I have been writing all of these blog posts, and I realized I never properly introduced myself. My name is Alyson Harter, and I have been working in the International Business Programs office since January 2026. But my IBP journey started a little before that. During Spring Break 2025, I participated in the short-term faculty directed program to Paris and London with Dr. Ragan. I had such an amazing time there and it made a big impact on my life moving forward. So, when there was an offer to work in the IBP office as a graduate assistant, I jumped at the opportunity. I am so grateful to have received the role, and I look forward to meeting the next GA! But first, I wanted to share about my experience from studying abroad to working in the office. [Read more…] about How it Started vs How it’s Going: My IBP Journey
By Emma Trowbridge · MS Information Technology · China Teaching Assistant
Hello, I’m Emma, a master’s student in Information Technology at Missouri State. I’m currently spending my second semester of my master’s as a Teaching Assistant for the College of Business at our partner university in Dalian, China. I teach and support business courses while finishing my own coursework online. In this Q&A, I’m sharing what I was nervous about, what surprised me, and what I’d tell anyone thinking about doing the same. [Read more…] about Life as a China TA in Dalian
For the 2025-26 Academic Year, Entertainment Management student Landon Jarrell studied abroad at London Metropolitan University through ISEP Direct. We asked him about some of his favorite experiences throughout the year, what things he learned related to his degree, and how he re-adjusted to being back home after so long. While abroad, Landon maintained his passions to work in the entertainment industry but was able to gain a new perspective and open his mind to even more opportunities. He also made time to explore many surrounding cities and countries while he was there! Keep reading to hear in his own words what made his journey so special as well as what he gained from travelling and studying internationally. [Read more…] about Landon in London: EM Student Goes International
Around this time last year, Kyla Burdick, a marketing major, was studying near the iconic Eastgate Clock atop Chester’s historic city wall in the heart of England. Surrounded by centuries-old sandstone buildings, cobblestone streets, and the fluttering Union Jack overhead, the picturesque view soon became one of her favorites. What was once a new and unfamiliar place became the backdrop for countless memories during her Fall 2025 study abroad journey. [Read more…] about Exchanging a Semester in Chester
Baylor Long started as a Teaching Assistant (TA) at the College of Business’s partner school in Dalian, China in Fall 2025. This post highlights how he discovered this opportunity and what he has experienced so far!
Baylor had previously studied abroad, during his senior year of undergraduate, when he participated in a long-term program in Thailand. While he was learning about study abroad programs and researching them, he came across the China TA Program on Missouri State’s website. He had previously talked to the study abroad advisor, and upon returning to the states after his time studying abroad, he showed further interest from there. [Read more…] about Life as a Teaching Assistant in China
Meet Annabella Diaz, a College of Business student majoring in Marketing and Marketing Research. During the spring of her junior year, Annabella participated in the University of Tasmania Exchange program. What began as an academic opportunity quickly became a deeply transformative experience, shaping not only her creative perspective but also the way she views her future.
From inspiring coursework and scenic coastal routines to meaningful travel and personal reflection, Annabella’s semester in Tasmania allowed her to slow down, explore with intention, and reconnect with her sense of possibility. We connected with Annabella to hear more about her favorite classes, memorable experiences, and the lessons that continue to guide her after returning home. [Read more…] about From Uncertainty to Clarity: A Student’s Transformative Experience in Australia
The Best Coincidence in My life
By Brunno Tomiyama Suzuki
A year ago, I would not have thought that I would be living and working as a teaching assistant in Dalian, China. My journey to arrive here is one of my favorite stories. While finishing my undergraduate degree and beginning my Accelerated MBA at MSU as an international student-athlete from Brazil, I was searching for a Graduate Assistant (GA) position. I initially spoke with Dr. Shao, who recommended a few TA roles, but none of them felt like the right fit. [Read more…] about My Journey in China