Seidman College of Business
Study Abroad



Phone: 616-331-7100
Seidman College of Business

401 Fulton Street West
515C DeVos
Grand Rapids, MI 49504


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Undergraduate Study Abroad Programs

There are so many advantages to participating in a study abroad program; your question needs to be where you will study abroad, not whether you will study abroad. Expanding your world-view and increasing your marketability by participating in a study abroad experience is an investment in your future.

Choices include Faculty-Led programs, Exchange programs, and Study Abroad Test Drive trips as well as other opportunities.

Your first step in pursuing a study abroad program is to meet with Alexandra Schmid, the International Business Study Advisor. She is located in 101B DeVos Center and be reached by phone at (616) 331-7500, or via e-mail at schmiale@gvsu.edu. Even though you will work with the GVSU Padnos International Center to finalize paperwork, the Seidman College of Business will have final approval on your study abroad program.

Here's your study abroad "to do" list:

  • Review the study abroad options to find one to suit your needs
  • Schedule an appointment with Alexandra Schmid, Seidman Student Services, to review your study abroad program
  • Select which country in which you would like to study
  • Meet with the Padnos International Center
  • Prepare for your trip
  • Have the Seidman International Business Advisor review your course choices

Explore the links below to help you decide which program best suits your interests and needs. Once you have selected a program or if you would like help selecting a program, please call to set an appointment to review your next steps.

Study abroad options

Faculty-led programs

These programs are sponsored by the university and are usually for a short term, typically during the summer. They are led by a Seidman College of Business faculty member. If you participate in these programs, you will be traveling abroad with your classmates. The advantages include:

  • Shorter in duration
  • Travel with other GVSU students
  • No need to master the language
  • Financially less expensive
  • Earn six credits to apply toward your degree
  • GVSU tuition covers tuition at international institution

For more information on faculty-led programs, click here.

Exchange programs

GVSU has many exchange agreements with universities around the world. You can participate in these exchanges by going to the host institution abroad. You can participate in summer, semester or year-long programs. The advantages include:

  • More time to become immersed in the culture
  • Independent traveling
  • Opportunity to master the language
  • Spread costs over a longer time period
  • Earn 12 to 32 credits to apply toward your degree
  • GVSU tuition covers tuition at international institutions

For a list of GVSU exchange programs, visit the Padnos International Center website.

Study Abroad Test Drive

The Study Abroad Test Drive program is designed for students who are interested in experiencing another culture, but have not yet decided on a semester or year long study abroad program. The Test drive escorts students to an international destination over GVSU's Spring Break. The program provides a glimpse of another culture through sightseeing, tours, and lectures about business in the host country. The Test Drive is led by Seidman College of Business faculty and is offered at a reasonable price, around $1,500. Think of it as a "test drive" for your long terms study abroad plans. Not for course credit, destinations may vary. For more information, contact Alexandra Schmid, Special Programs Coordinator, at 616.331.7500 or schmiale@gvsu.edu.

Other opportunities

You also have the opportunity to create a study abroad experience unique to your needs and interests. Even though GVSU offers a variety of programs, sometimes students like to customize their own programs. In that case, students can go abroad through other universities or organizations and still be considered GVSU students. Grand Valley State University serves as the US Office for John Cabot University in Rome. While it is not an exchange program, you may want to consider this option. The advantages of creating your own study abroad experience include:

  • You decide the time frame, a summer, a semester, or a year
  • You pick the country
  • You pick the institution
  • Independent traveling
  • Opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the culture
  • Opportunity to master the language
  • Earn six to 32-credits to apply toward your degree

For a list of non-GVSU exchange programs, visit the Padnos International Center website.

Check Seidman Scholarships for study abroad scholarships & look for the ones with the globes.

  Last Modified Date: April 6, 2007
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