Contact
International Studies and Programs
Michigan State University
International Center
427 N. Shaw Lane
Room 207
East Lansing MI 48824-1035
Tel: +1-517-355-2350
Fax: +1-517-353-7254
Website questions:
Driving directions (PDF)
Natalie Kohler
Program Coordinator
Office for Education Abroad
Biography: Natalie Kohler coordinates education abroad programs for the College of Business, James Madison College, and the College of Law.
Natalie is from Columbus, Ohio and attended The Ohio State University earning her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a focus in Security Studies, Foreign Policy, and International Relations. She participated in short-term study abroad programs in China and Egypt before spending a full term in Brazil. Living with a host family and learning Portuguese in Brazil offered the opportunity to embrace a new culture and way of life. Through these experiences, Natalie developed a love and respect for international education and travel.
After graduation, Natalie served as a Study Abroad Coordinator at Ohio State before moving to Chicago in 2010. She completed a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration & Policy at Northwestern University in 2013 where she continued her work in education abroad before joining Michigan State University in May of 2016.
Natalie believes that the best ways to engage with a new culture are through food, music, and making mistakes in a foreign language. She views education abroad as a profound opportunity for students to develop empathy, self-reliance, and problem solving skills while experiencing personal growth. She is dedicated to helping students achieve these outcomes and have a positive impact in the global community.
Office for International Students and Scholars
Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies
Leehoor Stephanie Ly
International Student Advisor/Front Desk Supervisor
Office for International Students and Scholars
Biography: Leehoor Ly serves is an F-1 student advisor and works with ISEA Award and International Student Group Funding. Leehoor emigrated from Canada in 2001 and she has called Michigan her home ever since. She earned her undergraduate education at Michigan State University (B.A. Pre-Law Humanities). Leehoor speaks English, Khmer, French and a basic Thai. She would love to travel outside of North American someday to taste cuisines from all around the world.
Sherry Martinez-Bonilla
HR/Office Manager
Office for Education Abroad
Biography: Hired at MSU in 1996, Sherry Martinez-Bonilla has progressed from an entry-level clerical position to professional management, responsible for all aspects of the main office operations. Sherry assists with scheduling office meetings, retreats and on-going professional development activities for the office, and coordinates planning and hosting OSA visitors and delegations. She facilitates purchase requests and is the go-to person for matters related to maintenance, telecommunication and recycling. She also assists with coursework and transcript processing, and contract processing.
As part of her management role, Sherry serves as the primary liaison to HR and ISP for personnel issues, supervise the federal work/study student staff and support OSA leadership on personnel matters. She assists with staff searches and provides general on-boarding support of all new hires.
Sherry also assists with the smooth and efficient operation of the Freshman Seminars, including processing applications, responding to students and parents, and scheduling on-campus logistics.
Elizabeth Matthews
Assistant Director
Office for International Students and Scholars
Biography: Elizabeth Matthews is an Assistant Director at OISS. Liz earned her bachelor's degree in English with a Specialization in Dance from Michigan State University and a master's degree in Higher Education from Loyola University Chicago. Prior professional positions include working as Associate Director of the International Office at Northwestern University and Director of the International Center at Illinois Institute of Technology. In addition, Liz has served as the Chair of International Educators of Illinois, International Student and Scholar Services representative for NAFSA Region V, Regulatory Ombudsperson for NAFSA Region V, Chair of NAFSA Knowledge Community for International Student & Scholar Services, and member of the NAFSA Annual Conference Committee.
She has presented and coordinated numerous workshops and sessions at the regional and national levels of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. A product of the "Study Abroad" culture at MSU, her travels have taken her to many countries including Ireland, Italy, Costa Rica, Nepal, and Singapore. She participated in the 2012 Baden-Württemberg Seminar in Tübingen, Germany and travels to China for OISS’ Pre-Departure Programs to meet with new students and their families. Always a Spartan, Liz is very happy to be serving her alma mater through her work at OISS.
Global Center for Food Systems Innovation
