International Business Programs Blog

Insight and inspiration for students abroad

University Spotlight: Payap University in Chiang Mai, Thailand 

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Our next partner university spotlight is Payap University in Chiang Mai, Thailand! This university is relatively new to the Magellan Exchange Program, but they have been an international school for many years that focuses on cultivating global citizens. They are most known for their Information Technology and Hospitality Industry Management Bachelor programs, with many courses focusing on International Business as well. See a list of courses here.

 

Students may apply for summer, semester, or academic year: 

Fall Semester: mid-August to mid-December
Spring Semester: mid-January to mid-May
Summer Programs: early-July to early-August 

Summer 2026 Programs:

Thai Studies: Language, Culture & Community:

  • July 5-18, 2026 

Sustainable Business:

  • July 26 – August 8, 2026 

Program Fee: approx. $2,000*

*This fee includes accommodation,
breakfasts, lunches, local transport, 
excursions, and cultural/social activities.

Application Deadline: April 30th

 Fun Facts 

1. It became the first private
university in Thailand in 1984. 

2. There are a variety of festivals
throughout the year international
students can participate in to
 learn more about Thai culture. 

3. Chiang Mai is famous for its
street food and night markets. 

 

Housing

Students can choose between living on campus in a dormitory or renting an apartment nearby, depending on their lifestyle and budget. On-campus housing is available at Omega and Alpha Dormitories, where students share accommodation in a supportive campus environment. Room options for two people include Standard Twin, Superior, and Deluxe, while Suites are designed for four students. The cost ranges from approximately $350 to $600 per semester and includes cleaning services, shuttle bus transportation, and utilities. Students who prefer more privacy can select a two-person room and pay the full cost to use it as a single room. 

For those who prefer to live off campus, fully furnished studio apartments are available within close proximity to the university. Monthly rental fees typically range from $150 to $200, although water and electricity are usually not included. Most apartment providers require a security deposit along with the first month’s rent to be paid in advance before arrival. Both options offer comfortable living arrangements, allowing students to choose what best suits their needs and preferences. 

 

Get to Know Chiang Mai 

Chiang Mai provides students with a lively blend of cultural experiences and outdoor activities. On campus, students can take part in festivals, community service projects, and cultural events, while off campus they can explore nearby national parks and local fresh and night markets.  

Entertainment

Students have access to a variety of on-campus and off-campus activities. On campus, they can participate in student activities, community service projects, field trips, cultural events, and festivals, including International Day. Off campus, students can explore the natural beauty of the region, with many national parks located nearby, as well as enjoy local fresh markets and night markets to explore the culture.
You can learn more about Chiang Mai here. 

Shopping

Department stores are usually open by 9 AM and close in the late evening. Convenience stores are often open 24 hours. Local fresh markets are all around the city and weekly night markets are also available for shopping and cultural exploration. 

The night markets are known for their lively atmosphere and variety of goods offered – so get ready to barter! You will find your best souvenirs, handicrafts, and accessories here that you can bring back home as keepsakes as well as find some delicious food to fuel all your walking. Some markets even offer foot massages that are very affordable and much needed after all the shopping!

Climate

Chiang Mai has a tropical wet and dry climate with distinct seasons. The cool season (November to February) offers pleasant temperatures from 59-86ºF/15-30ºC with low humidity and minimal rainfall. The hot season (March to May) sees temperatures of 95-104ºF/35-40ºC with occasional thunderstorms. The rainy season, when humidity peaks, is from June to October.

 

For those interested in studying at Payap University, you can visit their Magellan page, and schedule a meeting with IBP. 

→Visit Payap University’s website here

University Spotlight: Rennes School of Business in Rennes, France

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This week we are highlighting a business school in western France! They offer business classes at the Bachelor and Master levels, holding AACSB and AMBA accreditations, making it part of the top 1% of business schools in the world. With around 67,000 students, Rennes has a lively atmosphere and plenty of entertainment as well.

 

Students may apply for summer, semester, or academic year:

Fall Semester: early September to mid-December
Spring Semester: early January to late April
Summer Programs: mid-May to mid-July

The application to apply for Summer 2026 is fast approaching!  For each of the programs below, you will pay a 90 EUR application fee and MSU in-state tuition. Housing, meals, transportation, and personal expenses are to be paid separately.

Rennes School of Business building

Deadlines to apply for Summer:
AI Business – March 2, 2026
All Others – April 30, 2026

AI Business

  • May 18 – June 12, 2026
  • Courses Offered: TBD

Digital Marketing & Branding

  • June 1 – 12, 2026
  • Courses Offered: TBD

Sustainable Business

  • June 23 – July 3, 2026
  • Courses Offered (Pick One):
    • MGT 400
    • MGT 441
    • MGT 760

Cross-Cultural Management

  • July 6 – 17, 2026
  • Courses Offered (Pick One):
    • MGT 447
    • MGT 747

 

MSU students who have studied here in the past have taken courses in Global Sustainability Issues, Managing International Complexity, Corporate Finance, Strategic HR Management, and more when studying for an academic semester*.

