Our current team of Peer Advisors are more than happy to tell you about their experiences, answer your questions, and give you advice.
They can help you find a program that suits your schedule, major and interests. They can guide you through the application process, answer questions about scholarships and financial aid, and offer a student perspective on the various aspects of being abroad and returning home.
Peer Advisors are available for in-person and remote advising during the fall and spring semesters. Visit the Education Abroad Advising Center webpage for current hours of operation.
Hey there! My name is Amit Chitre, I am 20 years young, heading into my junior year, and pursuing a major in Applied Engineering Sciences. In my first year at Michigan State, I participated in two education abroad programs! My first one took place in Magaliesberg, South Africa. There I interned at the Running Wild Cheetah Conservation helping in Cheetah rehabilitation. My experiences helped better my understanding of engineering and environmental conservation but also taught me the significance of immersive learning and intercultural exchange.
My second education abroad experience took place in Prague, Czech Republic. As I took classes at a local university for two months, I was able to conceptualize how it felt to be a local in a foreign country which I very much enjoyed. But my favorite part, as someone who loves to travel, was visiting new countries on the weekends during my free time. I believe this is an experience I would never have been able to achieve were it not for the education abroad program.
As the child of two immigrant parents who worked very hard to give me a better life, I am very fortunate to be able to participate in these programs and achieve the dreams that my parents wished upon me.
Hello! My name is Luke Farella, and I am a junior studying marketing. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend The American University of Rome during the spring semester of my sophomore year, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I was able to fully immerse myself within the Italian culture by living in the heart of Rome, enjoying delicious food, and even learning a little bit of the language.
During my time abroad, I was able to appreciate a different way of life and developed a greater sense of independence and confidence that I will carry with me into adulthood. I’m excited to continue staying involved with the education abroad office, which has tremendously impacted my life for the better.
College: James Madison College
Major: Comparative Cultures & Politics; Women and Gender Studies
Programs: JMC Post-Term in London; MSU-UVA in Valencia
Hi, I’m Maddie and I am an out-of-state student from Indiana and currently a junior in James Madison College! I have been on a few different study abroad programs since being at Michigan State; first being a professor led program to London, while abroad I was able to travel with my classmates from my MC 202 World War II History course and explore everything that the city of London has to offer. Together we went on guided tours, viewed local theatre productions, toured Cambridge University campus, and more. This program was a great introduction to study abroad while still having a strong support system with my classmates and professors.
This past spring I also participated in the MSU-UVA study abroad program where I studied Spanish language, culture, and history; being taught by local professors in the city of Valencia, Spain. During this program I was able to experience the local culture firsthand by living with a host family and participating in an internship at a local university. During my internship I worked with American Space UPV to offer programs/activities for students of all ages to practice their English speaking and academic presentation skills. When entering this program, I did not know anyone else who was enrolled, as there were students from multiple universities in attendance. While challenging, I was able to gain independence in navigating a new city and traveling throughout Europe on my own and am extremely grateful for the support that the Office of Education Abroad, the University of Virginia in Valencia, and my host family have given me!
As a first-generation college student, studying abroad in Greece was a truly transformative experience that enriched my academic and personal growth. Through immersing myself in a new culture and navigating a foreign country, I developed a deeper understanding of global perspectives and enhanced my adaptability.
The vibrant history and rich traditions of the main city we stayed in, Athens, provided a unique backdrop for my studies. Athens ("The Birthplace of Democracy") helped broaden my knowledge of ancient civilizations and contemporary societal issues.
What started off as just an experience to expand my academic knowledge, evolved into something much more meaningful. One of the most impactful aspects of this study abroad experience was helping me foster a greater sense of independence by encouraging me to think creatively and find different solutions on my own. I can confidently say that I am now equipped with the skills and perspectives essential to excel in our increasingly interconnected world.
