Dear MSU Parents and Families,
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Has your student ever considered study abroad but been afraid to take the leap? In this newsletter, we will highlight MSU’s study abroad options along with competencies gained through traveling and studying abroad.
When students study abroad they have a unique and invaluable opportunity to expand their horizons and gain a new perspective on the world, all while being immersed in a new culture. Students who study abroad develop intercultural communication and problem-solving skills that cannot be learned at home. Students also strengthen their ability to overcome challenges while living in a new culture and speaking a different language. Finally, when your student studies abroad their employment prospects are enhanced because the value of their degree increases based on this experience.
We hope you will take a moment to understand what MSU’s Office of Study Abroad can offer your student. Need more information on the subject? Feel free to visit their website by clicking below. You can also contact them by phone; they have a wonderful staff eager to serve your students!
Office of Study Abroad
Annika Campbell and Annie Carr
662.325.8929
As always, please do not hesitate to call or email us with any questions or concerns. We are available to help you navigate through our available resources.
Cat Walker and Becky Faulk
Office of Parent Services
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STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS AT MSU
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Faculty-led Programs
These courses are designed and led by MSU faculty members where students receive MSU credit. Comprised of mostly MSU students, these courses are taught in groups abroad. Faculty-led program offerings change annually, and updated lists of faculty-led programs are usually released six months prior to each program’s start date.
Exchange Partners
MSU students enroll directly at the host institution and receive transfer credit at MSU while paying tuition to MSU. Some exchange programs are open only to students of a particular major. It is not always required to speak the language of the host country to study abroad at the host institution. Many universities have some or all coursework in English.
Provider Companies
These programs are organized by an outside company working directly with universities abroad. Programs are comprised of students from across the United States. Classes are often taught in English; however, students with sufficient knowledge of a foreign language may choose to take foreign language courses and/or courses instructed in a foreign language.
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The safety, security, and well-being of study abroad program participants are of utmost importance to MSU and the Office of Study Abroad.
All students complete an application, which includes health information and emergency contact information. Students are required to complete an Outbound Orientation, purchase adequate international health and emergency assistance insurance, and register through the Department of State.
The Office of Study Abroad also emphasizes to students, faculty, and parents that all program participants must take responsibility for their own safety and security just as they would in their home communities.
To ensure added safety and health measures are taken, the Office of Study Abroad closely monitors U.S. State Department (DOS) Travel Advisories and Country Specific Risk Indicators at all times. Regular reviews of reports by the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO), as well as information provided by trusted security analysis services, local governments and media outlets are also made.
Rest assured, your students will be in good hands!
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Tropical Veterinary Medicine & One Health in Uganda
Students studying Pre-Med and Pre-Vet can join Dr. Margaret Khaitsa this June and study abroad in Uganda. Past students, who have participated in this program, have shared that the experience helped advance their careers by improving their chance of getting admitted to a Medical & Veterinary College.
The program focuses on One Health, international animal production and health management, disease surveillance, public health systems, food safety and security, and international cultural exposure. The course is delivered in collaboration with Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and uses mainly experiential field trips (i.e. farms, field experiment stations and national parks). There is a cultural workshop and international conference during the last week.
Students seeking additional opportunities to advance their education and enjoy a once in a lifetime experience can contact Dr. Margaret Khaitsa at
[email protected]
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I had been looking into studying abroad since high school. The idea of studying in another country had always fascinated me; plus I love to travel to new places. The final deciding factor was the unique opportunity of the program I chose. I studied alternative energy in Iceland, Norway, and Denmark - countries leading the world in lowering their carbon footprints and making environmentally conscious energy decisions. I knew Scandinavia was the perfect backdrop to learning about such a crucial topic.
Delany Gillespie
My experience was incredible. I spent spring break in Peru and it was one of the best decisions of my life. While earning college credit, I was able to experience so many new and unbelievable things. I was able to see Machu Picchu, which is one of the Wonders of the World, ride dune buggies in the desert, go swimming with sea lions, and experience a new culture and part of the world first-hand.
Christopher Wittich
The best thing I did on my study abroad trip was say 'yes'! I got out of my comfort zone and tried new things, and it resulted in the trip of a lifetime. My group was participating in a pub crawl in Dublin, Ireland, and the musicians asked for someone from the audience to play a song for the finale. When my hand shot up to volunteer, I was just as surprised as my friends. It was an experience of a lifetime, and I'm so glad I said yes!
Georgeann Kenney
Mississippi State is committed to making their study abroad students feel connected to campus, even while miles away. They serve as an excellent resource day or night to parents and students. Study abroad is a humble growing experience that will positively impact your student's life.
Nicki Reeder
Please don’t ever discourage your student from traveling abroad. If you are worried about their safety, understand that they have a higher chance of becoming injured in their home country than in a foreign one. Trust the study abroad programs that they are traveling through. They understand your concerns and have built ways to ensure your student’s protection. Most of all, support their decision to study abroad. Become interested in some part of the culture that they are wanting to immerse themselves in. Read about something new every day or week or month for when your student returns, they can teach you about their experiences and grow closer to you as a result.
Neoma Myers
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A Note from a Mother:
So, your son or daughter tells you they want to study abroad in Uganda. Immediately,
before the thought actually sinks in - you panic! How are you going to keep in touch, are
they going to be safe, what happens…..?
During the entire time spent in Uganda, the group maintained a blog where the
students would take turns posting comments about what they were doing, what they
were learning and where they were traveling. They spoke of working with local
researchers to deliver veterinary care to animals, performed community outreach, and took various samples from animals to study diseases. By being able to travel the area with
people who live and work there, they were able to better understand the challenges
they face.
The Tropical Veterinary Medicine and One Health program was a great opportunity for
my student to learn about other cultures and help educate those who are less fortunate to
have the resources that are available to us.
Diane Richardson
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QUESTIONS
Please contact the
Office of Study Abroad by calling
662.325.8929 between 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
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Don't forget to visit us on social media and at
parents.msstate.edu
!
Make sure you mention
#MSStateFamily
when you post on social media.
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