*France uses ECTS credits, which transfer differently to US credits, so make sure to coordinate with your adviser on which courses you wish to take. This may include combining courses to reach desired credit hours.

 

Fun Facts

  1. 90% of the professors are international
  2. The city centre hosts the largest vegetable market in Europe every Saturday morning
  3. More than 200 events are organized on campus
    every year by student associations

 

Housing

Shared apartment or house; independent apartment/studio in a private residence; private, independent apartment/studio; home stay; state student hostels.  Rooms are generally furnished and equipped.  Costs typically range from 350-500 EUR per month.  The Rennes School of Business Accommodation Department will contact all incoming students by email once acceptance is complete.  The school has its own housing platform, which allows you to find accommodation, find a roommate, find a subletting, or find a temporary room.

 

Get to Know Rennes

Shopping

Shopping opportunities are readily available,
both in the old center of the city as well as in the
suburbs.  Place de la Republique is the main
square in the center of town. The Saturday
morning market at Place des Lices is a popular
shopping venue.

 

Climate

Rennes has a temperate climate with precipitation evenly distributed throughout the year. Winter temperatures average lows of 32ºF and highs of 45ºF; snow and ice are possible but not frequent.  Summer temperatures average lows of 60ºF and highs of 80ºF.

Entertainment

Rennes offers a rich cultural scene, with museums such as the Rennes Folk Museum, which explores daily life over five centuries, and Les Champs Libres, a modern multimedia and performance center. The city hosts many cultural and sporting events, including jazz festivals, air shows, and women’s tennis tournaments. The campus features two gymnasiums, and exchange students can easily meet others by joining social, civic, or athletic organizations. Rennes is also ideally located near major attractions, including the D-Day beaches, Mont Saint-Michel, St. Malo, the Forest of Brocéliande, and the Loire Valley, and is just a 90-minute train ride from central Paris. The Well’Come team regularly organizes affordable trips and cultural visits throughout the region and beyond.

 

For those interested in studying at Rennes School of Business, you can visit their Magellan page, and schedule a meeting with IBP.

→Visit the Rennes School of Business website here

 

University Spotlight: ESERP Business School in Barcelona, Spain

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Each week, International Business Programs will be spotlighting one of our partners through the Magellan Exchange network. The Magellan Exchange offers students an affordable opportunity to study abroad and get fully immersed in the educational and social life of their host country. Rather than pay a program fee, students pay MSU in-state tuition. Students can choose from semester or academic year programs. Summer, short-term programs, and internships are available in some locations.

 

This week’s university spotlight is the ESERP Business School in Barcelona, Spain!

outside of the ESERP Business School building

Students may apply for a semester or academic year.

Fall Semester: mid-September to early February*
Spring Semester: early February to early June

*If the student leaves before the end of the fall semester
in February, some possible exams could be done at the
home university, but this must be carefully organized in
advance and cannot be guaranteed.
Therefore, spring semester participation is recommended.

 

ESERP offers Bachelor courses in International Business, Marketing, Law, and Criminology, with all courses taught in English. There are also some internships available!

Some ESERP courses taken by MSU students in the past include: Commercial Techniques, International Marketing, Marketing and E-Commerce, Marketing Project Management. Students will work with IBP to find courses that align with their degree.

See a full list of course offerings here

Students may choose from shared/private apartments or privately-operated residence halls. Housing services are also available to help students find their preferred housing option. Prices can range from 300 – 1,000 EUR per month, depending on the location and type of housing.

 

one of the classrooms at ESERP Business School

Fun Facts:

1. Classroom size of 20-30 students

2. Free Spanish courses offered for international students

3. 325 days of sunshine a year

 

 

Get to Know Barcelona

There are many places around campus to explore and immerse yourself in the culture of the city. The ESERP website highlights a few reasons why this location is a great choice for studying abroad:

“Fascinating museums, Mediterranean culture, architecture, gastronomy, sports, international fairs, beaches, a multicultural atmosphere and, of course, a unique and international business network make Barcelona the perfect city for students.”

cityscape of Barcelona, Spain

Entertainment:

Barcelona offers a wide variety of restaurants, bars, bistros, cafes, and snack bars. There is also numerous cinemas, live theatre, museums, community events, festivals, concerts, and sport activities available. The large student population in the city contributes to plenty of nightlife and entertainment options.

 

Shopping:

There are abundant shopping options, from small shops to large shopping centers.

Climate:

There is a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. Average temperatures in summer are 80-84ºF, while winter temperatures average 50-60ºF.

 

For those interested in studying at ESERP Business School in Barcelona, you can visit their Magellan page, and schedule a meeting with IBP.