Study Abroad 

Bailey Scholars International Opportunities

Bailey Scholars are leading and participating in international learning experiences in increasing numbers. Through study abroad and international outreach, scholars gain discipline-specific and geographic and historical knowledge, as well as an appreciation for other cultures. In an increasingly interdependent world, understanding global and cross-cultural issues is necessary to be an effective leader in the competitive, international job market.

The Bailey Scholars Program is committed to international experiences that emphasize impact on communities through a community development model.  Students, Faculty, and our International Partners work together on an equal level basis where we learn with, through, and by each other to ensure an exchange of information is free flowing and aids the communities on their own terms.   The Program is consistently expanding its international experiences, providing students and faculty the opportunity to engage with not only the Bailey Scholars Program, but a truly global community.  Currently, the Bailey Scholars Program offers opportunities to study abroad in three different ways.  We have two study abroads including: Community Engagement in Rural Ireland in County Mayo, Ireland, our original program; and Engaging with Borderland Communities in Ireland in County Monaghan, Ireland, our newest addition to our study abroad opportunities.  We also have the opportunity for students to spend an entire semester in County Mayo on a semester long exchange working with communities on various projects (soon to be a formally listed Study Abroad Program).

As our society continues to internationalize, it is important we provide opportunities through the Bailey Scholars Program to create a globally minded citizenry.  Our curriculum is continuously and constantly finding ways to infuse international experiences seamlessly.  We are currently developing a chapter of the International Students Forum, housed at Tokyo University of Japan.  We will continue to communicate the work of this student-based initiative through this website.

The Bailey Scholars Program offers two scholarships aimed at funding students experiences abroad, the Frank and Kathleen Fear Scholarship and the George and Agnes Greenleaf Scholarship.  Applications are accepted in the Spring Semester of each year.

MSU Study Abroad Opportunities

While most study abroad participants report that the experience was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit a new country, it is important to be clear that study abroad programs are academic programs. Participants are expected to perform at standards commensurate with their on-campus performance. Academic responsibilities may include attending class, taking exams, reading required materials, completing homework, participating in field trips, etc. In most cases, MSU faculty members will graded your academic work.

MSU offers programs in a variety of time frames, from short-term programs, semester-long programs, and six-month exchanges. For some short-term programs, some of the academic work may be assigned before the experience; other times final assignments will be due after the study abroad experience is completed. Scholars are responsible for completing academic work in a timely manner, according to the requirements of their specific study abroad program.

Most instruction is in English by MSU faculty, although some programs are taught in a foreign language by local faculty. Before selecting a study abroad program, scholars should consult with their academic advisers about the appropriateness of the program, with special consideration of local academic calendars, language of instruction, and availability of suitable courses.

Some students participate in a short-term program the summer of their freshman or sophomore years and follow that experience with a semester-long program their junior year. It’s never to early to start thinking about how an international experience can become part of your Bailey program.

More information about MSU’s Study Abroad Programs is available in-person in room 109 International Center, by phone 517-353-8920, or on the web at http://studyabroad.msu.edu/.

For a description of MSU’s short-term and semester programs:  http://studyabroad.msu.edu/programs/typesofprograms.html

For a searchable database of MSU study abroad offerings:  http://studyabroad.msu.edu/programs/index.html