country. In fact, a large number of the programs that MSU offers the language-- language of instruction is English. But there are a few programs that are meant for cultural or language immersion. And those would be perfect for students who want to learn a foreign language, whether that be French, German, Spanish, Chinese, of the various languages that MSU offers. But yeah.
Ryan 11:21
It's also a good opportunity to start learning another language, make sure you're being respectful of your host country. You don't want to just go in there and expect everyone to cater to you, you're entering somebody else's home. And so yeah, use it as a great opportunity to learn some new phrases that you'll be able to take back and impress your friends and family.
Faith 11:46
Yeah, that's, that's a really awesome point. And I know a lot of the programs actually have like, you know, an introduction to Italian course required to study abroad there. So it's really nice that you get to know that culture and that kind of community while you're there. Um, so kind of going off of, you know, cost and financials, what's really included in the cost? Like are flights included, do you have to pay out of pocket for certain things, kind of what goes into the cost.
Ryan 12:10
So when you're looking at a program, especially on via global, we'd like to provide something called the cost sheet, when possible, based on previous years. These things will give you a detail about the program fees, what that includes, and things like flights, which are usually out of pocket expenses. It's always good to check the details of the specific program with the program director. But generally, things like flights, things like meals, souvenirs you'd like to bring back, these are up to you, these are out of pocket, out of pocket costs. So just check in on that form, check in with the program director, check in with other people, you know, that have maybe also been on these programs, and you can get a really good sense of the financial considerations.
Faith 13:01
All right, amazing. And I know also just even the country you go to and the currency that's differentiated from the US dollar can really impact it as well. So like, I know, Australia, for example, is one of the most expensive places to study abroad to. And that's really like just, even flight there since it is such a long flight. So even just paying attention to that, I mean, there are programs that actually can cost less than a semester on campus at Michigan State. So even looking to do something like that, you know, with peer advisors or with the program directors is really nice. Um, so now we're gonna move on. Do you have any advice for students that maybe are about to leave on a program or are interested in it and kind of want to know, you know, what are some tips that you've learned from years or anything like that?
Nolan 13:41
Yeah, the advice I would give to any students getting ready to depart for their program is take, take lots of pictures. It's also not a bad idea to start a travel journal. Just write down what you did every day because on your trip, because trust me, you won't remember as much as you'd like to later on. But also to find a few souvenirs to bring home to remind yourself of your travels. I personally always like to collect stickers and put them on your laptop or binders. But it's also a cool thing, if you want to check out Spartans abroad on Instagram. There's some videos of students sharing what souvenirs they brought back from their own study abroad programs.
Ryan 14:11
I'd also like to suggest bringing comfortable shoes and travel clothing. I can speak from experience on this, you do not want to be walking around in leather soled shoes with blisters on your feet. Bring something comfortable, bring multiple changes of socks. I'm not your parent, but this is valuable advice.
Faith 14:33
Yes, that is so important. Um, and I know for me, even just bringing like a portable charger, like I didn't even think I would need one. But when you're taking photos and you're visiting another country and you're out all day without an outlet, it's really important to bring that as well. And I really wish I had travel journaled. Like Nolan said like, if you're like, Oh, I'll remember this, you know, but if you don't write it down, I mean, you do lose out on some memories. So it's really important too. So I know we kind of talked about some of the resources our office has, but where do you go to find more information about the programs?
Ryan 15:03
So we have our website, easily accessible, which is-
Nolan 15:10
Educationabroad.isp.msu.edu or how I like to tell people, just Google MSU study abroad and it's gonna be the first result that pops up.
Ryan 15:17
We also have a pretty good social media presence, especially on Instagram, Facebook, and yes, even Twitter. And you can get not only information on specific programs, tips, tutorials, you can also get stories, Spartan stories from other students who have gone on Education Abroad Programs. We're @spartansabroad, on everything, so just find us there.
