Your Fellow APs

This month we feature Amber Cordell, Educational Programs Manager for The Office for International Students and Scholars

How long have you been at MSU?
7 years.

Have you been a member of APA the whole time?
Yes!

Can you tell me a little bit about what you do?
I am the Educational Programs Manager in the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS). I coordinate orientation for our international students and organize year-round cultural and educational programs. I am the liaison to all international Registered Student Organizations and am the advisor of the International Students Association (ISA). I facilitate leadership retreats and intercultural communication workshops for domestic and international students, faculty, staff and community members. I also serve as a consultant to many departments who strive to understand and meet the needs of our 8,000 international students from 130 countries! In other words, I have the coolest and most fun and rewarding job on campus!

What brought you to your job at MSU?
The honest answer to this question is a “man, but that’s a long story”. After teaching English in Japan for 3 years, I knew I wanted to help university students from around the world and to have a positive, transformative impact on young people’s lives. MSU is ranked in the top 10 for international student enrollment and study abroad participation, and our Office for International Students and Scholars has a great reputation in the field of international education. What an honor it is to work in this office and on this campus with such diverse students who teach me so much every day!

What do you love about working at MSU?
I love MSU’s diversity, the wealth of opportunities and resources available, the beautiful scenery in all four seasons and collaborating with my awesome partners across campus on programs that make a real difference. Most importantly, I love my OISS co-workers who have become my family.  

What do you like to do when you are not at work?
I like traveling the world, walking on our gorgeous campus, attending cultural and fine art events, taking photos, and singing karaoke!