It isn’t necessary to go abroad to learn about different cultures, discover potential opportunities, and explore unique environments. The Office for Experiential Learning's Study Away programs offer courses and internships at locations within the United States. These programs allow students to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings.
This program is part of a MSU Study Away Series called “Cultural Studies with Purpose: Documentary Filmmaking in Michigan” where students explore complex cultural studies topics in cities across Michigan. The program will take place in Lansing, Michigan, the state capital, during the spring 2026 semester.
Semester: Spring Semester 2026 - 8 Weeks (February 2 – April 3, 2026). Students will stay in a hotel in Lansing during Spring Break, March 1 – 7, 2026.
Application Deadline: January 14, 2026
Program Fee: $475
Courses: Earn 4 credit hours (ISS 315). Students can substitute SSC 494 if ISS 300-level course is not needed.
Interested in being a part of Detroit's comeback story? Then the College of Social Science's InnovateGov Internship program is for you. Students work with local government agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations throughout Detroit to address some of the city's most critical challenges, while balancing weekly class sessions, all to strengthen you as a public servant and civic leader.
Whether you are a student from the Flint area or someone from outside Michigan who wants to make a difference, MSU's Flint Internship Program is for you! Benefit from hands-on learning in fields of interest while contributing to the mission of a community organization and revitalization of the Flint area.
Semester: Summer 2025 (June 1 - August 1)
Application Deadline: January 12th, 2026 -
Program may be at capacity prior to application deadline. Please contact Cathy White at gamperca@msu.edu to check status of program.
Courses: SSC 493 (3 credit minimum)
Housing: River Front Center Residence Hall - University of Michigan Flint
Program Fee: No Program Fee. Program participation includes 8-week housing and orientation. Students are responsible to pay for tuition, most meals, transportation, and personal spending money.
How to Apply:
Our internship program pairs students and leaders of nonprofit community and civic organizations to engage in collaborative, community-driven projects that help expand community assets and contribute to a thriving future for Flint residents. Learn more about the program on the FCI page or download the brochure.
Experience life in a culturally rich setting which provides students with an opportunity to expand their worldview without leaving the U.S. The Hawaii Summer Program offers an academic focus on Hawaiian culture, tourism, and other social issues and includes class meetings with University of Hawaii professors and students, field experiences and community service work.
Semester: Summer 2025 (July)
Courses: IAH and ISS credits available; Independent study credits available
Housing: University of Hawaii
Application Deadline: TBD
Program Fee: ~$2700 (based on last years program)
The Puerto Rico Study Away program is an exciting and meaningful opportunity that takes place during the spring semester, offering nine (9) days on-site in Puerto Rico in May after final’s week. Students will engage in an array of life changing experiences while in Puerto Rico including volunteering with agencies that assist children, youth and family, senior citizens and/or special needs populations. Students will also participate in local events with community members. In addition to the community service aspect of the program, students will visit some of the world’s most beautiful attractions to learn about the cultural influence and history of the island.
Semester: Spring
Courses: ISS 310 (4 Credits)
Program Fee: TBD ($1,200 – 2025 Program Fee)
The Politics of Poverty: There is an unprecedented amount of wealth around the globe, with nearly 3,000 billionaires worldwide. But there is also vast scarcity and inequality. One percent of the world's population controls more than half of the total wealth. Meanwhile, more than ten percent of American residents live in poverty, not able to make ends meet. Another 700 million people abroad live in extreme poverty, surviving on less than $2 per day. Individuals living in poverty grapple with violence, food scarcity, fewer educational opportunities, natural disasters and environmental degradation, housing insecurity, a lack of health care, stigma, underrepresentation, and so much more. This Freshman Seminar asks students to consider the politics of poverty. We will study indicators of poverty, how poverty is measured, the differences between rural and urban poverty, and the reality of those living in poverty in the U.S. and abroad. We will consider how past and present systems contribute to the perpetuation of poverty, especially for historically excluded and marginalized groups. We will also discuss domestic and global policies attempting to mitigate inequality, as well as the shifting political attitudes towards the poor. Moreover, we will consider how scarcity can rewire our brains and poverty's pernicious effects on decision-making. And we will examine the difference in political representation between the "haves" and the "have-nots." Beyond dynamic lectures, coursework, and assignments, the Seminar will also include visits with MSU alumni and to Congress, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of State, USAID, a soup kitchen, and other nonprofit and community organizations working to address domestic and global poverty.
The seminar is held during the summer before fall classes, carries 3 academic credits towards graduation, and fulfills the Experiential Learning Requirement for College of Social Science students.
Semester: Summer/Fall 2025
Program Dates: July 21st - July 30th
Housing: TBA
Courses: ISS 215 (4 credits)
Program Fee: $1,500
Program fee includes lodging for 10 days while in Washington, DC, orientation, breakfasts and some meals, books/academic resources, metro card, transportation to and from field trips and cultural activities. Students are responsible for tuition, transportation to and from Washington, DC, additional meals/snacks, and personal spending money. Tuition and program fee will be billed to your MSU student account as part of your fall semester.
Early Application Deadline: April 15th, 2025
Final Application Deadline: May 31st, 2025
Is there a GPA requirement?
No, but 2.5 is recommended. If your GPA is lower than 2.5, be prepared to discuss your academic record during the program interview. Applicant may consider submitting a letter of explanation with the application.
What if I don’t know what semester I want to go?
Select the nearest deadline for now and we can determine the definite semester later.
How long should the essay be?
One page, double-spaced (300 words or less). Please put your name on it.
What if my resume is more than one page?
It is recommended that you work with Career Services to get your resume prepared for submission to internships sites on one page. Visit http://careernetwork.msu.edu/ for information on Resume workshops and Career Advising appointments.
If you have any additional questions not addressed in this list, feel free to email your inquiry to
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