Returning from abroad  

Continuing your experience

There are countless ways to use the interests and skills you gained while abroad. Be creative in applying what you learned so your growth can continue:

• Talk with students from your program or others who have studied abroad.
• Enter the Tales from Abroad Essay Contest.
• Enter the Spartans Abroad Photo Contest or the Global Focus Photography Competition.
• Come to an “Unpacking your Study Abroad Experience” workshop, offered with Career Services and Placement, on how to sell your study abroad experience to employers and graduate schools (see previous section).
• Develop a Web site for the program.
• Share your experiences by working as an OSA Peer Adviser.
• Participate in a Study Abroad Fair!  Ask your program leader/OSA coordinator how you can help staff your program's display or working at the Returnee Table.
• Work with international students by volunteering in the Office of International Students and Scholars.
• Get connected with MSU's Area Studies Centers - Africa, Asia, Canada, Latin America and Caribbean, and Europe and Russia.
• Attend the International Opportunities Fair to explore internships, volunteer, work and teaching abroad, and internationally-focused careers.
• Talk about your experience to clubs and groups, including adults and children.
• Make new friends from all over the world and enjoy free coffee at the "International Coffee Hour" every Friday during the semester.
• Join international organizations and clubs.
• Continue your foreign language or take courses with an international focus.
• Write for The State News, the Lansing State Journal, or your local home paper.
• Continue studying your host country by taking related courses, reading international papers, viewing films and videos, writing research papers, etc.
• Volunteer to work in the community or on campus.  Help organizations that support community service and development.  Look for groups working with immigrants, refugees, or the aged so you can use your skills of listening, patience and empathy.
• Start thinking about when and how you’ll return. You can apply for Fulbright Scholarships to study and conduct research; find employment possibilities while you were abroad; join the Peace Corps; or just return to visit host family & friends.
• Explore Phi Beta Delta, the first national honor society dedicated to recognizing scholarly achievement in international education.