International Studies & Programs

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Physics program in Dublin is a national finalist

Michigan State University was selected as a finalist for a 2019 GoAbroad Innovative New Program Award

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Published: Thursday, 25 Apr 2019 Author: Cheryl Ann Benner

GoAbroad Finalist logo.jpgMichigan State University was selected as a finalist for a GoAbroad Innovative New Program Award for the “University College Dublin: Summer Physics” education abroad program in Ireland.

The Innovative New Program Award honors inventive programming that provides a unique opportunity for student learning and cultural engagement.  Nominations are evaluated on their originality, creativity, and contribution of exceptional ideas.

The physics program at the University College Dublin (UCD) was nominated because of its unique experience for STEM students to study physics in an intellectually stimulating environment at the largest university in Ireland. Students who successfully complete the program may gain a full year's equivalent of calculus based physics in a single summer.  The program is sponsored by the Colleges of Engineering and Natural Science at MSU, and is a collaborative effort with the University of Michigan and the University College Dublin.  It is available to all students in the Big Ten Academic Alliance with the approval of their relevant home institution.

Megan Curtin in Dublin, Ireland
“I really enjoyed being on UCD’s campus and having the opportunity to travel throughout Ireland and Europe. Ireland is a great place to be and there’s so much fun to be had. The staff really care about you at UCD and the community is great.”

Megan Curtin, Biosystems Engineering
UCD Summer Physics 2018
“I’m very pleased to see MSU is gaining deserved attention for this unique opportunity for our STEM students,” states Opal Leeman Bartzis, executive director of the Office for Education Abroad. “The domestic and international teamwork among MSU, Michigan and UCD offers students the chance to study at a European university while broadening their understanding of their specific fields of study through interaction with people with different worldviews.” 
 
The winners will be selected by a prestigious and selective group of international educators known as the GoAbroad Innovations Academy and announced at the 2019 NAFSA: Association of International Educators annual conference in Washington, DC in May.
 

Established in 2011, GoAbroad Innovation Awards are national awards focused specifically on education abroad program innovation. These awards acknowledge institutions, organizations, and individuals moving the field forward, and commend leaders in the community for their efforts to go beyond the conventional.