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 21 years young, heading into my senior 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 senior 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.
Hi, I’m Maddie and I am an out-of-state student from Indiana and currently a senior 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!
Hi, my name is Zenaida and I am a first-generation college student from Chicago! I had the pleasure of participating in Coding Across Cultures in Querétaro, México. This program was extremely unique, as I was in the first group for the launch of this program. I got the opportunity to learn about botany, more specifically phyllotaxy patterns, and how I could incorporate this discipline into my own major. Traveling abroad strengthened the relationship I had with my peers and professor, which made the program further rewarding.
I have always wanted to study abroad and when I discovered a way to blend my studies with my Mexican heritage, I was eager to join. I hope to help others find a program that is right for them and one they will be able to walk out of with knowledge and an unforgettable experience.
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.
Hello! My name is Lilly and I have participated in two study abroad programs throughout my time at MSU! The first being a semester in Budapest, Hungary. This program allowed me to gain not only a deeper comprehension of cultures, but instilled a curiosity to become more involved in the environments I find myself in. The classes I took during this program also gave me a great understanding of the importance of seeking education by those who have backgrounds unfamiliar to me. Similarly, with programs like these, and as a person who came in blindly without expectation, it is difficult to leave without connections that will last a lifetime, in and outside of the program itself.
I was also fortunate enough to also attend the UVA-Valencia Spanish immersion program through MSU. For getting practical experience in a language, I would 100% recommend this program. Throughout my college career prior to this, I was nervous about my practical Spanish skills, but by living with a host family, being fully immersed in a language in day-to-day life, I feel much more confident in my abilities and grateful to have put myself out there.
Throughout my experience as a study abroad student, I have recognized that the best way to get to know yourself is through the unknown. There are so many opportunities to be spontaneous and be a part of something bigger than yourself. I am so grateful for these experiences and cannot wait to help others find a program that's right for them!
In the summer of 2025, I went on the Sustainable Community Development program in Tanzania, and this experience was a remarkable and defining time in my life to say the least. It immediately piqued my interest at the Global Learning Expo as I grew up in Zimbabwe, which is close to Tanzania, so I took the opportunity to explore another region of Africa as well as visit my parents afterwards. In addition, it perfectly aligned with my major as an electrical engineer, as I got to teach students how to code, type, and I even fixed 50+ laptops for schools.
The students were definitely the most fulfilling aspect of the program for me. It felt great seeing how much the students learned and how strong of a connection we built in such a short period of time. One high schooler even promised me he would master typing which truly made me feel proud. The program taught me a lot about myself and the world, solidifying my passion with connecting people and engineering. Of course, seeing all the wildlife, landscapes, and interacting with locals was a massive bonus, undoubtedly making it an unforgettable experience.
Peer Advisors are hired on an annual basis.
Applications will open in March 2027 for the 2027-28 academic year.
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
Global Learning EXPO
October 8, 2026
1 pm to 5 pm at Breslin Center
Program Search
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Advising
Questions about study abroad?
Zoom advising is available over the summer!
