USG’s Asia Council, Middle Georgia State Expand Study Abroad Opportunities

Author: Middle Georgia State International Programs Office
Posted: Wednesday, November 18, 2015 1:30 PM
Categories: College of Arts and Sciences | Faculty/Staff | Students

Macon, GA

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As the U.S. Departments of State and Education observe International Education Week (November 16–20), Middle Georgia State University has signed a memorandum of understanding with the University System of Georgia International Education office’s Asia Council, allowing Middle Georgia State students to participate in two new study abroad programs.

International Education Week’s theme of “Access for All” celebrates and promotes the benefits of international education, including both study abroad and international student enrollment at U.S. universities.

“This year’s International Education Week theme is a perfect fit for Middle Georgia State, and the Asia Council agreement is a real highlight of the week,” says Dr. Laura Thomason, Middle Georgia State’s interim director of International Programs.

The agreement will open summer study abroad programs in Zhengzhou, China, and Osaka, Japan, to direct participation by Middle Georgia State students without requiring transient enrollment at another institution or transfer of credits.

“Students apply for the program and once they are accepted, they enroll and pay for their classes just as if they were taking them here at home,” Thomason said. “The agreement creates opportunities for study in Asia that are affordable and easy for students to take advantage of.”

Asia Council, a consortium of University System of Georgia institutions, promotes scholarship, research and direct experience for USG students and faculty through opportunities to study and teach abroad. The two Asia Council programs join seven European Council programs that are also offered via consortium agreements.

In summer 2015, 21 students and two faculty members from Middle Georgia State participated in European Council programs.

“Europe will always draw lots of student interest, but increasing numbers of students would like to go to Asia, and faculty are likely to be interested as well,” Thomason said.

European Council and Asia Council programs will be open for student applications through early spring, with travel dates throughout the summer and courses offered across the curriculum for a variety of majors.

For more information about studying abroad through Middle Georgia State, see https://www.mga.edu/international/.