Faith 15:48
Alright, yes. And just even using our hashtag when you're abroad, y'know like Spartans abroad, bring your Spartan flag if you go on a program, like we love to see everyone's photos and their experiences. And like Ryan was saying, even on our website we have a whole section devoted to student stories. And so you can filter it out by location, you can filter it out by certain programs. So if you're like, oh, I want to go like for my program, like the Swansea University, I actually used that feature and read other students experiences that studied abroad there. And it did help me think, Oh, this is the right program for me. Like, what is it like? Things like that, so it's a really useful tool as well. So now we're gonna go into where did you both study abroad, and what was your experience like?
Nolan 16:29
So yeah, I studied abroad at the University of Freiburg, in Freiburg, Germany. And for those of you that might not know where Freiburg is, it's located in southwestern Germany and within an hour drive with both the French and Swiss borders. It's also said to be the sunniest city in all of Germany. My experience was a little different because I went on a year program. And not only that, but it's also my first in person college experience. I graduated high school during COVID attended MSU, virtually my freshman year. So not only was I eager to get to Germany, but I was also eager to learn in a physical college classroom. But it was a great experience. I got to meet other American students from other Midwestern universities, like University of Michigan, Wisconsin, Madison and Indiana, in addition to Germans from the area and German students who came from all over Germany to study at this university. And one of my favorite memories from my study abroad program was the opportunity to work as an English teaching assistant in a local school where I got to present to students on life in the US, in American High School, and assisted teachers with worksheets and activities.
Ryan 17:29
I went on the film and Britain program back in 2014, when I was a student here at Michigan State University. And it was an incredible experience. We were in London for about four weeks and Edinburgh at the Edinburgh Film Festival, for two got to meet some well renowned artists like John Comfra, learn from them and explore that big, big city.
Faith 17:56
Alright, that’s amazing. And Nolan I know you did a language immersion program. So you know, everything was in German, all your classes, kind of how did that-- do you feel like it really benefited you in terms of becoming more fluent and experience more of the culture?
Nolan 18:09
Oh, definitely. It wasn't a surprise. I did go into it knowing it'd be all in German. But you definitely get to learn a little bit more of the day to day speech and, or slang, as some of us like to call it. But yeah, it's definitely very interesting to be fully immersed in another language. Because a lot of times you don't know what you're doing. And you just kinda figure it out day by day. And yeah.
Faith 18:33
That's amazing. And I also like I mentioned before, I also studied abroad, so I actually went to like I said, Swansea University in Wales in the UK, actually, I didn't even know Wales was a country before I looked into the Education Abroad Program, which I don't know if that's like, a lot of people know that or not, but I found out a new country, which is awesome. But one thing I will say is, you know, don't be afraid to be nervous at first. I know for me, you know, going for a full semester, like Nolan did like a full year, is a big amount of time from your friends and family. And so just making sure that you don't you know, you don't get too nervous and make sure you know, I used FaceTime all the time with my friends and my parents, and staying connected is important. But also, like once you get to that post University in that foreign country, like my nerves just like really left after the first week because you meet all these amazing people that you're living with. And you make friends so easily. I know my university specifically actually had whole international student trips throughout the UK where we would go as a group, we would spend a couple of days in different parts of England or Scotland or Ireland and it really made me you know, more global citizen and just have friends all over and a lot of them are from Texas, and I decided to say y'all all the time. So you know, it's pretty fun. I loved it, and I really couldn't advocate for it more. I think it's really once in a lifetime and really when else we get the chance to live in a different country for you know, a year or semester. Even if you do like a summer program, do an internship. I mean, you can do an internship in Michigan or you can do an internship in like France or Switzerland. Like I don't know, compared to those I think I know what I would pick. Um, but it's just, it's really just I can't advocate for it enough. I loved my experience. I think all of us here would feel the same, but I just want to say thank you both for being on the podcast. We really appreciate your time and all of your amazing answers.
Thank you for listening to this episode of The Spartan orientation station on impact 89 FM. Let us know what you think by connecting with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram at MSU_NSO.