Peer Advisers are MSU students who have already studied abroad and work for the Office for Education Abroad. They are trained to provide peer-to-peer advising, conduct student outreach, and assist with recruitment.Our current team of Peer Advisers 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 Advisers 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.
From a young age, my parents instilled in me a love for exploring new places. My goal was to visit every continent before turning 20, with Australia being the final destination on my list.
The Olympics celebrate the best athletes from around the world, and I am fascinated by the logistics and planning required to make such a global event successful. There is no better place to learn about this than in the country that hosted the most financially successful Olympics.
Hello! My name is Sydney Bayoneto, and I am a James Madison College senior majoring in International Relations and Comparative Cultures & Politics. During my time at MSU I have discovered my passion for traveling and learning about other cultures. Some of my favorite memories of college are from my time abroad, and I feel fortunate to have completed two programs during my time at Michigan State.
My first program I went to Brussels, Belgium during the summer of 2023. During my time in Brussels, I was able to learn about the roles of international institutions such NATO, the European Union, the International Criminal Court, and more! This program helped me learn about possible career goals because we were able to travel to these institutions and meet with MSU alumni who worked there. My second program was in New Delhi, India and I was able to do research on the importance of unconventional leadership. During the program I was able to work closely with different communities in India and partner with a research institution in Delhi. Both of these experiences led me to grow so much both academically and personally, and I hope that all students are able to have these opportunities.
Hello! My name is Julia, and I am a senior at MSU and thrilled to be a Peer Adviser in the Office for Education Abroad. My passion for travel has been a lifelong journey, and my study abroad experiences have only fueled this enthusiasm further. I had the incredible opportunity to participate in two distinct programs: Community Engagement, Society, and Culture in Belize, and Ecology of the Mountains in Uttarakhand, India. Through these experiences, I found myself challenged in ways I never anticipated, and my beliefs and perspectives were broadened and transformed. Engaging with diverse communities and immersing myself in different cultures helped me develop a deeper understanding of the world and fostered a passion for making meaningful connections with people from various backgrounds. Additionally, my time abroad ignited a keen interest in research, particularly in areas related to community engagement and environmental conservation.
As someone who loves the outdoors, I was in awe of the natural wonders I encountered during my travels. Whether it was the lush landscapes of Belize or the majestic mountains of Uttarakhand, each moment spent in nature reinforced my appreciation for our planet's beauty and the importance of preserving it. I am excited to share my experiences and insights with fellow students and support them in their own education abroad journeys. I look forward to connecting with you and helping you make the most of your study abroad opportunities.
Hey there! My name is Amit Chitre, I am 19 years young, heading into my sophomore 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 Magaliesburg, South Africa. There I worked an internship with Running Wild Cheetah Conservation helping in Cheetah rehabilitation. My experiences there 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.
Hi! My name is Andre Edmond, I am a psychology major with minors in Communicative Sciences & Disorders, Cognitive Sciences, and History . I love traveling, so coming into college I knew I wanted to study abroad as soon as I could!
I went to Belize to study abroad during spring break in 2023! The experience I had while participating in my program is something I believe everyone that has grown up in a 1st-world country should experience. Part of my program involved assisting teachers and facilitating the local curriculum in Belize. Aside from the work in the schools, I was able to learn about the history and culture of Belize through several excursions including a trip to a Mayan temple and going on a co-op with a Mayan women’s organization.
This program helped me complete the experimental learning requirement for my degree, but most importantly this experience helped me grow as a human being and reminded me not all of us are fortunate and have the luxuries we have in the United States. Overall, it was a very eye-opening experience and I think everyone should have such an opportunity!
Hi! My name is Hannah Kilbride, and I am a senior studying marketing and public policy, and minoring in Spanish. A little about me is that I love hanging out with friends, listening to music, and spending time in nature like hiking and biking, and of course traveling and getting to see different parts of the world.
For my study abroad program, I went to Rome for five weeks during the summer to study at the American University of Rome. This was an amazing opportunity as it allowed me to have an in-depth experience of Italian culture and travel to several different cities within Italy. It was also great to meet and have classes with other MSU students. After my study abroad experience, I couldn’t recommend it enough and hope that I am able to be a part of another program in the future.
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.
Although this experience was intended to expand my academic knowledge, it evolved into something much more meaningful. One of the most impactful aspects of this study abroad experience, was in helping me foster a greater sense of independence by encouraging me to think creatively and find different solutions on my own—something I never truly felt or did while living on campus at Michigan State University. I can confidently say that I am now equipped with the skills and perspectives essential to excel in our increasingly interconnected world.
Hello! My name is Megha Suresh, and I'm currently a Senior majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology/Biotechnology. I did a research program in Düsseldorf, Germany in the summer of 2023. It was an amazing experience and I learned so much through the research and being abroad. I did my research internship in the diabetes center in Düsseldorf, where I worked on finding a primer pair for a splice variant. By working in another country, not only did I learn about new techniques and technologies available for research, but I also got to experience a new culture and make new friends! I have grown so much through this experience and have also become more independent. I was also able to travel a lot and experience different cultures, as well!
Studying abroad has definitely helped me both academically and personally, and I have gained so many memories and experiences through this program! This is my second year working as a peer mentor in the Office of Education Abroad, and I am excited to help more students find new opportunities to study abroad!
Peer Advisers are hired on an annual basis. Applications for the 2025-26 academic year will open during spring semester 2025. Interested students will apply via Handshake and interviews will take place before the end of spring semester.
Visit Peer Adviser Position for more details about the job duties and expectations.
If you have any questions about the Peer Adviser position, email us at .
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