With nearly 11,000 students engaging in international learning opportunities on campus and around the world, Michigan State University is a top institution for global education, according to the Institute of International Education’s annual Open Doors Report released today.
MSU ranks seventh in the nation for study abroad participation, with 2,668 students participating in education abroad programming in 2014-15 according to IIE. Although Europe is the most popular region, more than a one-third of MSU students chose to study in Asia, Latin America and Africa.
The university has one of the largest catalogs of international learning opportunities, offering more than 275 study abroad programs during all semesters in more than 60 countries on all continents.
“Providing valuable, high-quality and academically sound education abroad programming that expands opportunities for where, when and how students learn aligns with MSU’s strengths and mission,” said Anthony Ogden, executive director of education abroad and exchanges.
In addition, MSU ranks No. 11 in the country – and first in the state of Michigan – for international student enrollment. In 2015-16, MSU hosted 8,256 international students on campus.
The majority of international students came from China, followed by South Korea and India.
“As a globally engaged institution with connections throughout the world, MSU is committed to supporting international education and diversity through its dynamic international student body from more than 130 countries,” said James Dorsett, director of the Office for International Students and Scholars.
Other key points:
- Among science, technology, engineering and math majors, MSU exceeds the national average for study abroad participation with 34 percent compared to 24 percent nationally.
- More than more than 21 percent of MSU’s graduating class in May 2015 participated in education abroad opportunities.
- The Eli Broad College of Business had the largest number of international students in fall 2015.
- MSU’s international student population contributes $308 million to the Greater Lansing economy, according to NAFSA: Association of International Educators.
- This summer, MSU will launch a new study abroad program in Nepal. The One Health program is sponsored by the colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Agriculture and Natural Resources and Osteopathic Medicine in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health. One Health focuses on the interconnected nature of humans, animals and the environment and the direct impact each system has on the other.
- MSU also facilitates Freshman Seminars Abroad, during which incoming first-year students explore intriguing topics in small, active learning environments outside of the United States.
- The release of the Open Doors data marks the celebration of International Education Week, which runs today through Friday as a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education.
As part of International Education Week, MSU will host its annual Learning Abroad Conference from noon to 6 p.m. Friday at the International Center. Both U.S. and international students will present about their experiences abroad. The conference is free and open to the public.
SOURCE: MSU Today
