CNS Study Abroad Programs

Alumni often state that “Study Abroad was the best experience of my college career.” It can be a defining moment in education and in life.

Students who take advantage of MSU Study Abroad become more attuned and part of the larger world. They have more balanced global perspectives and attitudes. At the same time, they  develop a stronger sense of personal identity, flexibility and self-confidence – all while they learn and earn credit toward their MSU degree.

The College of Natural Science supports many options for both CNS majors and non-majors.

• Witness and apply environmental science firsthand in faculty-led field studies on six continents.
• Study math and science for a semester in a completely different university system.
• Conduct research with a team in an international lab or field station.
• Become fluent in a foreign language by living and learning overseas.
• Earn Integrative Studies requirements in social science, arts and letters or general science.
• Work for a summer or a semester in a Study Abroad internship; examples: wildlife center, lab, public health or community service organization.

Two Types of Study Abroad Programs

• Faculty-led Study Abroad
  Travel and learn with a faculty member and a small group of MSU students. Elective field studies credits for science majors, and ISB or ISP (Science Integrative Studies) for non-science majors. (There are also “Study Away” programs which are like Study Abroad except they do not travel outside the U.S.)
• Semester Abroad (or Co-Sponsored Programs)
  This is typically a half- or full-year program with no accompanying MSU faculty. Instead, you are an international student at an overseas college or university. The course credits you earn are approved/endorsed by MSU departments as credit that may be applied toward your MSU degree.

Program Costs, Scholarships & Financial Aid

Program costs vary and depend on several factors including location, duration and type of housing offered. Study Abroad scholarships are available for students with a degree major in the College of Natural Science.

Additional information on financial aid and scholarships is available from the MSU Office of Study Abroad.

Application Process & Resources

The Study Abroad Online Application must be submitted for each student applying to any MSU-sponsored Study Abroad program. The MSU Office of Study Abroad also provides resources to aid in all aspects of studying abroad.