Keep an eye out for some new wall decorations in the International Center lobby, as this year’s Global Focus photography competition winners have been chosen and will be framed and on display soon.

Elizabeth “Lisa” Kastanya believes science and technology play a critical role in Indonesia’s development and future. She also thinks young people will be the key to that future.

“We need to increase student involvement and that’s true for Indonesian students back home as well as those studying outside of the country,” said Kastanya, a senior studying political science and prelaw at Michigan State University.

International students have played a huge role in Michigan State University's history and current role in the world. Kolai S. Thabue of Burma was among the first few international students on campus in 1891. Since then MSU's international student  numbers have grown to more than 6,200.

Michigan State University will use a $25 million grant from the United States Agency for International Development to improve agricultural production and reduce poverty in areas of the world suffering from rapid urbanization, population growth and skills gaps.

Each November, Michigan State University joins institutions across the country in celebrating International Education Week November 11 through 18. As a special recognition week sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, International Education Week was established "to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the United States."

The Peace Corps team at Michigan State University will hold a recruitment event on Saturday, Oct. 13 from 9 to 11:30 am as part of MSU’s Alumni weekend festivities. A special guest – Carrie Hessler-Radelet, Acting Director of the Peace Corps, will be available between 10:30 and 11: 30 am to interact with current Peace Corps applicants, MSU students and their families and MSU alumni.

Voting for the People’s Choice winner started on Monday, October 8, 2012 at 8:00 am EST and will continue through November 1, 2012 11:59 pm EST.

To vote, please visit http://www.isp.msu.edu/awards/photocontest/vote.htm after Monday, Oct. 8
 

An exhibit of 35 T-shirts from the Southern Africa Solidarity movement opened on October 1 in the lobby of the International Center, part of Michigan State University's recognition of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa.

 With 50-plus years of engagement in Africa, Michigan State University will partner with The MasterCard Foundation on its $500 million education initiative, The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program, to provide talented, yet financially disadvantaged youth – especially those from Africa – with access to high-quality education.

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Everyone has a story. Tell us yours for a chance to win $1,000! The purpose of this Essay Contest is to build mutual respect through empathy and, using the American idiom, "to walk a mile in another person's shoes" (experiencing something from someone else's point of view).

International Studies and Programs (ISP), in partnership with the Michigan State University Alumni Association, have opened the call for entries to the 2012 international photo competition, Global Focus. submissions are due Friday, October 5, 2012.

Michigan State University will use a $7.3 million federal grant to cultivate the next generation of agricultural scientists in Africa and Asia, in hopes of improving food security and nutrition there.

To protect a dangerous and endangered animal -- be it a tiger in Nepal or a wolf in Michigan - you really do have to ask people “how do you FEEL about your predatory neighbor?”

Nineteen Michigan State University students have been awarded Fulbright scholarships for the 2012-2013 academic year. Two other candidates have been named as alternates in the competitions.