MSU- we have a problem...

MSU is respected as a one of the leading U.S. institutions, in study abroad course offerings and participation. Approximately three thousand MSU students participate in study abroad programs annually. President Simon recognizes the importance of international experiences for students within our domestic borders and throughout the world. Global initiatives have become a priority in higher education and MSU is actively positioning itself as a global land grant institution. Given the global importance, one may assume the opportunities to participate in global initiatives, such as study abroad, are relatively inclusive, but unfortunately they are not. Money is a determining factor for participation. With the raising cost of college tuition, the dream of having 30% of our student body studying abroad is highly unlikely, but there are ways to move toward that goal. Federal Stafford loan limits are not enough to cover the costs. Many students are not able to participate because of the costs and the sheer lack of institutional funding put forth to support diverse participation, with diverse participation meaning students whom are historically underrepresented and from a lower socioeconomic background. Without further financial support from the university, our reputation and claim as an institution which is inclusive and determined to build global citizens is unfounded.

Generally, summer is the peak time for study abroad programs to occur. The summer sessions are shorter than and not as expensive as an entire fall or spring semester. However, summer is also the time when federal grant monies and institutional funding is at its lowest. Seventy percent of the MSU’s student body uses federal financial aid in combination with parent and alternative loans. Although, some may feel studying abroad is a luxury and not a necessity for a college degree, I would say that may true however, learning outcomes and interpersonal development has been found to be more positive and impactful to the study abroad student than when compared to the experience of the domestic student in the equivalent course. Some benefits believed to be attributed to studying abroad: self reliance, confidence, leadership and critical thinking. So, who should be able to have these international experiences? What image does the lack of university funding portray to the students? We plaster pictures of study abroad experiences in most of our recruitment materials and heavily market study abroad as an amazing experience, but for whom? It is slowly becoming the understanding that studying abroad is for privileged middle class and often white students.

I propose creating an endowment for the purpose of international study for our students whom demonstrate need and have proven to perform well academically with perhaps a 2.9 GPA minimum. I know we can now have the conversation on merit based scholarship versus need based, but with this design we would be using both to determine who gets the funding. A fund of this nature is necessary to ensure the door of opportunity is open to our students with demonstrated financial need. MSU currently has millions in donor funds and the money is generally used to fund our institutional grants like, like Spartan Academic Grant (SAG) and Spartan Advantage (SPAD). However, there are funds without designation used to help students in extreme circumstances, and hopefully creating more opportunities for financially needy students to study abroad is a valid circumstance. Creating more opportunities for our students is a direct benefit to institution in terms of recruitment and retention. Without new funding sources for underprivileged and underrepresented students, study abroad will likely become more racially segregated than how it appears today.