Learning Abroad

Students interested in learning more about studying abroad, how it aligns with your career goals, and how it can be integrated into your academic plan, should first meet with your UMR coach to discuss your plans. In this meeting you may wish to:

• Set goals for learning away.
• Discuss when/how to complete graduation requirements and graduate/professional school prerequisites.
• Discuss the career benefits of learning abroad.

Following that meeting, students are encouraged to meet with the Career and Enrichment Coordinator, or a Hub Associate to discuss next steps.

More than 250 programs in 70 countries are available to University of Minnesota students. Consider your academic interests, your geographic interests, and your career goals. Winter Break, May, and/or Summer Session and virtual internship programs can be a great first step. Talk with The Hub Career and Enrichment Coordinator or a Hub Associate about what types of learning abroad opportunities might fulfill your goals and where they might fit into your academic plan.

Learning abroad programs

The Learning Abroad in Medicine, Public Health & Health Sciences resource page provides a selection of programs that may be of interest to UMR students. The Program Search can also be used to identify search criteria that are important to you. 

Program selection advising appointments with the LAC 

Schedule a virtual Learning Abroad center Program Selection Advising appointment. A Learning Abroad Center adviser at UMTC can meet with you one-on-one for a 30-minute virtual  appointment to discuss your interests, goals, academics, career, and help you narrow down your program options.     

Nonaffiliated Programs 

UMR strongly encourages students to participate in UofM-sponsored or affiliated programs, which have been vetted and approved by the Learning Abroad Center or another unit on campus. The UofM has close working relationships with hundreds of affiliated programs that are high quality in terms of academic standards, housing, cultural immersion, health and safety and administrative support services. UMR encourages you to choose program options found on the Learning Abroad Center website. Occasionally UMR students inquire about nonaffiliated programs; approval and support for nonaffiliated programs is highly unlikely. 

Program Types and Definitions

Review the Program Types & Definitions page to learn more about the various types of learning abroad opportunities, from short-term faculty led Global Seminars to semester or year-long host university programs.

Many abroad opportunities cost, on average, the same as what you will pay for a semester at the University of Minnesota. Do not let the fear of program cost keep you from exploring study abroad as an educational opportunity. Learn more about how to finance your experience abroad by checking out these resources:

• You CAN afford study abroad info session
• Learning Abroad Center Scholarships and Scholarship Search
• Comparing Costs for Semester Programs and Short-term Programs
• Schedule a Financial Aid Preview Meeting
  • If you plan to use financial aid for your program, you will contact the Office of Student Finance at UMTC by phone to discuss how your financial aid package applies to the program you selected.
  • If you wish, you can include your parents in on the phone call.
  • Financial aid can be used only for credit-bearing experiences.

If you are in need of financial support prior to your term financial aid disbursement, you may be able to apply for a Bridging Loan.

• It’s normal not to know what your parents will think of this study abroad idea, but it’s important to discuss it with them soon.
• The Talking to Your Parents section of the Learning Abroad Center’s website provides rationale, explanations and information for you and your parents on why this is an important component of your college experience.
• Encourage parents to review the For Parents section of the Learning Abroad Center website to help answer any questions or concerns they may have.

Going abroad is absolutely possible, with careful planning. Work with your coach to identify the best terms to go abroad, based on your academic plan. If you are planning to go abroad for a semester or longer, start planning early to accommodate courses only taught during the fall or spring semester.

When is the best time to go abroad?

Discuss learning abroad with your coach to determine a term that works with your academic plan. Short term programs over winter break, spring break, or May session can be a great way to explore a study abroad experience and fit it into your academic plan without interrupting course sequencing during the academic year or professional school application and preparation. Students may also choose to integrate a semester abroad into their Capstone in junior or senior year. Virtual internships also offer a flexible option to students who are seeking a global experience without leaving the United States. 

Prerequisites

Some health profession programs will not accept prerequisite coursework taken outside the United States. Work with your coach to ensure your abroad experience will integrate well with your academic and career planning. 

Will my learning abroad courses transfer to UMR?

Learning Abroad Center advisers can help you with program and course information to assist your academic planning with your coach. Consult with your coach for steps on evaluating learning abroad coursework transferability. 

