Jump to HeaderJump to Main ContentJump to Footer
Michigan State University
Michigan State University
Department of Psychology
  • Directory
  • Give
  • Login

College of Social Science

Department of Psychology

  • Academics
    • Overview
    • Undergraduate
    • Graduate
    • Adolescent Diversion Program
    • Advising
    sona-participation-photo1

    HPR/SONA Participation

    Participate in psychology research!
  • |
  • Research
    • Overview
    • Clinical Science
    • Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience
    • Social / Personality Psychology
    • Behavioral Neuroscience
    • Organizational Psychology
    • Ecological-Community Psychology
    • Work and Organizational Psychology
  • |
  • News
  • |
  • Events
  • |
  • About
    • Overview
    • Message from the Chair
    • Access, opportunity, and excellence
    • Our Facilities
    • Contact
    merch-web2

    Visit our online store

    Shop Today!
  • |
  • Directory
  • |
  • Clinic
    • Overview
    • About
    • Clinical Staff
    • Administrative Staff
    • Resources
    • Online Bill Payment
    • Support the Clinic
    MSU Psych Clinic

    Ready to get started?

    Make an Appointment
Department of Psychology

College of Social Science

  • Academics
  • Research
  • News
  • Events
  • About
  • Directory
  • Clinic

< Academics

  • Overview
  • Undergraduate
  • Graduate
  • Adolescent Diversion Program
  • Advising
sona-participation-photo1

HPR/SONA Participation

Participate in psychology research!

< Research

  • Overview
  • Clinical Science
  • Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Social / Personality Psychology
  • Behavioral Neuroscience
  • Organizational Psychology
  • Ecological-Community Psychology
  • Work and Organizational Psychology

< News

< Events

< About

  • Overview
  • Message from the Chair
  • Access, opportunity, and excellence
  • Our Facilities
  • Contact
merch-web2

Visit our online store

Shop Today!

< Directory

< Clinic

  • Overview
  • About
  • Clinical Staff
  • Administrative Staff
  • Resources
  • Online Bill Payment
  • Support the Clinic
MSU Psych Clinic

Ready to get started?

Make an Appointment
  • Directory
  • Give
  • Login
Department of Psychology > Academics > Undergraduate > Experiential Learning >

Education Abroad

Education Abroad

Academics

  • Graduate
  • Undergraduate

About

  • Access, opportunity, and excellence
  • Message from the Chair
  • Directory
  • Our Facilities
  • Give

Research

  • Behavioral Neuroscience
  • Clinical Science
  • Cognition & Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Ecological / Community Psychology
  • Organizational Psychology
  • Social / Personality Psychology
  • Work and Organizational Psychology

Clinic

  • About
  • Administrative Staff
  • Clinical Staff
  • Resources
  • Getting Started
  • Online Bill Payment

News & Events

  • News
  • Events

Contact us

(517) 355-9562

Address

Department of Psychology Michigan State University Psychology Building 316 Physics Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824

Follow Us

  • Visit our Facebook page
  • Visit our page on X
  • Visit our Instagram page
  • Visit our LinkedIn page
  • Visit our YouTube page

If you're having accessibility issues, please let us know.

Know More: Campus Safety Information and ResourcesTransparency Reporting: Budget & Salary/Compensation
  • Contact Information|
  • Site Map|
  • Privacy Statement|
  • Site Accessibility|
  • Call MSU: (517) 355-1855|
  • Visit: msu.edu|
  • Notice of Nondiscrimination|

SPARTANS WILL|© Michigan State University|

What is Education Abroad?

Education Abroad refers to academic experiences outside of the United States. We use the term "Study Away" to refer to domestic (U.S.-based) programs. If you'd prefer to explore Study Away programs, click here.

With over 275 programs in more than 75 countries, students can earn credit toward their major, minor, or general education requirements while gaining global experience.

