As the weather keeps getting colder here in mid-Michigan, many across campus are already looking forward to the warmer months of Summer, but here at the MSUFAL we are looking forward to the Summer of 2022 for a whole different reason: the Forensic Anthropology and Human Identification study abroad program is back! This upcoming trip will be the first since 2018 due to the Covid-19 global pandemic. The program has been sorely missed by MSUFAL’s faculty and graduate students, and we are so excited to welcome undergraduate students to London next June.
The London study abroad has a long history here at MSU. It was founded in 1986 by Dr. Norm Sauer, a former director of the MSUFAL and a Professor Emeritus of Anthropology, who led the biennial study abroad until his retirement in 2014. It all began at the Peanut Barrel, an East Lansing staple and favorite lunch spot of the Lab, when Dr. Sauer heard about the experiences of an MSU colleague who led a study abroad to London. Dr. Sauer began to wonder if he could create a forensic anthropology study abroad program, and, as it turns out, London provided the perfect venue with access to numerous forensic science specialists and a host of cultural and historical sites for exploration and education. Since then, over 300 undergraduate students from Michigan State University and other universities across the United States have hopped across the pond to the United Kingdom for five weeks of forensic anthropology, human osteology, and fun!
Very little has changed in the program since the study abroad began. It was just that good from the start! The program’s base has always been London, England where students spend the first two and last two weeks of the trip. This time is spent learning about all about forensic anthropology from MSUFAL faculty. Students are also treated to many amazing guest speakers who cover subjects such as bioarcheology, forensic odontology, forensic entomology, and other special topics in biological anthropology. Since his retirement, Dr. Sauer has returned for the program to give his amazing presentations and grace us with his passion for all things anthropology. The MSUFAL is grateful to all the lecturers who have joined us over the years to share their expertise and brilliance!
The third week of the program is focused on learning all about the human skeleton. In the early years of the program, the osteology labs were hosted at Cambridge University, but since 2002 the labs have been held at Bournemouth University on the beautiful southern coast of England. In just four days of labs, student learn an impressive amount about human osteology and really get to explore the human skeleton. We round out our week in Bournemouth with a semi-formal dinner where we dress our best, dust off our (rusty) etiquette skills, and see who knows which utensil goes with which course!
This program is certainly an academically rigorous one where students can earn credits and continue working towards their baccalaureate degrees and future goals, but it also allows for some amazing cultural experiences. Built into lecture days are excursions to many famous cultural and historical institutions in the U.K. including a behind the scenes tour of the British Museum’s physical anthropology and mummy collection, a tour of the Tower of London, and a field trip to the Borough Market. Classes are only four days a week, leaving a three-day weekend for students to independently explore. Many participants over the years have ventured to Stonehenge or grabbed a train to Paris to explore the city and eat way too many macarons.
Since its development this program has changed the lives of many undergraduate students, and everyone at the MSUFAL is looking forward to getting back to London and making some more amazing memories abroad!
Authored by Clara Devota
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