Eric Gentry working in a lab

Preparation & Training

Experience your host culture as an informed, engaged citizen

MISTI wants to ensure that you have the biggest impact you can when you travel abroad for your internship, research position, teaching placement, and study abroad. That’s why we have designed country-specific Prep & Training sessions, which are required to help you engage with an international team, immerse yourself into your new surroundings, and embrace new perspectives while creating groundbreaking innovations.

The cultural preparation MISTI provides is your first step toward acquiring the tools and knowledge you need to provide technology leadership in any part of the world—qualities that every MIT graduate should have.

 

How does MISTI Prep & Training work?

Before your MISTI experience abroad, you are required to attend a series of training modules developed by MISTI staff. These country-specific sessions cover topics such as:

  • Travel and logistics
  • Intercultural communication
  • Workplace expectations
  • Values, norms, and behaviors
  • History, geopolitics, and religion
  • Health and safety

Some of these training sessions are also open to the larger MIT community. 

Explore the preparation and training for specific programs by country to learn more about these sessions, as well as other country-specific resources, such as suggested readings and links to videos and other online materials.

 

Preparation for MISTI study abroad placements

Preparing to study abroad
MIT student at computer

If you’re participating in a MISTI study abroad program, be sure to check out our step-by-step checklists to help you prepare before your trip—and to wrap things up afterward.

Check out specific MISTI Prep and Training requirements for each program by country.

Hong Kong Skyline

Urban Futures Lab: Reimagining Hong Kong's Skyline with Sustainable Urban Innovation and Technology

The Urban Futures Lab (11.S967) brings students to Hong Kong in IAP 2027 to explore and develop AI solutions to sustainability in the unique environment of one of the world's densest cities.

  • China
  • Global Classroom
From the Forum to the Cypher

From the Forum to the Cypher: Hip Hop, Humanism, and the African Diaspora in Italy

From the Forum to the Cypher will bring students to Rome and Bologna in IAP 2027 to explore the birth and growth of Hip Hop and rap through the history of Italy.

  • Italy
  • Global Classroom
Making of Roman Pompeii

The Making of Roman Pompeii

The Making of Roman Pompeii uses the archaeological site of Pompeii to understand the political, social, and cultural history of the ancient city.

  • Italy
  • Global Classroom
Practical field Kenya

The Practical Field Lab in Kenya

The Practical Field Lab in Kenya will bring students to Nyeri, Kenya, to address real-world problems faced by fish farmers.

  • Africa
  • Global Classroom
Acoustic Cue Analysis of Speech in English and Korean

Acoustic Cue Analysis of Speech in English and Korean

A four-week program in Seoul, South Korea. This program engages students with interests in speech perception/recognition and processing, linguistics, or cognitive science.


 

  • Korea
  • Global Classroom
Indigenous Environmental Planning - Aotearoa New Zealand

Indigenous Environmental Planning - Aotearoa New Zealand

Indigenous Water and Energy Planning and Policy (Parts I and II) combines a fall seminar with a two-week Global Classroom in Aotearoa New Zealand.


 

  • Australia & New Zealand
  • Global Classroom
Rambax Senegal Study Tour

Rambax Senegal Study Tour

The Rambax Senegal Study Tour builds on 21M.460 (fall 2026) with cultural immersion and two public performances.


 

  • Africa
  • Global Classroom
Spanish Incubator

The Spanish Incubator

MIT students can earn HASS credit while immersing in Spanish culture during The Spanish Incubator in IAP 2027.


 


 

  • Spain
  • Global Classroom

Stay healthy

Health & Safety
Students in Australia jumping for photo

MISTI is here to help you take precautions to stay healthy and safe while you’re abroad.

Events

GlobeSmart Guides and Profiles

GlobeSmart
Students on a rock in India

Supplement MISTI Prep & Training with online tools to enhance your cross-cultural skills.