International Studies & Programs

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For Students

The following units and programs around campus or close by are useful for MSU undergraduate and graduate students.


Asian Studies Center

The Asian Studies Center at Michigan State University directs one of the largest, most diverse programs of education about Asia in the Midwest. Unlike other programs, the Center is distinguished by its approach to East, Central, North, West, South, and Southeast Asia in the design of its curriculum, focus on faculty research, and outreach activities.

The Center provides support to both undergraduate and graduate students through scholarships and a paper competition with awards for their pursuit of Asian language training, area studies, international studies, or the international aspects of professional studies.

Contact Information:

Tel: 517-353-1680
Email: asiansc(at)msu.edu


China and the World: Beyond the Headlines

The China and the World: Beyond the Headlines is a recurring symposium series that examines several high profile topics about China’s emerging presence in the world to offer complexity, divergent and multiple perspectives, and analytic insight about China that goes beyond the headlines. The goal is a public discussion, grounded in scholarship, that makes possible open and informed dialogue. Panels will focus on relevant and timely topics related to China and will allow ample time for Q&A. Audience members are also welcome to suggest topics for future panels. This series is free and open to the public.

Contact Information:

Jennifer Wargo
Deputy Director 
Office of China Programs
Email: pippinj1(at)msu.edu


Community Volunteers for International Programs 

Community Volunteers for International Programs (CVIP) is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization supported by the Office for International Students and Scholars at Michigan State University. CVIP promotes mutual cross-cultural education, understanding, appreciation and friendship between the greater Lansing community and Michigan State University's international students, scholars and their families through a variety of programs and services, which are free and open to all MSU international students and scholars.

Contact Information:

Tel: 517-353-1735
Email: cvipmsu(at)gmail.com


Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)

CAPS offers after-hours/weekends crisis phone services for all students. This service is available by calling CAPS at 517-355-8270 after-hours and selecting “1” during the voice prompt to speak with an after-hours crisis counselor. This service is being offered through a contract with ProtoCall.  Staffed 24/7/365 by trained behavioral health professionals, ProtoCall offers MSU students after-hours crisis stabilization and de-escalation services including facilitating inpatient hospitalizations for students at imminent risk of harm to themselves and/or others when CAPS is closed.

CAPS Connect is a brief consultation program that is confidential, completely free, and available to all enrolled MSU students who can drop-in during the scheduled times - no appointment is necessary. This service provides a place for students to talk about their concerns, receive support, and connect with other services if needed. 

Through a partnership with Psych Hub, MSU CAPS is now able to host over 100 brief informational videos about a host of mental health topics. 

For additional information and updates about CAPS please visit CAPS's website or reach out to Dr. Mark Patishnock, Director of CAPS at patishn1(at)msu.edu.

Contact Information:

Tel: 517-355-8270
Email: patishn1@msu.edu


Education Abroad

The Office for Education Abroad is committed to engaging the campus community in a collective partnership to provide valuable, high-quality and academically-sound education abroad programming that expands opportunities for where, when and how students learn.

Contact Information:

Tel: 517-353-8920
Email: abroad@msu.edu


LATTICE (Linking All Types of Teachers to International Cross-Cultural Education)

Linking All Types of Teachers to International Cross-Cultural Education (LATTICE) is a learning community and international network that cultivates and supports global perspectives and identities in K-12 classrooms through personal and professional development opportunities. International graduate students at MSU are encouraged to join LATTICE. Membership is free and fellowships and opportunities for stipends are offered.

Contact Information:

Email: lattice@msu.edu


Office of International Students and Scholars

The Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) provides support to Michigan State University’s international students, scholars and families.

Student support services include:

  • Advising on and facilitating compliance with U.S. immigration regulations.
  • Conducting orientations and other special programming that help international students and scholars integrate into and adjust to the academic, cultural and social life of MSU.
  • Serving as a liaison with U.S. government agencies, foreign embassies, sponsors and educational foundations that support international students and scholars.
  • Contributing to the internationalization of MSU by providing opportunities for growth through cross-cultural interactions.

Contact Information:

Tel: 517-353-1720
Email: oiss@msu.edu


Office of the University Ombudsperson

The Office of the University Ombudsperson was established to assist students in resolving conflicts or disputes within the University. We also help staff members, instructors, and administrators sort through university rules and regulations that might apply to specific student issues and concerns. In addition to helping members of the MSU community resolve disputes, we also identify MSU policies that might need revision, and refer them to the appropriate academic governance committee. The Ombudsperson's office provides a confidential forum where different opinions may be considered. 

Following a request for assistance, an Ombudsperson will take one or more of the following actions: listen carefully to the concern, explain relevant student rights and responsibilities, review relevant university policies or regulations, suggest fair and equitable options, refer the individual to an appropriate university resource or, investigate, when necessary.  

Contact Information:

Tel: 517-353-8830
Email: ombud@msu.edu


S.C. Lee Awards

The Shao Chang Lee Scholarship Fund was established by friends and colleagues of the late Professor Lee to provide scholarship awards for undergraduate students enrolled at MSU who have made outstanding accomplishments in Asian studies and are pursuing or planning to pursue a program that includes Asian studies.

Contact Information:

Tel: 517-353-1680
Email: asiansc(at)msu.edu


Student Organizations

There is a wide range of student organizations about China and for Chinese students covering topics such as music, culture, networking, career, and more. 

For additional information and updates please visit OISS's webiste about international student organizations

Contact Information:

Tel: 517-353-1720
Email: oiss@msu.edu


Volunteer English Tutoring Program

The Volunteer English Tutoring Program (VETP) provides free English conversation practice for Michigan State University's international students and scholars and their adult family members through conversation classes and conversation partners. VETP is part of Community Volunteers for International Programs (CVIP), a 501(c)3 organization.

Contact Information:

Email: vetp@msu.edu