About International Insights

Learn about Michigan State University's international research, teaching, and outreach through International Insights. Since the first international students enrolled in 1873, MSU has been internationally engaged, with a legacy of global collaboration in pursuit of innovation. MSU's vibrant and diverse community of students, scholars, staff, and scientists creates new knowledge, and explores innovative and practical solutions to the world's most pressing challenges. Informative and conversational, each dialogue will highlight opportunities to become involved in and support this meaningful work at MSU.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Global Leaders

Global youth are leaders of today, bringing innovative mindsets and outspoken advocacy to amplify and address the extraordinary challenges of our time. Around the world, they are challenging the status quo and showing how creativity and interdisciplinary, collaborative action are essential components of global citizenship. The season finale of International Insights features a dynamic panel of youth and leaders who share what global citizenship means to them and how they are working across boundaries and disciplines to create a brighter future for all.

Featured Panelists

• Asha Jaffar, featured youth panelist
• Ezekiel Ewulomi, featured youth panelist
• Francine Barchett, featured youth panelist
• Chinwe Effiong, assistant dean of MSU's Global Youth Advancement Network (GYAN)
• Lynn Paine, associate dean for International Studies at MSU's College of Education
• Brian Wibby, global youth educator at MSU Extension

Developing Global Citizens Through Education Abroad

Thousands of Spartans have been transformed by their educational experiences around the world through MSU's nationally-ranked education abroad program. In celebration of MSU Homecoming, this special dialogue explores MSU's legacy of international education and innovations in global learning, and features stories of alumni who have lived and learned abroad.

Featured Panelists

• Opal Leeman Bartzis, executive director of Education Abroad
• Sarah Scott, Walters Family Director of Education Abroad at the Broad College of Business

Recruiting and Supporting International Students

MSU is home to more than 5,500 international students who add to the educational and research advancements that move our world forward, as well as to the vibrancy of our local community and health of its economy. The worldwide pandemic has only highlighted the need for more global collaboration, connections, and international student support. MSU is committed to helping international students succeed and ensuring campus remains a beacon of international cooperation and understanding. Explore MSU's approach to recruiting and supporting international students.

Featured Panelists

• Krista McCallum Beatty, director of MSU's Office for International Students and Scholars
• Patty Croom, director of international admissions, recruitment, and student success

Addressing Global Challenges through Innovative Research

Michigan State University is a global community of passionate leaders working to address today's biggest challenges through world–class teaching, research, and outreach–innovators and experts who dedicate their knowledge and resources to making the world a better place. Explore MSU's unique approach to research partnerships, and international research projects conducted by faculty and students.

Featured Panelists

• Jamie Monson, director of MSU's African Studies Center
• Laurie Medina, director of MSU's Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies

Advancing Gender Equality on Campus and Beyond

The inaugural season of International Insights begins with MSU's Center for Gender in Global Context (GenCen) exploring the ways in which MSU is helping to advance gender equality on campus and beyond.

The Center for Gender in Global Context (GenCen), located in International Studies and Programs, acts as a resource and catalyst on gender in a global perspective. Working together with the academic colleges at Michigan State University, GenCen promotes outstanding undergraduate and graduate education, advances gender– and sexuality–related interdisciplinary research, and undertakes innovative outreach and active learning initiatives.

Featured Panelists

• Stephanie Nawyn, co-director of MSU's Center for Gender in Global Context
• Wenda Bauchspies, co-director of MSU's Center for Gender in Global Context