The Academic Planning for Study Abroad (APSA) Form can help with your academic planning. Work with your coach to ensure you are clear on how your learning abroad coursework will transfer to UMR. If you have declared a minor, be sure to additionally reach out to the minor department to consult about any planned minor coursework taken abroad. 

Can I fulfill Liberal Education requirements abroad?

Students can search the U Credit Abroad system to select from more than 2,000 study abroad courses that have already been pre-approved for liberal education requirements. They may also submit any liberal education courses that have not yet been evaluated for approval online.

Those looking to apply study abroad credits to the University's Liberal Education requirements should decide early on which requirements they want to satisfy through courses taken abroad, so they aren't fulfilled on campus.

When you return home, you may be looking for ways to build upon your international experience, further your career goals, or share about your experiences abroad.

Academics 

• Check to see if your study abroad coursework has been posted to your UMR transcript. It can take 12 weeks or more from the time your program ends for your grades to post, so be patient. If it has been more than 12 weeks since you returned and your credits still have not been posted, contact the LAC adviser for your program.
• Study abroad courses that were evaluated and approved for liberal education requirements through the U Credit Abroad database should be reflected on your APAS report. If they are not, contact the Learning Abroad Center. If you did not have your courses evaluated before participating in your study abroad program, you can submit them through the U Credit Abroad database after you return.

Engage

• Continue your cross cultural journey by engaging with one of UMR's many multicultural student organizations.
• Chat with your coach about your experience, previous IDI results, and development of goals to continue your journey.
• Join a Diversity Dialogue or other cultural events on campus.
• Look for cultural events in the Rochester community. Check out UMR's Intercultural Learning and Development Resources document for opportunities and places to look in the Rochester area. 

Career Relevance

Your time abroad can significantly impact your future career plans and employability. It is not only important to think about what you did, but also what you learned and how you can apply that knowledge to your future. A potential employer or graduate school committee member may not have studied abroad or understand the advantage that gives you. It's up to you to effectively communicate the skills you gained abroad and how they are relevant.

• Work with your coach to market your international experience for employers and graduate/professional schools by identifying skills learned abroad and articulating your experience on resumes and in interviews.
• Be sure to incorporate your abroad experience in your Handshake and LinkedIn profiles.
• Reflect on the ways in which you used your strengths abroad to be successful. Share these examples with prospective employers in interviews.
• Review one of the following resources to help you get started:
  • Define Your Experience Abroad for Employers 

Chile

Health Studies Summer Program in Santiago (available through IES Chile)

• Program term: summer
• Health-related clinical observation internship available
• Health-related courses available such as “Anthropology and Native Medicine”
• Ideal for advanced Spanish students in pre-med studies, nursing, pharmacy, public health, hospital management, sociology and other health-related professions
• 4 semesters college-level Spanish

Ecuador

Minnesota Studies in International Development (MSID)

• Program term: academic year, fall or spring semester
• Academic program built around grassroots development internships. Homestays and research further enrich cultural immersion
• Past MSID health internship foci have included: public health/nutrition, disease mapping, maternal health, pediatrics, HIV/AIDS awareness
• Interns observe daily activities, assist with indirect patient care, and engage in discussions involving health care in developing countries
• 2 years college-level Spanish required (option to take fourth semester of Spanish during a pre-session)
• Research option available

Mexico

Study Abroad in Mexico -- Medical Spanish

• Program term: 4-week May session
• Special focus on basic medical vocabulary and phrases to conduct patient interviews and exams
• Explore cultural factors that impact health in Mexico and Mexican perspectives on health
• Guest speakers and excursions to local hospitals, a temazcal (traditional Aztec sauna, and traditional medicine museum
• Course is equivalent to SPAN 1004- requires SPAN 1003 or equivalent

Panama

Panama: Volunteering and Leadership

• Program term: Spring Break
• Spend your Spring Break contributing to an organization in Panama and developing experiences and skills related to your future career goals
• Explore and practice leadership during reflection discussions with program participants
• Learn about Panamanian culture through local excursions
• No language prerequisite

Australia

Study and Intern in Sydney

• Program term: fall or spring semester, summer
• Summer and semester internship programs available
• Past health-related internship opportunities include work in clinics, hospitals, public health and medical research projects

