Study Away
It isn’t necessary to go abroad to learn about different cultures, discover potential opportunities, and explore unique environments. The Office for Experiential Learning's Study Away programs offer courses and internships at locations within the United States. These programs allow students to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings.
- Detroit - InnovateGov
Interested in being a part of Detroit's comeback story? Then the College of Social Science's InnovateGov Internship program is for you. Students work with local government agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations throughout Detroit to address some of the city's most critical challenges, while balancing weekly class sessions, all to strengthen you as a public servant and civic leader.
Semester: Summer 2025
Application Deadline: February 12, 2025
Program Fee: ~$350
Courses : ISS 335, PLS 422, PLS 494, SSC 493
Housing: Housing will be provided at Wayne State University.
APPLY - Flint Study Away Internship Program
Whether you are a student from the Flint area or someone from outside Michigan who wants to make a difference, MSU's Flint Internship Program is for you! Benefit from hands-on learning in fields of interest while contributing to the mission of a community organization and revitalization of the Flint area.
Semester: Summer 2025 (June 1 - August 1)
Application Deadline: Contact Cathy White ( gamperca@msu.edu) December 13th, 2024
Courses: SSC 493 (3 credit minimum)
Housing: River Front Center Residence Hall - University of Michigan Flint
Program Fee: No Program Fee
Program participation includes 8-week housing and orientation. Students are responsible to pay for tuition, most meals, transportation, and personal spending money.Application Link:
https://msueducationabroad.via-trm.com/program_brochure/17179
- Flint Community Initiative
Our internship program pairs students and leaders of nonprofit community and civic organizations to engage in collaborative, community-driven projects that help expand community assets and contribute to a thriving future for Flint residents.
Program dates for 2025: May 14- August 15Semester: Summer 2025 (May 30 - August 9)
Application Deadline: January 17, 2025
Enrollment: on-going by permission of Program Coordinator, contact villar42@msu.edu
To learn more about the program, visit the Flint Community Initiative website or contact: Monica Villarreal, villar42@msu.edu
Application link:
https://msueducationabroad.via-trm.com/program_brochure/17513
- Hawaii (PROGRAM UNDER REVIEW)
PROGRAM UNDER REVIEW
Experience life in a culturally rich setting which provides students with an opportunity to expand their worldview without leaving the U.S. THe Hawaii Summer Program offers an academic focus on Hawaiian culture, tourism, and other social issues and includes class meetings with University of Hawaii professors and students, field experiences and community service work.
Semester: Summer 2025 (July)
Courses: IAH and ISS credits available; Independent study credits available
Housing: University of Hawaii
Application Deadline: TBD
Program Fee: ~$2700 (based on last years program)
- Washington D.C.
The Washington, D.C. Study Away Program is a full semester ISS class that meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the spring semester. T he course has a study away component , during which students will travel to Washington, D.C. during Spring Break ( February 28 th – March 8 th , 2025 ).
Students who are interested in participating in the Study Away Washington D.C. program for Spring Break 2025 are asked to submit a video application addressing the following prompt in a 3-5 minute video (it is best if you submit your video as a MSU media space or YouTube url link). We ask that you articulate in your short video (1) why you are interested in this particular topic, (2) how this study away program will potentially enrich your educational experience in both personal and professional ways, and (3) how the process of completing undergraduate research in the form of a visual story (via the genre of a documentary film) aligns with your experiences or interests as a citizen of our interconnected global world.
Semester: Spring Semester 2025. Actual travel to Washington D.C. occurs during the week of Spring Break 2025 (February 28th-March 8th, 2025). Please note this is a full semester program that meets once per week pre-and-post travel to Washington D.C.
(Note: If you have questions or need assistance with the application video process, please contact Dr. Eddie Boucher directly at bouche50@msu.edu).
Application Deadline: Friday, December 15th, 2024
Application Link:https://msueducationabroad.via-trm.com/program_brochure/19915
Courses: Earn 4 credit hours (ISS 315). Students can substitute SSC 490 if ISS 300-level course is not needed.
Housing: Homewood Suites by Hilton. Housing cost included in the program fee.
Program Fee: $1,500.00 (estimated) - New York City
New York City is a global economic and cultural powerhouse that is home to opportunity seekers from around the world. It is also a world-class center of culture and entertainment, from Carnegie Hall and Broadway to the Guggenheim Museum and Yankee Stadium. The program is in partnership with Global Experiences - an organization that facilitates all on-site aspects of the program including identifying customized internship placements for each student in industries.
Semester: Summer 2025
Application Deadline: Contact Oumatie Marajh ( marajhou@msu.edu)
Courses: SSC 493 (6 credits)
Housing: Furnished apartment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The apartment is walking distance to public transportation, shops and restaurants. Single housing is available for an additional $1,500.
