Office for Education Abroad :: Vision, Mission and Values

OUR VISION

The Office for Education Abroad provides high-quality learning abroad programs and excellent services to cultivate globally-engaged citizen leaders who are ready to change the world.

OUR MISSION

Our global educator mindset combines with campus and international partnerships to position learning abroad as a high impact practice that fosters student success.

The Office for Education Values, Put students first, Work with integrity and professionalism, Hold one another accountable, Think innovatively, Promote diversity, equity and inclusion, and Maintain an educator mindset

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

For the Office for Education Abroad (EA)

Institutional Framework and Values

EA services are supported by funding practices that prioritize student access to learning and development abroad
EA options are designed and approved with concern for affordability and accessibility
The EA experience is at every stage underpinned by the inclusive excellence principles of diversity, equity and inclusion
EA practices throughout adhere to MSU policies

Recruitment, Application and Admissions

Students are recruited for EA through ethical practices
Timely and accurate EA program information is shared with students, to inform program selection and planning
Transparent information is provided to students, to support their sound financial decisions
Information on EA programs in every major area of study is made available to students
Advice on alternative program options is shared with students when their programs of preference are unavailable
Clear, reasonable and consistently applied eligibility criteria and defined selection processes are used to consider students for EA participation
Timely communications on the status of their EA applications are provided to students, to inform their decision-making and planning
Timely and knowledgeable guidance on EA course approvals is given to students, to aid planning for credit transfer and degree completion

Program Quality

Program directors and personnel are qualified and prepared for their programs
EA programs are developed with clearly articulated academic, professional and intercultural learning outcomes, enabling student decision-making based on alignment with their academic, professional and personal development goals
EA programs respect host cultures and maximize their situation within/draw on the unique learning opportunities of the host cultures
Program content and design attend to the inextricable concepts of language and culture
High quality program design and effective program delivery is ensured through consistent program reviews

Student Success

Health, safety and security program protocols are robust, and students are prepared and supported on-site through systems based on location and type of learning experience
Students are prepared for the EA experience based on program location, type of learning experience, and their individual needs
Specific advice on how to be academically successful within the context of their host cultures and educational systems is given to students
Students receive ongoing support from MSU during their EA experiences
EA programs and services are continually strengthened through assessment of student learning
Intentionally designed opportunities upon return from EA are made available to students, which include critical reflection, articulation of acquired knowledge, skills and perspectives through demonstration to community, and integration of learning