International Students
English as a Second Language Programs (pdf)
English for Speakers of Other Languages – CADL (Capital Area District Library) Website
Lansing Regional English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Alliance Resources
Welcome to Michigan State University! We look forward to having you here.
If you are bringing your family with you to East Lansing, our office is here to offer resources to support you, and help you balance your work/education and family responsibilities.
We want you to be prepared for the expenses you may incur when you bring children to the United States. The State of Michigan recommends that children under the age of 12 not be left home alone. Therefore you will need to consider the cost of licensed child care, if you and your partner will be in school or at work during the day. There are centers and homes near campus that can care for your children, but MSU only has one full time care center on campus, the Spartan Child Development Center. They care for children ages one year to five years old, but they have a long waiting list, (as long as one year), so you may want to make reservations in advance. Call them at (517) 353-5154
Full time care (8 hours per day, 20-40 hours per week) for an infant on campus is over $250 per week or $12,000 per year. This cost decreases as the child gets older. This price varies in other centers, but is typical in our community. You will need to decide if you are going to need full-time or part-time child care (less than 6 hours per day, and less than 20 hours per week). Part-time care is difficult to find. Many people arrive here and do not expect to pay so much money for their child care. Even part-time care can cost $2,000-3,000 per year.
School aged children (aged 5-12 years) may also need care before and after school. There is a charge for this type of care as well, just under $100 per week. Even summer care can cost as much as $30 per day. The East Lansing Public Schools are free for children ages 5-18 years. There is one elementary school near campus for children up to 10 years old. They operate from September to June.
Other expenses include child car safety seats, which are also required by law in Michigan. The cost of car seats ranges from $50-100. To meet the needs of your children, you may also find it expensive to purchase clothing, (winter coats, hats, pants, gloves etc.), school supplies, toys and other necessities. Household goods, rent, food, insurance and a car are other expenses you may need to consider.
Health care expenses must also be calculated. As an International Student you will be required to pay for a portion of your MSU Student Health Insurance. And to receive coverage for your spouse and children, you will be required to pay much more.
We are here to help. If you have any questions please contact us.