The Padnos College of Engineering partners with the Padnos International Center to provide study and work abroad opportunities for our students. 

Why Study or Work Abroad?

GVSU encourages students to study internationally because of the professional and personal skills students develop during a program abroad. Employers are increasingly looking for people with the following skills acquired through such experiences, which also help students be more competitive in an increasingly global economy.  

• Cross-cultural communication skills
• The ability to work in diverse teams
• Language proficiency
• Experience in a global work environment
• Maturity and flexibility developed while abroad

Fulfill Global Perspectives and Issues Requirements

What many students do not know is that the completion of just one three-credit course abroad will automatically fulfill the Global Perspectives requirement (3 credits).

Additionally, depending on the program and courses chosen, taking 6 credits abroad and submitting a written reflection paper with the corresponding form to the General Education Office within 60 days after the end of the study abroad program will allow students to fulfill up to 6 credits of the general education Issues requirement. It is possible to earn credit for Global Perspectives, Issues and a major course with just one course abroad. The student must acquire the appropriate approvals. Note: Courses cannot count for both Issues and Foundation credit.