Congratulations on completing an unforgettable adventure abroad! We know that every experience is unique and that you have all had your own exciting, traumatic, wonderful, sad, funny, unforgettable and enriching experiences. The Padnos International Center (PIC) would like to provide you with tools and resources to adjust back to the US and to GVSU campus culture.

Academic Credit

PLEASE NOTE: This information only applies to students who participated in a Partnership or External program. 

Often times, students will not see study abroad credits posted to their GVSU record immediately after they return and may see an “X” for IS 380 for the semester(s) they were abroad.  We are as eager as you to change your record to reflect the courses that you completed abroad.  In order to do so, we must have an official transcript from your program sponsor and course approvals from the relevant academic department.  PIC offers a list of department contacts on our website: Academic Guide

If you wish to receive Issues credit from abroad, please review the following information Issues - General Education

It usually takes several months after the end of your semester for GVSU to receive your transcript. If at any time, you wish to inquire about the status of your study abroad credits, you can contact  Rebecca Hambleton at (616) 331-3898 or via email at [email protected].

Global Leadership Organization

We highly encourage all students who have studied abroad to consider joining the Global Leadership Organization. GLO is a GVSU student organization. Members are international students, past study abroad participants and anyone interested in global topics. GLO aims to get GVSU students involved in the international community, both locally and globally. 

Members are involved in several projects including:

• International Mentor Program
• International Student Welcome 
• International Education Week
• Fundraising for global causes
• PIC blog writers
• Community outreach at local schools 
• Other social and professional events

Join GLO on Orgsync to receive updates on meetings & events!  

For more information contact Alissa Lane at [email protected]

Study Abroad Alumni Association

As a GVSU alumnus who participated in study abroad, you are now a member of the Study Abroad Alumni Association (SAAA)! SAAA members are connected to a network of people that have the shared experience of studying abroad during their time at GVSU. The SAAA can help you stay connected with PIC and other SAAA members, and give you the opportunity to support and inspire a future generation of Lakers to go abroad! Look for the invitation to the annual Study Abroad Alumni Reunion! 

Fore more information contact Alissa Lane at [email protected]

Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/GVSUStudyAbroadAlumni

Study Abroad Fair Volunteer

PIC sponsors a Study Abroad Fair each semester to promote overseas opportunities to the GVSU community. The success of the fair depends largely on the involvement of returned study abroad students. Share your experiences with others at our fair by volunteering to talk students interested in study abroad! Contact Meaghann Myers-Smith ([email protected]) to volunteer!

International Graduation Sash

Students that have successfully completed a semester abroad are eligible to receive a study abroad sash to be worn at their commencement ceremony. The sash has a symbol representing the flag of the country that you studied in.  More Information >>

Pictures

If you would like to be featured in the next Study Abroad Catalog – please share your photos! You can either bring in a cd to 130 LOH, email your photos to [email protected]. You will need to fill out a Copyright Release Form. 

For more information on sharing your experience abroad, visit Share Your Story. 

Update Your Resume

Your experiences abroad won't count to an employer unless the you can say how it has made you a better person, scholar, citizen, and professional. Read our guides to learn how to incorporate your study or internship abroad experience into your resume and how to communicate the importance of your international experience in an interview, at a career fair, during informational interviews, and on social media sites.

• Study Abroad to Career: Use your experience abroad for future professional benefit
• Intern to Professional: Capitalize on your international internship experience
• Get a Career in International Education

Suggestions from Past Participants

• Get Involved with GVSU Cultural Organizations and seek out opportunities to connect with international students at GVSU
• Apply for the Intercultural Training Certificate program. www.gvsu.edu/itc
• Enroll in a foreign language class or another course that helps build upon what you learned abroad
• Participate in on-campus international events
• Consider living in the International House on campus (part of the Mark A. Murray living center)
• Browse Life After Study Abroad website and magazine
• Subscribe to a foreign newspaper or listen to NPR for updated world news
• Join international organizations, such as: Amnesty International, West Michigan World Affairs Council, Grand Rapids Sister Cities International, Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, and others. For additional information, visit www.grandrapids.org