Taking Classes at MSU

Taking Classes at MSU

The Basics

While you are here, you will take 2 classes per semester, with at least one course taken on a for-credit basis (we will discuss more about this when you arrive). The program requires 2 courses per semester, but we recommend choosing several backup courses in case you discover that one of your first two choices clashes with a teaching assignment, or is a course that isn’t what you expected and you wish to drop it. Having a back up or two already chosen makes the process less stressful when the drop/add deadline is very short.

Course numbers are generally: 100 Freshman (first year), 200 Sophomore (second year), 300-400 junior and senior (third and fourth year), 800 graduate-level. You can generally take classes at any level, just recognize that the lower level classes are much larger and usually have much younger students. Higher level classes are smaller (and limited) and are more demanding in the work. For classes in your field, we recommend the higher level.

Important to note:

  • Fulbright does NOT allow online courses (or mostly online) or non-academic courses (such as dance, music, sports, etc.)
  • We urge caution when choosing a language course due to the heavy time demands. Many FLTAs here have found that it was difficult to keep up in these courses.
  • Each FLTA must take 1 American studies course out of the 4 courses they will take during their time here. We strongly recommend taking that course in the fall semester.

The Process

  1. Review the courses you can choose from. You must be sure that the courses do NOT overlap with each other or with your teaching duties.  (Some of you may not know your exact teaching/work schedule, but do the best you can.)
  2. We will try to have you self-enroll in the courses (instructions forthcoming). Alternatively, be ready to email the FLTA Supervisor with the courses that you are interested in taking within 2 -3 weeks of your match.

If you aren’t sure, just reach out to the FLTA Supervisor (Emily) with your questions, and she will try to help you choose.