University Study in Australia: James Cook University

• Program term: fall or spring semester, academic year
• Create a program in the sciences, social sciences, arts, business, or engineering
• Health-related courses include: nursing, occupational health, speech/language pathology
• Courses feature fieldwork and internships
• There may be prerequisites for specific courses

University Study in Australia: University of Melbourne

• Program term: fall or spring semester, academic year
• Coursework available in biological and physical sciences
• Health-related courses include: public/community health, nursing, art or music therapy
• Fieldwork and lab research are available
• There may be prerequisites for specific courses

China

Chinese Studies & Internship in Shanghai (available through CET China)

• Program term: fall or spring semester, summer, academic year
• Learn about China and complete an internship
• Live with a local student
• No language prerequisite

New Zealand

University Study in New Zealand: University of Auckland

• Program term: fall or spring semester, academic year
• Biology course titles include: Biology for Biomedical Sciences: Cellular Processes and Development, Genetics, Food and Beverage Microbiology, and Developmental Biology and Cancer, and Nutritional Science
• Health-related course titles include: Social Science for Health, Current Debates in Health and Health Policy, and Science
• There may be prerequisites for specific courses

University Study in New Zealand: University of Otago

• Program term: fall or spring semester, academic year
• Courses available in the sciences, physical education, liberal arts and others
• Health-related areas of study at this university include Drugs and Human Health; Infection and Immunity; Nutrition, Metabolism and Human Health; and Reproduction, Genetics and Development
• There may be prerequisites for specific courses

University Study in New Zealand: Victoria University of Wellington

• Program term: fall or spring semester, academic year
• A wide variety of subject choices available
• Health-related course titles include: The Biology of Disease, Physiology and Pharmacology, Abnormal Psychology and Popular Psychology
• There may be prerequisites for specific courses

Thailand

Minnesota Studies in International Development (MSID)

• Program term: fall or spring semester, or academic year
• Academic program built around grassroots development internships. Homestays and research further enrich cultural immersion
• Past MSID health internship foci have included: refugee medical supplies, HIV/AIDS awareness/support, traditional medical plant remedies, public health/nutrition, and pediatrics
• Interns observe daily activities, assist with indirect patient care, and engage in discussions involving health care in developing countries
• Instruction is in English- No language prerequisite
• Research option available

Denmark

Study Abroad in Denmark (DIS)

• Program term: fall or spring semester, summer 3-, 6-, or 10-week
• Semester Programs include Medical Practice & Policy (classes taught at hospitals by physicians), Biomedicine (focus on drug development) and Public Health (focus on comparative policy models) and neuroscience. All students go on course-integrated, faculty-led study tours across Europe, included tuition.
• Summer courses may include Health Delivery and Prioritization in Northern Europe, Human Health and Disease: A Clinical Approach, Medical Biotechnology and Drug Development, Public Health in the Artic and Sports Medicine: Performance and Fatigue
• No language prerequisite - all courses taught in English by local faculty
• Research option available

Ireland

University Study in Ireland: University of Limerick

• Program term: summer
• Developing Self as a Health care Practitioner course interweaves a spiritual dimension to health care, exploring the psychosocial, cultural and spiritual elements in transforming personal and professional practice
• Designed for students from all health care fields
• Offered by the University of Limerick's renowned Department of Nursing and Midwifery
• Includes classroom dialogues, visits to clinical sites and excursions exploring cultural heritage

Spain

Study and Intern in Toledo

• Program term: academic year, fall semester, spring semester, May session and summer session
• This program is offered in collaboration with the prestigious José Ortega-Marañón Foundation and the University of Minnesota
• Health-related internships are available
• 4 semesters of college-level Spanish

Study and Intern in Madrid

• Program term: fall or spring semester, summer session
• Semester and summer internships available
• Internships placements may be possible within the health care industry

Psychology and Research in Madrid

• Program term: fall or spring semester, summer session
• Study psychology and gain research experience while earning a total of 6 credits
• Taught in English- no Spanish language prerequisite

Sweden

Study Abroad in Sweden

• Program type: Study Abroad Center
• Location: Stockholm
• DIS, one of Europe's largest and academically strongest study abroad programs, offers a wide variety of courses and study tours in Stockholm, Scandinavia, and Europe.
• Semester Programs include Medical Practice and Policy (focus on the relationship between research and direct care), Neuroscience, Global Economics, and Literature.
• Instruction is in English; no prior Swedish is required. Fall or spring semester.

