Michigan State University has been a global university for more than 60 years. Valuing its international partnerships, practitioners, scholars and students, international research as well as educational abroad experiences are not only made possible, but made a priority at MSU. Below, we highlight some of the ways global Spartans are making an impact on campus and around the world.
MSU boasts 4 undergraduate programs among best in nation
In the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 edition of Best Colleges, Michigan State University has four undergraduate programs ranked in the top 25 in the nation. MSU is tied for No. 63 overall and tied for No. 30 among four-year public institutions. In addition, the university is ranked in the top 10 in three student engagement categories, including one that highlights MSU's Education Abroad program as No. 1 among public institutions.
Global Learning Expo
The Global Learning Expo is annual event MSU hosts that brings the world to Spartan students. Held on Oct. 2 this year, the expo (formerly the Education Abroad Expo) is a comprehensive information event for anyone interested in learning more about the many exciting global opportunities available at MSU.
Faculty voice: Canadian studies in the Mitten State, a perfect fit
Rebecca Malouin (she/her/hers) is director of the Canadian Studies Center in MSU International Studies and Programs. Established in 1958 at the behest of MSU President John A. Hannah, the MSU Canadian Studies Center is the longest-serving center for the study of Canada in the United States. Housed within International Studies and Programs, the Center’s primary areas of focus include promoting research; facilitating partnerships between MSU, the Center’s 140+ core faculty members, and universities and partners in Canada; and furthering the academic study of Canada at MSU and beyond. In addition to the core faculty, the Center is guided by an external advisory committee, chaired by Governor James Blanchard, former U.S. Ambassador to Canada. As one of the few remaining Canadian Studies centers in the Midwest, the Center is also host to the Midwest Canadian Studies Network, bringing together Canadianists from across the Midwest and beyond.
MSU announces Fulbright student awards for 2024-25
Ten MSU students and alumni were offered Fulbright US Student Program grants. A total of nine students will be traveling to seven different to conduct research or teach English. The Fulbright program is highly competitive with about 20% of total applicants being offered an award, this varies greatly by host country and award type.
Student view: The thrill of undergraduate research with Spartans in Spain
Teancum Piekkola is a junior in the Michigan State University College of Engineering studying material science and engineering with a concentration in polymeric engineering and a minor in energy. This summer Piekkola, along with nine other Spartans, conducting research at the IMDEA Materials Institute in Madrid, Spain, as a part of an annual collaboration between IMDEA and MSU.
Staff view: Helping spartans go global through Fulbright and Peace Corps
Joy Campbell just began her 23rd year at MSU. She currently serves as MSU’s Fulbright Program Advisor and also oversees Peace Corps programming on campus. Her work in the Peace Corps facilitates Spartans in international work, from environmental studies and sustainability to teaching English to global public health and epidemiology.To date, MSU has had 14 students receive the Peace Corps Prep certificate. Spartans are currently serving in the Peace Corps in about 15 countries, and even more invited to serve and working through the clearance process. In fact, MSU is the sixth highest-producing institution for Peace Corps volunteers in the agency’s history.
