My Experience and Advice of Study Abroad

Li Haoyang

Studying abroad is a critical decision for many students. Most, if not all, of students are uncertain about what is the best career path in the future when they are abroad. The more critical decision, therefore, is to select a suitable program to start your journey.

Early, early and early! The “3+1+X program” offered by MSU represents a great platform for undergraduate students to explore various options they may face in the future early in academic life. Starting to experience early offers great information value. The early movement could either enhance ones’ previous belief on his career interest or alter the view of it – you have enough time to make a correct decision. The flexibility offered by the program is indeed the most attractive feature for me. The opportunity to start the Master’s degree one year early than peer students provides me more experience in doing researches in my field. Starting from the second year in the program, I had a much better career vision. Many other students who came together with me finally found out that the skills they learnt render them great value in industries. The goal of the program is diversified – one could easily find one goal that fits him most.

Haoyang Li (first one on the left) with scholars and his friends in a group study.

Faculty here at MSU are very helpful. They are open to new ideals and are always available when you encounter problems. I am extremely thankful for the research guidance provided by Dr. Jinhua Zhao, Dr. Satish Joshi and Dr. Brent R Ross. The experience I gained from engaging in their research projects during the program helped me a lot in applying for Ph.D. programs. I understand more of the research frontiers of the field and I know I enjoy doing researches in the field. As a Ph.D. candidate now in environmental economics, I continue to work on the topics that I found interesting during my Master’s study and I have gained many more insights into these interesting areas. Many faculty here are also willing to offer suggestions apart from research, making it easy for foreign students to get accustomed to U.S. culture and life.

Although different departments in MSU cooperated with the “3+1+X program” have different requirements regarding the program rule, the key to get the most from the program is the same – be active. There are many opportunities out there in the program, in the department and in the U.S. society, but one needs to be prepared to explore them. The coordinator of the program, Ms. Xia, is always ready to help students to be prepared for the new life. Judging from my own experience, I strongly encourage those who are planning studying abroad to consider the “3+1+X program”.