Study Abroad opportunities at Minnesota State campus

Studying abroad can be a gateway to new experiences, cultures and opportunities. It can allow one to gain cultural and lingual immersion, an increased sense of independence and self as well as critical thinking and communication skills. 

Luckily enough, Minnesota State students reap these benefits with the university’s Center for Global Engagement, with over 60 country destinations and 300 programs.

Professor Steve Formaneck leads one of these programs, taking his students to South Korea, where he started his career. This is his first study abroad class he has taught at MSU, and Formaneck says he enjoys and welcomes this opportunity. 

“I am so lucky that I have the opportunity to return and lead students to explore this part of the world,” he said.

He says both him and his students will benefit from this opportunity. 

“I am passionate about traveling and experiencing other cultures and believe everyone can gain more perspective by experiencing different parts of the world. … I hope students gain a broader worldview, enhance their cultural competence and add valuable life skills through the experience.”

Formaneck says his course in South Korea is focused on introducing students to “unique issues faced by individuals and firms conducting business in an international context through a combination of in-class study, independent study, and travel to South Korea.”

During the travel portion of the course, students will embark on an 11-day trip to the South Korean cities of Seoul, Busan and Daegu. Students will have the opportunity to meet with multinational corporations and universities as well as visit cultural and historical sites, allowing them to gain what Formaneck says are “insights into past and present life and work culture and see how the South Korean experience differs from that of the United States.”

According to Formaneck, the class will be in partnership with the country’s largest educational travel company that will be available “every step along the way.” To ensure their well-being throughout their journey, students will be learning how to be smart and safe travelers as part of the course curriculum. Alongside that, Formaneck’s colleague Wade Davis, will join him to guide their students. 

On top of the course in South Korea, Formaneck has led programs at prior universities, including one when he was teaching in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He says they offered an exchange program with a German university. In this experience, students would tour around Germany with students and faculty from their partner university. According to Formaneck, this experience went so well for one student, they ended up with a job at one of the companies they visited during their excursion. 

When asked what advice he would give to students who are hesitant about studying abroad, Formaneck said “studying abroad offers a unique opportunity for personal growth, cultural immersion, and academic enrichment,” and that, “I encourage [students] to embrace the challenge and create lifelong memories.”

To find out more about this course, you can contact Steve Formaneck or visit the Center for Global Engagement’s website.

Write to [email protected]

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