Learning Abroad

Experiencing another country and culture offers Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) students an exciting opportunity that will enhance their understanding of global issues. Studying abroad challenges students to learn and conduct research in a cultural context different from their own, encourages students to develop their sense of self in the world, and provides an experience that will aid in development of professional skills.

Opportunities could include hospital experiences in a Spanish speaking country, public health research in a developing country, or medical research at an international university. These opportunities vary in duration from a few weeks to a full semester, allowing students to choose the duration they prefer and is most accommodating of their academic and social schedules.

Thousands of University of Minnesota students study abroad each year. The University of Minnesota Rochester strongly encourages BSHS students to consider a learning abroad experience to enhance their undergraduate experience. Your Student Success Coach will sit down with you to discuss the learning abroad opportunities available at UMR and to find the best opportunity for you.

Reasons to participate in a Learning Abroad Experience

• Challenge yourself with new experiences
• Explore and engage other cultures
• Experience the health science profession from another perspective
• Become fluent in another language
• Provide a competitive advantage for graduate and professional school applications or employment opportunities
• Prepare for living and working in a globally integrated world
• Expand your social and professional network to the international level

Some MYTHS and FACTS about Learning Abroad

Myth: I won’t graduate on time if I study abroad and I don’t have time to spend an entire semester learning abroad.

Fact: Learning abroad programs vary in many ways, and programs are available ranging from just a few weeks to a full year. For undergraduate students with a prescribed curriculum or schedule, a good opportunity may be a single semester, a summer program, or short-course overseas. Learning abroad can be study, work, volunteer or internship-based.

Myth: I can’t afford to study abroad.

Fact: Learning abroad programs vary in all kinds of ways, including costs. If you receive state or federal financial aid, this is usually applicable to your study abroad tuition and other costs of attendance.

Learning Abroad Experiences of a UMR student

Philip’s story

"My experiences in Denmark were wonderful. I formed many friendships with both faculty and students. We were openly accepted by the Danish culture and Copenhagen was a wonderful city. The best way to understand a different culture is to immerse yourself in it. The program really shows you the differences between the Danish socialized medicine and the American market based system of health care. There were great open discussions on the pros and cons of each system and how things could be made better. There was a strike going on in Denmark for the nurses so my experience was very different. I was able to go out and talk to nurses in public and talk to them about their views on the strike.

There were also some life-changing events for me personally. We were able to visit different sites around Copenhagen that were providing services to the less fortunate. This program went out and provided services to anyone who needed them in the streets. This really inspired me to get involved in providing care to those that do not have access."

- Philip, Summer 2008 at the Danish Institute for Study Abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark