06/23/2026
"Education abroad brought me valuable, unforgettable experiences that I will carry with me at MSU and in my future career as an English teacher,” shared Katie Youmans, an incoming senior at Michigan State University College of Education who just returned from an MSU summer education abroad program called Learning, Culture, and Technology in Europe (LCTE), led by faculty Dr. Heather Shea.
“Education abroad provides unique opportunities not found in a textbook. I was able to have conversations with Dutch and Belgian pre-service teachers and observe classes.” Ms. Youmans continued, “While visiting a variety of European schools, I gained new perspectives on how education systems can function differently globally, and the ways in which education is universal.”
As part of LCTE, there is a focus on global competency goals. “My goal was to facilitate intercultural communication in our everyday interactions. When communicating with someone who didn’t speak the same language or navigating other misunderstandings, it underscored the importance of approaching new situations with empathy and a genuine desire to understand others.”
Ms. Youmans received an Ian J. Render Memorial Endowed Scholarship, which helped make her participation in this incredible summer learning experience possible.
“Whether crossing busy bike lanes in Amsterdam or seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle for the first time, I couldn’t trade the amazing things I got to do on this program for the world – education abroad was easily one of the best experiences I’ve had at MSU.”
The Office of International Studies in Education advances global perspectives in teaching, research, and outreach.