Postcards from Briggsies Abroad

September 30, 2025 - Blythe White

Did you know Michigan State University offers over 350 educational programs abroad in 65 countries, on every continent in the world? It has consistently been a top-ranked university for study abroad, for more than 25 years.

Anne Slavin, the Associate Director for Education Abroad and Away in LBC, writes, "Each year, approximately 150 Lyman Briggs College students pursue Education Abroad experiences throughout the world, participating in programs ranging from one week to a full semester. Upon returning, students frequently describe their time abroad as life-changing. Immersed in new cultures and communities, students not only gain global perspectives but also strengthen essential life skills such as adaptability, self-confidence, problem-solving, and effective communication. At Briggs, we’re committed to helping students fulfill University, major, and/or minor requirements while studying abroad, ensuring that students remain on track for graduation while expanding their worldview.” 

We invite all students who may be interested in studying abroad to visit the Global Learning Expo on October 1, from 1-5 p.m. in the Breslin Center. More than 145 exhibits displaying information about MSU's wide variety of programs and support services will be available for students to browse and ask questions. You'll also get a chance to learn about two upcoming Briggs faculty-led programs happening in Summer 2026:

1. American Colonialism and the Creation of Biodiversity in Panama, led by LBC Biology faculty J.P. Lawrence and LBC Science and Society faculty Lisa Fink.

2. Health and Medicine: History, Present and Future in Paris, France, led by LBC Science and Society faculty members Richard Parks and Daniel Thiel.

Now, here are some postcards about Briggsies' experiences studying abroad last summer.

Ecology: The Birth and Development of a Science, Oxford, U.K.

Oxford program participant Ann Joseph, Zoology major, writes:

This summer, I spent two weeks abroad in Oxford, England studying ecology. It was a wonderful experience. We spent our days learning from researchers passionate about wildlife and artists who brought that passion to life. One of my favorite memories of the trip was getting to see bats in the wild for the first time! Beyond the coursework, we also got to explore the beautiful city of Oxford and learn more about its history.

Studying abroad is an opportunity I think everyone should took advantage of, but I know it can seem overwhelming. To get started I recommend visiting the Global Learning Expo where you can talk to students and faculty about different programs and get an idea of what you might be interested in. If you're a Briggsie, I highly recommend joining a program through Briggs. Our programs are usually faculty led and have small group sizes. No matter what you choose to do, study abroad will be an experience you will never forget so don't be afraid to take that first step and get started!"

Postcard photos by participant Grace Sullivan who also completed a photography course while abroad.

Cheetah Conservation Internship in South Africa 

Natalie Kostalnick, Animal Science major on the pre-veterinary track, and Emma Palazzolo, who is dual majoring in Biology and Zoology and minoring in German, took part in the Cheetah Conservation Internship in South Africa.

Natalie writes, "Through MSU Education Abroad, Emma and I took part in the Cheetah Conservation Internship Program. While on this internship we got to see the day-to-day lives of cheetahs and other animals that were being prepared to be released back into the wild. We helped with enclosure maintenance, feeding, and we learned plenty about South Africa and its culture and history!

This internship will be beneficial for our future careers and our aspirations to become veterinarians. We are very thankful to both Lyman Briggs for making us aware of this opportunity and for MSU Education Abroad for helping us get to carry out a once-in-a-lifetime experience!" 

Engineering the Modern World: How Mathematics Shaped History in Italy and England

Students from Lyman Briggs College and the College of Engineering explored sites in Europe, led by a faculty member from each college. 

Participants explored significant historical and architectural sites in Italy and England, learning about architectural, mathematical and engineering developments. The students kept a travelogue of their experiences on Instgram @history_of_math_2025 The postcard above was about their day in Pisa, Italy.

"Pisa was full of history and surprises. The Leaning Tower stood out as an engineering accident turned into a masterpiece. It has been preserved thanks to both medieval builders and modern engineering, allowing us to climb it today!

We learned about We learned about Al-Khwarizmi, who helped develop algebra (and whose name gives us the modern word "algorithm"). His work spread to Europe through port cities such as Pisa, and influenced mathematicians like Fibonacci. At the Camposanto, we learned how Fibonacci helped introduce Hindu-Arabic numerals to the West and is remembered for the famous Fibonacci sequence.

We also learned about Galileo, who studied and taught in Pisa. His experiments on motion helped challenge old beliefs and laid the groundwork for modern physics.

Finally, we explored the Cathedral and Baptistry, both stunning examples of medieval architecture.

Together, these people and places helped shape the way we understand and use mathematics today."