Summer: 2 weeks (early to mid June)

NOTE: This program is not running in 2009; the next offering will be in 2011; please continue to check the Web for  updates

Sponsored by the School of Packaging in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA)

What's this program about?

Once again, the School of Packaging will offer an overseas study program in Sweden.  This course has been offered fifteen times in the past.  The focus is on logistical and food packaging.  Students majoring in packaging, food science or supply chain management can earn three credits in coursework and field trips relating to the unique aspects of Scandinavian logistical packaging.

This program will provide students a unique opportunity to explore research and practices of logistical and food packaging, "Förpackningslogistik" in Scandinavia.  Sweden's research and practice lead the world in using logistical packaging as a strategic advantage.  The program includes presentations by leading Scandinavian experts and a number of interesting industry tours.  Topics that will be covered include the history of Scandinavian logistical packaging, measuring the effect of packaging on logistics operations, optimization, simulation modeling, corrugated container design and European environmental concerns.  In addition visits to the world leading liquid packaging company will be planned to incorporate food and beverage packaging.

Site visits are planned to TetraPak, Åkerlund and Rausing, Förenade Well, Rexam, Electrolux, Orrefors and IKEA.  These companies are well known for their pioneering efforts to design innovative packages.  Two research facilities will also be visited, PACKFORSK in Stockholm and DTI in Copenhagen.

The program is open to students enrolled in packaging, supply chain management, and related disciplines at other institutions worldwide.

What can I study?

Most classes will be held at the University of Lund, in Lund, Sweden.  Lectures and discussions will be held in the morning and plant visits in the afternoon.   The last two days will be spent in Stockholm visiting factories, distribution facilities, and the STFI/PACKFORSK Research Laboratory.

One formal course, and an optional independent study, will be offered.  Students will be required to enroll in a minimum of three (3), maximum of five (5), credits.

PKG 491	Packaging Unique to Scandinavia	3 cr.
PKG 490/890	Independent Study	1-2 cr.

Students will be graded based on a combination of class participation and written reports.  Requirements for the independent study will be determined on an individual basis prior to the program.
 
What are the requirements?

Students must have completed PKG 101 or MSC 303 at Michigan State University (or their equivalent at another university) to be eligible for this program.  Students must also be in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least a 2.35 at the time of application.  Meeting this minimum grade point average does not, however, guarantee admission.

Applicants’ participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before

Applicants’ participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation.

Where will I live?

Students will be housed near the University of Lund during the first portion of the program.   The class will then travel by train to Stockholm where they will stay in a hotel for the remainder of the program.

Who can tell me more about this program?

Dr. Diana Twede, Associate Professor
School of Packaging
130 Packaging Building
Phone: (517) 353-3869

Dr. Diana Twede, Associate Professor at the MSU School of Packaging will coordinate the program.  Her areas of research and teaching are in the interface between packaging and supply chain management.

Drs. Gunilla Jönson and Mats Johnson, professors in the Division for Packaging Logistics (Förpackningslogistik) at the University of Lund, will assist. All guest speakers will be experts in Scandinavian packaging from industry, government and academia.

Do I need a passport or visa?

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport both to enter other countries and to return to the United States.  If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date.  If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of eight to ten weeks is usually required for processing.  During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required.  Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices.  They can also be downloaded from the Web.

For more information about passports visit the web page.

A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose.  The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early.   It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program.  If you are not a U.S. citizen, consult the embassy or consulate of the countries you will visit to learn their document requirements.

For more information about visas visit the web page.

Are there special health issues?

As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations or medications for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program’s itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety.

See the "Health Issues" section of the Student Handbook for further health information and recommendations.

How much does it cost?

