The COVID-19 outbreak presents unique challenges for the more than 7,000 international students and scholars at Michigan State.
Many remain in East Lansing, unable to return home and facing unexpected costs in rent and other living expenses.
An increasing number of donors, faculty, staff and students have reached out to University Advancement about how to help.
The Office for International Students & Scholars recently launched a website and application process for international students to access the International Student Emergency Fund.
This fund is expendable, meaning every dollar is immediately available for the Office of International Students & Scholars to help students in need.
Arturo Fausto Berumen knows well the difference emergency support can make.
“The majority of my college experience happened during the Great Recession of 2007-2010,” Arturo says. “My family’s financial situation—which was stable when I started college—had taken a serious negative turn.
“As an international student, I wasn’t eligible for most student loans or grants that are available to domestic students. I was this close to dropping out. But MSU’s International Student Emergency Fund allowed me to graduate. I will be forever grateful.”
Arturo completed his undergraduate degree from the Broad College of Business and Honors College in 2010. He went on to receive a Master’s degree from the Broad College and is currently employed by General Motors in Michigan.
HOW TO HELP: Visit this CrowdPower page to make a contribution to the International Student Emergency Fund or contact Daniel Spadafore, interim senior director of Advancement for the Office for International Advancement, at (517) 884-6789.