When it comes to sending students overseas to enhance their college experience, no one does it better than MSU.
The Institute of International Education reported that in the 2000-01 academic year the university had 1,835 students travel to foreign countries as part of its study abroad program. That makes it the largest study abroad program in the nation.
As the saying goes, it's good to be No. 1.
With a top ranking for a top-notch program, MSU should be proud.
MSU is devoted to connecting its students to the world - and it should be. The world is changing quickly, breaking down the traditional borders and obstacles between nations. We truly live in a global world.
The success of this university's study abroad program reflects that. MSU's overall study abroad participation has increased each school year between 1995 and 2001. In 2000-01, 19.2 percent of MSU students studied abroad.
Those increases mean administrators and students alike have consistently gotten the word out about the significance and prominence of MSU's study abroad program.
MSU President M. Peter McPherson, perhaps the university's biggest supporter of a global education, wants 40 percent of all MSU students to study abroad by 2006. Students can expect to find more incentives to head across the world in years to come.
There are 183 academic programs in 57 countries offered through the study abroad program. All 14 colleges have study abroad opportunities.
It seems the only difficulty the university faces in continuing the study abroad program's success is keeping the costs low.
With financial conflicts and possibly significant budget cuts looming in MSU's future, it is going to be a challenge to maintain the program's affordability. But keeping costs low is the key to the future progress of MSU's study abroad program.
It also is important the university makes sure overseas programs remain meaningful and worthwhile. Students should be learning all they possibly can while experiencing life in another country. The experiences not only enrich their education but lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of the world.
With MSU's emphasis on study abroad opportunities, don't be surprised to see the university at the top of the list of the largest programs for many years to come. And don't be surprised, too, if MSU achieves its goal of having 40 percent of students study abroad by 2006.
