On Wednesday, April 3, 2013 International Awards Ceremony was held where Folke B. Lindahl won an Award for Outstanding Service to MSU Study Abroad.

Folke Lindahl, a professor of Political Science in James Madison College, and a core faculty member of the Center for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies, has enhanced MSU’s study abroad programming and its impact on students through his profound knowledge and understanding of political theory. 

Folke has pioneered and led the James Madison Caribbean Program for more than 20 years and has also directed the Eastern European and Turkey Summer Program for another decade. It is through these programs he exposed students to new ideas under challenging social and cultural environments. He is well known for helping students engage in intellectual debates and helping them grow by confronting new ideology and the challenges faced by people around the world. Folke’s dedication is reflected in his teachings and exchange programs, especially with partners in France, Sweden, Romania, Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. 

As a role model for students, Folke has earned admiration through his perfect blend of academic seriousness and cultural immersion. He is an outstanding educator who uniquely possesses the skills and knowledge to help others navigate across countries, cultures and politics.

Apart from being one of the most passionate professors, Folke has an exceptional ability to venture into new countries and develop quality relationships with other academics. This is an important and valuable skill for establishing long-term study abroad programming. A successful recruiter for study abroad programs, he is known to emphasize serious scholarships and high quality experiences for his students. 

Folke has impacted the lives of many through active participation in study abroad programming. For encouraging his students to explore new perspectives and his unique ability to deliver on all dimensions of a study abroad experience, Dr. Lindahl is an excellent choice for the MSU Award for Outstanding Service to Study Abroad.