Can transfer students study abroad? YES!

Education abroad is a great opportunity for all students.

As a transfer student, planning an experience may take some extra consideration when choosing a program. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Credits

Students transferring from a 2-year institution (such as a community college) commonly transfer the maximum of 60 credits to Michigan State University which limits the type of program in which a student can participate. Faculty-directed and internships serve as the best options for these students as they offer direct MSU credit (not transfer credit). Direct enroll, exchange and affiliated programs almost exclusively offer transfer credit and would only be an option to students who transfer in less credits.

Students transferring from a 4-year institution can transfer in a maximum of 150 credits to Michigan State and would have all program types available to them. However, students should keep in mind they must complete at least 30 credits at MSU to earn a degree.

Program Types

Faculty-Directed Programs

• Led by MSU faculty members with direct MSU credit
• Coursework takes advantage of the cultures, customs, and histories of international location in context with the academic content
• Generally offered over the summer or during a break and range from one to eight weeks
• Convenient option if would like the guidance and support of MSU faculty throughout the experience

Internships Abroad

• Unpaid working experiences that offer direct MSU credit
• Develops career planning and decision-making skills for the future
• Allows exploration of organizational structures, communication styles and work cultures
• Ideal for some majors, but not all
• Typically offered over the summer
• May include intensive language courses

Direct Enroll or Exchange Programs

• Classes taken at an MSU partner institution that offer transfer credit
• Full semester or academic year; some summer options
• Student support services provided on-site
• Direct enroll = Pay host institution tuition
• Exchange = Pay MSU tuition
• Work with MSU academic advisor prior to departure to get courses pre-approved
• Great opportunity for cultural immersion in the host country
• Suitable for more independent students
• Exchange seats are limited, but some programs will also offer a direct enroll option

Program Eligibility

Grade Point Average (GPA)

All education abroad programs require a minimum GPA. Transfer students who apply to a program in their first semester may need to supply an unofficial MSU transcript that lists the college courses and grades transferred to Michigan State. If you are still in the process of transferring courses to MSU, you may also want to upload a copy of your transcript from your previous institution.

NOTE: Occasionally, program directors will wait to make admission or nomination decisions until a transfer student’s first semester of grades at MSU have been posted. This is not uncommon, particularly for programs that have a higher GPA requirement. Academic performance in the first MSU semester may help gauge readiness for certain courses linked to the education abroad program.

Conduct Record

As a transfer student, conduct was verified by the Office of Admissions prior to your acceptance to Michigan State. Transfer students do NOT need to complete Dean of Students Form as part of their education abroad application. 

Transfer Student Scholarship

The Office for Education Abroad offers a scholarship exclusively for students transferring to Michigan State University called the Transfer Student Scholarship.

After applying to an MSU-sponsored education abroad program, transfer students will be considered for the $750 award. Students must mark the checkbox "YES" that they would like to be considered for a scholarship. Nothing else is required.

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