Event highlights new programs and international opportunities for students
On Sep. 16, Michigan Tech hosted its annual fall Study Away Fair in front of the Library. The event highlighted domestic and international programs happening during the school year, summer break, and spring break. Casey Nelson, Manager of the Study Away and Abroad Program, said, “Ultimately, it’s to increase participation in study away, raise awareness of study away, and why it’s important for student growth and part of the Michigan Tech experience.”
Additionally, the Study Away Fair helps bring awareness to new and improved programs offered during the current and the upcoming years. Last year, the Study Away Program offered an interdisciplinary spring break program to the country of Suriname for the first time. This year, they are expanding that program by partnering with Tuskegee University located in Alabama. This partnership will bring six Tuskegee students along with Michigan Tech students.
Faculty-led programs for 2027 were highlighted during the fair as well. Some of these include a creative writing trip to Isle Royale, an archaeology field school, a Bahamas trip, and a social sciences trip to Mexico. Two years ago, Michigan Tech joined the National Student Exchange Consortium. Through this, the university offers students the ability to study at 170 different universities across the country.Michigan Tech offers a multitude of scholarships for students looking to study away, including the Class of ‘74 Scholarship, College of Engineering Scholarship, and the federal Gilman Scholarship. Nelson said, “There’s a high level of support that we can offer students that are looking to apply for additional scholarships.”
Natalie Schlaud, an Electrical Engineering student currently studying abroad in New Zealand, talked about her experience and how part of it was adapting to different styles of education. “Classes in New Zealand have no graded homework. Instead, every class has a one-hour tutorial where a small group works through problems together with a tutor,” Schlaud explained.
For students who are thinking about applying to the study away program, Schlaud said, “No matter where you go or what your experience looks like, you’ll grow so much as a person, try new things, and meet new people. Studying in another country for a semester is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so take advantage of it.”
If you are interested in learning more about the Study Away Program you can find additional information on their website mtu.edu/study-away-abroad. For people interested in studying abroad for a semester or for the summer you can schedule an appointment with the Study Abroad Manager on their website.