The program fee in 2007 was $1,973 (this program did not run in 2008) and included the following:

• application fee ($100)
• deposit ($200)
• pre-departure orientation
• accommodations
• some meals
• accident and sickness insurance
• field trips

Amounts not included in the program fee for which participants will need to budget include:

• MSU tuition and fees*
• airfare
• additional meals
• books and supplies
• passport application fee
• visa application fees (if applicable)
• pre-departure doctor visits
• pre-departure immunizations (if applicable)
• personal spending money

Excluding tuition and fees*, these additional costs are estimated at $1,697 (US07).  Students may request a cost sheet which lists both the program fee and an estimate of additional expenses by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

*Check Student Accounts for current tuition, fees and taxes. MSU students pay the same amount they would pay to study at MSU; non-MSU students pay the Lifelong Education rate, regardless of state of residence.

Approximately two months before the program’s departure date, students will receive an e-bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the study abroad program fee.  Students will also be e-billed for tuition and fees, based on the number of credits taken, once they have enrolled in courses.  (Both amounts may be billed at the same time.)

How can I get help to pay for it?

Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and MSU’s Office of Financial Aid. 

If you are an MSU student and indicate on your application that you plan to use financial aid to pay for your study abroad experience, OSA will forward an estimated cost sheet to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing.  This form will include all anticipated costs associated with the program, including airfare.

If you are a non-MSU student, please request financial aid from your home university.  If your university is unable to award you financial aid, contact the MSU Office of Study Abroad to apply for loans only and you will be provided with instructions on how to proceed.

For further information about financial aid, visit the Web page.

Additionally, MSU students applying to any credit-bearing study abroad program are eligible for OSA Scholarships.   Some scholarships are based exclusively on academic performance; others are based on a combination of academic performance and financial need.  Requirements are listed in the scholarship application.  The deadline to apply for these scholarships is March 1st for summer programs.  

A generous endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union, as well as additional resources provided through the Forest Akers Endowment, MSU Alumni Association, the Australia-Pacific Council, Eleanor and Charles Greenleaf Sr., Brigitte and Thomas Huff, the Georges Jules Joyaux Memorial Fund, the Kellogg Foundation, Charles and Marjorie Gliozzo, and contributors to the Overseas Study Endowment provide funding for these OSA scholarships.

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources also offers its students special study abroad scholarships.  Check with Rhonda Crackel for further details

For even more MSU scholarship opportunities through individual colleges or external scholarship possibilities (including funding for Multicultural students) visit the web page.

How do I apply?

You can apply online or download an application form.

Applications must be received in the Office of Study Abroad by March 1st for summer programs.  We strongly recommend that you apply early as this program may fill to capacity prior to this deadline.

Selection of applicants is done on a rolling admission basis - that is, applications are accepted and students are evaluated and considered for admission throughout the academic year.  Please remember that applying early and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

A $100 application fee is required.  Students will receive an e-bill for the application fee that is applied to the cost of the program and is non-refundable once a student has accepted admission into the program.  Students who have accepted admission may also be billed for a non-refundable and non-transferable $200 deposit, also applied to the cost of the program.

Students who wish to withdraw their application are required to notify the Office of Study Abroad, in writing, that they no longer intend to participate.

Acceptance to all programs is based, minimally, on a faculty review of your transcript and a review of the Judicial Affairs Office records (MSU students) or Dean of Students Reference (non-MSU students).

Details about the admissions process, pre-departure information, what to know while you’re abroad, and information about returning home can be found in the Study Abroad Student Handbook that will be sent to you with your acceptance letter.

What's next?
Come to a study abroad fair
Talk with a Peer Adviser
Read program evaluations
Attend an info meeting
Apply online
Additional Resources...
Office of Financial Aid	252 Student Services http://www.finaid.msu.edu
MSU Travel Clinic	East Circle Drive http://travelclinic.msu.edu
Academic Advisers	http://www.msu.edu/common/academic/units.html
Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities	120 Bessey Hall http://www.rcpd.msu.edu
Area Studies Centers	International Center http://www.isp.msu.edu
MSU Global Access	Information about the world -- its regions and peoples and important international issues International Center http://www.msuglobalaccess.net/
OSA contact info:	Office of Study Abroad Michigan State University 109 International Center East Lansing, MI 48824-1035 Phone: (517) 353-8920 Fax: (517) 432-2082 Email: studyabroad@osa.msu.edu