A complete proposal will consist of the following four components:

1. A completed proposal form for a new exchange program
2. A narrative description of the proposed program
3. Supporting documents
   a. Draft budget
   b. Letter(s) of support from sponsoring department chairs and colleges' lead representative on the MSU Advisory Council for Education Abroad
   c. Map(s) related to intended destinations
   d. Completed and signed Subject Code Approval sheet (obtain the current one for your college from the Office for Education Abroad via Maria Beam: beamm(at)msu.edu)
   e. List at least 10 courses that will be that will be approved by the sponsoring academic unit(s) to come back to MSU (if more than one sponsoring unit, list 5 approved courses per college), describe how they fulfill degree requirements, and explain how they will come back (MSU equivalency/ waiver /substitution, transfer credit, MSU credit and grades.)

Additional considerations and documents required for establishing
a bilateral exchange program

Exchange programs require that the following documents are in place before student mobility may commence in either direction (outbound or inbound). While these documents can be initiated before program approval, it is suggested that signatures from the international partner institution not be collected until MSU has completed its review of the proposed program.

General MOU/MOA
The MSU General MOU/MOA Framework establishes a formal partnership between MSU and an international institution. This first type of agreement also encompasses student, faculty and/or staff exchanges, shared research projects, technology transfer and other specific activities. The MSU General MOU/MOA Framework is facilitated by the International Studies Program (ISP) Dean's Office.

A general MOU/MOA framework is required before a Two-Way Student Exchange Agreement can be initiated. A Two-Way Student Exchange Agreement should only be initiated for a true two-way bilateral exchange.

Two-Way Student Exchange Agreement
Primary points of contact at the home and host institution should have established a thorough review of courses and reciprocity of credits before a Two-Way Student Exchange Agreement is established. The conditions of the exchange, balances, and all pertinent items pertaining to the bilateral exchange shall be addressed through the Two-Way Student Exchange Agreement and must be agreed upon by both parties. Whenever necessary, MSU Colleges should consult the Education Abroad Curriculum Integration Specialist and Associate Director for Education Abroad for assistance.

When the above step has been completed, the Two-Way Student Exchange Agreement is finalized by the Education Abroad, International Partnerships & Special Programs (IPSP) Team. The IPSPS Team will serve as the primary leads for maintaining student exchange balances and providing students support for both inbound and outbound students. In addition, the IPSPS Team will serve as the liaison between the home and host institution.

Please submit completed proposal documents via email to Maria Beam: beamm(at)msu.edu