MSU offers numerous options in International Studies

by Erin Buerger

MSU offers students opportunities to learn about the language, geography and culture of other countries without going anywhere. There are more than 30 international majors, minors and specializations availabling, ranging from languages such as French, Spanish and Portuguese to disciplines such Western European Studies, International Relations and Jewish Studies offered at MSU.   

Learning about other cultures not only allows students to learn about other people and places, but it also allows them to learn more about their own culture by contast. Spanish Professor Mary Hartson said studying Spanish allows you to “get a much more well-rounded vision, a perspective.”  She has been to Spain a few times and was intrigued to find many pictures of a smiling Fidel Castro.  This may seem strange to Americans who have grown up being told to despise the Communist dictator.  However, the people in Spain see a different side of the story. Learning why other people hold different views is part of how travel expands our horizons. 

Bicho, a Spanish native and faculty member in the Spanish department, said knowing about a different culture can “help you reflect on your own language."  He said that most people think they know all there is about their own language, but then they learn so much more.  Knowing more about other cultures and learning to work with people from different backgrounds and traditions makes people humble as well, according to Bicho. 

Both faculty members said that MSU does an acceptable job of meeting the needs of international students,though they see room for improvement.  “The university needs to reach the regular students not involved in a language or other international area of study,” Bicho said.