Program Fee: $8990 program fee includes accommodations, some meals, and field research trips. Excluded from the program fee are tuition, airfare, course books, some meals, and personal spending money. - Washington, DC - Freshman Seminar
The Politics of Poverty: There is an unprecedented amount of wealth around the globe, with nearly 3,000 billionaires worldwide. But there is also vast scarcity and inequality. One percent of the world's population controls more than half of the total wealth. Meanwhile, more than ten percent of American residents live in poverty, not able to make ends meet. Another 700 million people abroad live in extreme poverty, surviving on less than $2 per day. Individuals living in poverty grapple with violence, food scarcity, fewer educational opportunities, natural disasters and environmental degradation, housing insecurity, a lack of health care, stigma, underrepresentation, and so much more. This Freshman Seminar asks students to consider the politics of poverty. We will study indicators of poverty, how poverty is measured, the differences between rural and urban poverty, and the reality of those living in poverty in the U.S. and abroad. We will consider how past and present systems contribute to the perpetuation of poverty, especially for historically excluded and marginalized groups. We will also discuss domestic and global policies attempting to mitigate inequality, as well as the shifting political attitudes towards the poor. Moreover, we will consider how scarcity can rewire our brains and poverty's pernicious effects on decision-making. And we will examine the difference in political representation between the "haves" and the "have-nots." Beyond dynamic lectures, coursework, and assignments, the Seminar will also include visits with MSU alumni and to Congress, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of State, USAID, a soup kitchen, and other nonprofit and community organizations working to address domestic and global poverty.
The seminar is held during the summer before fall classes, carries 3 academic credits towards graduation, and fulfills the Experiential Learning Requirement for College of Social Science students.
Semester: Summer/Fall 2025
Program Dates: July 21st - July 30th
Housing: TBA
Courses: ISS 215 (4 credits)
Early Application Deadline: April 15th, 2025
Final Application Deadline: May 31st, 2025
Application link:
https://msueducationabroad.via-trm.com/program_brochure/17181
Program Fee: $1,500
Program fee includes lodging for 10 days while in Washington, DC, orientation, breakfasts and some meals, books/academic resources, metro card, transportation to and from field trips and cultural activities. Students are responsible for tuition, transportation to and from Washington, DC, additional meals/snacks, and personal spending money. Tuition and program fee will be billed to your MSU student account as part of your fall semester.
Study Away Scholarships
Visit the experiential learning scholarships page to view a list of opportunities available.
Is there a GPA requirement?
No, but 2.5 is recommended. If your GPA is lower than 2.5, be prepared to discuss your academic record during the program interview. Applicant may consider submitting a letter of explanation with the application.
What if I don’t know what semester I want to go?
Select the nearest deadline for now and we can determine the definite semester later.
How long should the essay be?
One page, double-spaced (300 words or less). Please put your name on it.
What if my resume is more than one page?
It is recommended that you work with Career Services to get your resume prepared for submission to internships sites on one page. Visit http://careernetwork.msu.edu/ for information on Resume workshops and Career Advising appointments.
If you have any additional questions not addressed in this list, feel free to email your inquiry to
Upcoming Study & Internship Program Informational Meetings
InnovateGov in Detroit - Study Away Internship Program
TBA
Flint Study Away Internship Program
TBA
Check back soon for more meetings!
Students who Study Away come back with amazing stories, incredible memories and enormous personal and professional growth. Check out some recaps of past students' experiences away.
Margie Aimery
Program: Hawaii Study Away - Summer 2019
Major: Interdisciplinary Studies
Program takeaway: I had class sessions Monday-Friday and participated in community service projects twice a week. We did various projects within the community along with other University of Hawaii students and faculty. The most significant thing I learned from my study away experience is wherever I go, I will continue to embrace what it means to learn, understand and respect others and their cultures.
Advice for Future Students: My advice to students interested in study away programs is to go for it! Participating in programs likes these can only broaden students’ understanding of different cultures and people. The experience is eye-opening and will certainly waken one’s spirit of how others live within their own culture and communities!
Arianna Pittenger
Program: Flint - Summer 2019
Major: Human Bio
Placement: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Flint Area Medical Education
Program takeaway: Some of my daily responsibilities included: analyzing data, evaluating surveys and sorting through paperwork to make sure callbacks were received. I was given the same responsibilities as the other employees. My internship experience gave me an idea of what it is like working in a hospital, which reassured me that I am taking the right career path. The biggest highlight of my experience was my work environment. My coworkers were great, they made me excited to come into work every single day!
Advice for future students: Go in with no judgment. When a city has several different populations, it can be easy for people to go in with prejudgment. This can change the way you look at things or situations. Even if you’re not in a new city, you can still experience new opportunities. New experiences can take you out of your element and allow you to look at different perspectives.
Matthew Levitt
Program: New Orleans - Summer 2019
Major: Sociology
Placement: Forum for Equality
Program takeaway: My role was to conduct research on LB youths who are experiencing homelessness. Then to compile my research into a comprehensive presentation for prospective foster parents. The biggest thing I learned was to apply the knowledge I have gathered at Michigan State University to real life projects. A highlight from my internship was having the opportunity to walk in the New Orleans Pride Parade, which was a very special experience for me.
Advice for future students: My advice to students interested in an internship similar to mine would be to have an open mind about what you're assigned to do. Taking a step out of your comfort zone can help you learn to love new things! My second piece of advice would be to take advantage of every opportunity presented to you. Study away programs can help you experience adulthood while applying your knowledge to real work.
Hassan FayzProgram: Washington, D.C. - Spring 2018
Major: Human Biology
Placement: U.S. House of Representatives
Program takeaway: The most significant thing I learned about myself would have to be my ability to function under extremely stressful situations and fast-paced environments. Working in Congress requires the utmost attention to detail and your surroundings.
Advice for future students: Go for it! Working in Congress is a rare opportunity and sets you up with so many networks. Since this internship, I have moved to Colorado to work on Congressman Jared Polis's bid for Governor. This opportunity was found through the connections I made as a Congressional Intern.
For more information, contact:
Office for Experiential Learning
College of Social Science
Phone: 517-432-4541