 

Types of Programs

  • Faculty-Led Programs
  • Faculty-Led Programs

    • Where you enroll: Michigan State University
    • Length & credits: Typically 1–8 weeks (typically 3-9 credits)
    • Cost: MSU tuition and program fee
    • Structure & support: Highly structured; travel with MSU faculty and students.
    • Why this option? Short-term, guided experience with built-in academic and social support.
  • Direct Enroll
  • Direct Enroll

    • Where you enroll: Host university abroad
    • Length & credits: Semester or academic year (typically 12-15 credits); some offer summer programs
    • Cost: Pay the host institution’s tuition and fees
    • Structure & support: More independent; support varies by institution
    • Why this option? Full cultural immersion and flexibility in course selection.
  • Exchange Programs
  • Exchange Programs

    • Where you enroll: Partner university abroad
    • Length & credits: Semester or academic year (typically 12–15 credits); ); some offer summer programs
    • Cost: Pay MSU tuition rate
    • Structure & support: Moderate support; independent but within an exchange network.
    • Why this option? Immersive experience while paying MSU tuition rate.
  • First-Year Seminars Abroad
  • First-Year Seminars Abroad

    • Where you enroll: Michigan State University
    • Length & credits: ~10–14 days (before your first fall semester)
    • Cost: MSU tuition and program fee
    • Structure & support: Highly structured; cohort-based with MSU faculty/staff
    • Why this option? Early global experience and transition support for incoming first-year students.
  • Experiential Programs Abroad
  • Experiential Programs Abroad 

    • Where you enroll: Varies (MSU or host organization)
    • Length & credits: Varies; credit-bearing
    • Cost: Varies
    • Structure & support: Varies; often guided but hands-on
    • Why this option? Gain real-world, global experience  through internships, research, or service learning.
  • Affiliated Partner Programs
  • Affiliated Partner Programs

    • Where you enroll: Through a provider organization
    • Length & credits: Varies (short-term to full year)
    • Cost: Program fee and MSU administrative fee
    • Structure & support: High level of on-site and programmatic support
    • Why this option? Wide range of locations and disciplines with built-in support and logistics handled.

     

    What have other PSY Spartans done?

    PSY Spartans have participated in programs around the world studying, researching, and interning in areas like mental health, child development, and social systems.

    Some examples include:

    • Studying psychology in the United Kingdom (University of Kent, University of Bristol).
    • Participating in child psychology programs in Dublin, Ireland.
    • Completing research or internships abroad in health, education, and community setting.

    What will I gain from this experience?

    Education Abroad helps you build skills that translate across careers:

    • Intrapersonal skills: confidence, independence, adaptability.
    • Interpersonal skills: communication, collaboration, intercultural competence.
    • Cognitive skills: critical thinking, problem-solving, global awareness.

    Students also develop:

    • Curiosity and openness to new perspectives.
    • Leadership and initiative.
    • The ability to navigate unfamiliar environments.

    These are all highly valued by employers and graduate programs.

    Is this experience for me?

    Education Abroad can be a good fit if you:

    • Want to explore new cultures and perspectives.
    • Are interested in traveling while earning academic credit.
    • Want to practice language immersion.
    • Are considering international career opportunities.
    • Want to build skills that stand out to employers.
    • Are open to stepping outside your comfort zone.

    Programs exist for a wide range of:

    • Budgets
    • Academic goals
    • Time commitments (1 week - full year)

    How do I participate?

    To get started:

    • Explore programs through MSU’s Office for Education Abroad.
    • Meet with a study abroad advisor or peer advisor.
    • Talk with your academic advisor about course planning and credit.

    For semester/year programs:

    • Work with your advisor to pre-approve courses.
    • Ensure credits will apply to your degree.

    Important Notes

    • Any 3-credit Education Abroad experience can fulfill the Experiential Learning requirement.
    • Credit transfer policies apply for some programs (minimum 2.0 required).
    • Costs vary widely depending on program type.
    • Early planning is strongly recommended.

    Resources

    • MSU Office for Education Abroad
    • Education Abroad Advising Center
    • Education Abroad Program Search
    • College of Social Science Office for Experiential Learning