Hi! My name is Gracie, and I participated in the University of Tours program in France during my sophomore year! By studying abroad, I was able to immerse myself in French culture while also meeting students from all over the world. This program was extremely beneficial for me because I was able to step out of my comfort zone by living independently and practicing speaking French in a real-world setting. In Tours, I made friends from all over the globe, and we were able to come together and learn about each other’s native languages and cultures (not just French).
Initially, I was a bit nervous to be studying abroad for an entire school year, but after just a few weeks I knew I had made the right choice. I spent my year meeting tons of interesting people, exploring Tours, traveling, and learning lots of French in my classes. I felt that living abroad for 2 semesters gave me the opportunity to become comfortable living in a foreign place, and my French fluency improved even more than I had anticipated. The great thing about MSU’s study abroad programs is their flexibility, and I’m excited to help other students find the right program to fit their needs :)
Hi, my name is Kayla Riley, and I’m currently a junior. I studied abroad in Seville, Spain, and it was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. Growing up, I attended a Spanish immersion program, where I took all my classes in Spanish from the age of 5 to 17. I decided not to pursue Spanish in college, but I always knew I wanted to study abroad to use the language I had spent so much time learning.
Through my program, I made lifelong friends from all over the United States—people I never would have met otherwise. I feel incredibly lucky to have traveled throughout Europe and even Africa during my time abroad, and I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. I chose to study abroad as a sophomore, unlike most who go during their junior year, and I loved it just the same. Every day, I’m beyond grateful for my decision to study abroad and would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
Hi! My name is Makena Saylor, and I’m a senior majoring in Supply Chain Management with a minor in Environmental and Sustainability Studies. I’m a first-generation college student, and going into MSU, one of my biggest goals was to study abroad. I ended up going to Spain over Spring Break 2025 on an international business program and it was such an impactful experience.
Being immersed in a new culture helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect. I became more independent, open-minded, and confident both personally and professionally. While also discovering how much I enjoy learning through travel and connecting with people from different backgrounds. Since then, I’ve also visited Tanzania, Canada, and Mexico, and I’m always looking for my next adventure!
As a peer advisor, I’m excited to help other students find study abroad programs that fit their interests and goals. I know how overwhelming the process can feel, but I’m here to help make it easier and share what I’ve learned along the way!
Hi, I’m Tyler Simpson! I am currently an incoming Senior, entering my fourth and final year at Michigan State. I have majors in English and Spanish, with a minor in Peace and Justice Studies. I am planning to attend law school post-grad to become a family or immigration lawyer, utilizing my Spanish to help keep families together and provide children with the best possible future. Besides working at the Office for Education Abroad, I am also the Vice President of Kappa Alpha Pi, Michigan State’s only Pre-Law, Co-ed Fraternity.
I was born in Washington state, moved to California when I was 10, and spent summers in Oregon attending a camp where I served as both a camper and counselor. I now spend most of my year in Michigan for school. Despite having lived in all of those places, none of them compares to where I studied abroad: Valencia, Spain.
I did the University of Virginia (UVA) program in Valencia, and it was by far the best decision I have ever made. If I could redo my college experience, I would study abroad for a whole year rather than a semester. While abroad in Spain, I got to dive headfirst into a completely new culture: late mornings, EXTREMELY late nights, new food, and so much more, all while fully immersing myself in the Spanish language. I chose a program with a host mom (shoutout to Carmen), where I was required to use my Spanish not only during class or in the city, but also at home. I also chose a program with multiple schools that feed into it so that I could meet people outside of MSU. I got to meet some from Bates, Duke, UVA, and more. Not only did I get to experience Spain, but I also traveled to eight other countries over two continents, meeting new people, eating new foods, and living a different life in each. Abroad, I gained confidence, developed organizational skills, improved time management, and achieved a significantly higher level of Spanish proficiency, among other benefits. I personally think that everyone able should study abroad at LEAST once in their life!!!
Peer Advisors are hired on an annual basis.
Deadline to apply has passed.
Interviews will take place in mid-April.
Visit Peer Advisor Position for more details about the job duties and expectations.
If you have any questions about the Peer Advisor position, email us at .
Student Stories
Perspectives from abroad
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