Study Abroad Programs Through The Eli Broad College of Business
Study Abroad Scholarships
"A Moving Force"

Study Abroad Scholarships Through MSU-CIBER

MSU-CIBER offers study abroad scholarships available on a competitive basis for qualified business students. Faculty letters of recommendation are encouraged, and awards are granted on a case-by-case basis. Semester-long programs are eligible for $1,000 in scholarship money, while short-term programs are eligible for $500.

The spring semester recepients have just been chosen. MSU-CIBER will grant scholarships to the following students:

• Jason Flewelling - The People, Government, Justice System and Public Policy of Australia.
• Sara Fredrick - Multidisciplinary Studies in Queretaro, Mexico.
• David Hartman - Business Studies in Rouen, France.
• Brad Johanson - Multidisciplinary Studies in Queretaro, Mexico.
• Andrew Osborn - Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Exchange in Hong Kong, China.
• Michelle Rydzewski - Arts and Letters in Rome, Italy.

Congratulations to these six students. The application deadline for current summer semester programs is 15 January 2000. Applications for summer programs still in development are due by 1 March 2000.

The Eli Broad College of Business is, "a moving force in study abroad" according to Mr. Roy Robinson, Educational Programs Coordinator for the MSU Office of Study Abroad. "The College of Business is wonderful at both promoting and creating study abroad programs. Their number of participants has been steadily rising through the last few years."

The MSU Office of Study Abroad currently sponsors about 140 different programs in 40 countries. Enrollment this year is nearing the 1,600 student mark. There are several different options for the various programs. While the College of Business offers many programs, we’re only going to highlight a few.

A student must be fluent in Spanish to attend the Quito, Ecuador program. Fluency is defined as having at least two years of college Spanish or the equivalent. In this program, students live with a host family in hopes of becoming language-proficient. The program is taught in Spanish, and the courses are actually taken through La Universidad San Francisco de Quito. Classes explore the natural resources, language, culture, and society of Ecuador’s diverse environment. An internship option is available through this program.

Another long-term program through the College of Business is to Rouen, France.. Students have the option of taking classes in English or French. If a student chooses to take classes in French, they are eligible to select any classes offered at the Institut de Formation Internationale (IFI). Students live in dormitories, apartments, or with host families, depending on their preferences. Business course offerings are Global Business Strategy, International Marketing, Managing People and Organizations, and Contemporary European Business Studies and Marketing.

Many of the programs offered in the Business College are designed for business students, but can also apply to other majors. The faculty leaders often make the final decision as to whether or not their program will be exclusive to business students. This decision is often based on program content, the faculty’s "vision" for the program, and the number of business students who have already applied.

Mr. Robinson spoke about his experiences in study abroad programs and the effect they had on him. Describing himself as a "undecided student," Roy talked about his study abroad experience as an undergraduate to France. "It was a life-altering event," he said. This study abroad led him to a life of international activity, including a stint in the Peace Corps where he served in West Africa, and two additional study abroad programs to Vietnam and Guatemala.

Mr. Robinson spoke about how the experience made him "grow up," which is an effect he often sees on returning students. As we spoke, he read from an email that he just received from a student currently on the Business-sponsored program to Norway who remarked that going on the trip was, "the best decision I’ve ever made." According to Mr. Robinson, this is a common sentiment among participants.

The College of Business at MSU works hard to encourage participation among students. Because of the increasing globalization among businesses, the experience gained through a study abroad can prove invaluable. For more general information on study abroad programs at MSU, please visit their website. For information on a specific business program, please email Ms. Beverly Wilkins.

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