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MSU International - Volume 1, Number 2 - Spring 2000
     MSU Study Finds Michigan Residents Globally Aware
A study released October 5, 1999 by Michigan State University revealed that Michigan residents are well-versed in global affairs and that they broadly support efforts on the part of state government and education leaders to engage in international collaborations.

The "State of the State Survey" (SOSS) of nearly 1,000 Michigan adults was conducted by MSU's Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR) last summer. It focuses on international education, United States interdependence, the roles of U.S. federal and state governments in international affairs, and the international perceptions of Michigan residents categorized by union membership and political party affiliation.

 

Global Awareness Among Michigan Residents: Key Findings
  • The majority of Michiganians (65 percent) believe that the United States should take an active role in world affairs.
  • The majority of Michigan residents believe that foreign language study should be required in public high schools (71 percent) and in public universities (56 percent).
  • About three out of four Michigan residents (78 percent) say that legal immigration has been somewhat or mostly good for the United States.
  • More than 8 out of 10 Michigan residents (82 percent) belive that state government should promote Michigan sales abroad. Most belive taht state government should encourage foreign manufacturers to locate in the state (69 percent).
  • The majority of Michigan residents (57 percent) belive that the U.S. government should promote free trade.
  • The majority of Michiganians (69 percent) belive that the North American Free Trade Agreement has been good or mostly good for the U.S. economy.
  • The majority of Michigan residents (79 percent) make an effor to by American products; most (77 percent) try to buy American-made cars.

It is the first major survey of the international attitudes and global awareness of Michigan citizens produced by IPPSR.

"The study provides baseline information concerning the international awareness and understanding of the state's residents," said Jeffrey M. Riedinger, assistant dean of International Studies and Programs and a member of the research team. "Michiganians demonstrate a high level of support for efforts that link the state's business community with world markets and for programs that bring a global perspective into the classroom."

The findings will be of use to state lawmakers as well as to educational leaders at the secondary and postsecondary levels. For MSU, which is firmly committed to incorporating a strong international dimension in all of its teaching, research, and outreach programs, the findings both validate current efforts and support future initiatives.

"The increasing interdependence of nations has made cultural competency a necessity," said MSU President Peter M. McPherson. "The knowledge and experience gained from the university's international associations and exchanges are of value to our students, our faculty, and those we serve throughout Michigan and the United States."

For more information about this survey, see the Briefing Paper at http://www.ippsr/soss/papers/99-44/ (http://www.ippsr/soss/papers/99-44/)

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