United Kingdom

Study and Intern in London

• Program term: fall or spring semester, summer session
• Semester and summer internships available
• Internship placements may be possible within the health care industry
• Past internship experiences include clinic, hospital and research settings
• The London program has also established a good working relationship with one of the largest and busiest hospitals in London. Sample placements have included internships in departments such as: Accident & Emergency, Biochemistry, Liver Unit, Nutrition and Dietetics, Pharmacy and Trauma & Orthopedics

Summer in Scotland

• Program term: summer session
• Summer course offerings include Functional Anatomy, Bioscience for Global Disease, and Essential Genetics and courses in a variety of other disciplines

University of East Anglia (available through IFSA-Butler United Kingdom)

• Program term: fall or spring semester, academic year
• UEA has established a reputation as one of the top universities in the UK
• Courses available in a wide range of science and liberal arts areas
• There may be prerequisites for specific courses

University Study in the UK: Queen Mary University, University of London

• Program term: fall or spring semester, academic year
• The only option in London with a campus environment, Queen Mary offers students the opportunity to live and study with British students
• Courses available in a wide range of science and liberal arts areas
• Pre-health track includes Medicine in the UK: Medieval Mysticism to Modern Socialized Medicine course
• Fall or spring semester, academic year

University Study in the UK: Glasgow University

• Program term: fall or spring semester, academic year
• Anatomy for Pre-Med Program: designed for US study abroad students
• Courses available in a wide range of science and liberal arts areas
• There may be prerequisites for specific courses

King’s College London Pre-Med Program (available through IFSA-Butler United Kingdom)

• Program term: fall or spring semester, academic year
• The King's competitive pre-med program is designed to introduce students to the general practice of medicine and is suitable for all students who are interested in pursuing further education within the health care field.
• Premed students will typically take three science courses together with a fourth course, Health and Society, which combines in-class curriculum with a range of shadowing opportunities in different clinical settings.
• The clinical attachment portion of the program enables students to apply class theory to a number of primary and secondary care settings, including the emergency room, nursing homes, alcohol recovery programs, family medicine, surgery and more.

Intensive Language Programs

• Begin your language study or work toward completing requirements for a language minor
• Complete a semester of language on a short-term program or explore options to complete two or more semesters of language on semester-long program

Global Seminars

• 3-week, 3-credit programs at the 3000-level led by University of Minnesota faculty and staff over Winter Break or May Session
• Fulfill Liberal Education requirements, or earn major/minor credit
• Explore an exciting location and topic

Child Family Health International

• Runs 20+ Global Health Education Programs in 7 countries placing students in clinics and public health facilities alongside local health professionals
• CFHI's 2 week intensive or 4-16 week experiences immerse students in global health realities in Latin America, Africa, and India. CFHI is an NGO recognized by the United Nations
• 50% or more of CFHI program fees go to support underserved communities abroad

Senegal

Minnesota Studies in International Development (MSID)

• Program term: fall or spring semester, or academic year
• Academic program built around grassroots development internships. Homestays and research further enrich cultural immersion
• Past MSID health internship foci have included: public health/nutrition, women’s maternal health, pediatrics, HIV/AIDS awareness
• Interns observe daily activities, assist with indirect patient care and engage in discussions involving health care in developing countries
• Instruction is in French

South Africa

University Study in South Africa: University of Cape Town

• Program term: academic year, calendar year, fall or spring semester
• Areas of study available at this university include: anatomy, physiology, immunology, genetics, neuroscience, pathology, physiotherapy, biology, chemistry and others
• This program is a university study program, which allows you to directly enroll in a foreign university and take classes with host country students. Instruction is in English by African faculty
• No language prerequisite

The University of Minnesota's Learning Abroad Center has created an assortment of tools, resources and information for parents of study away participants.

Please visit the Parent’s Portion of their website for information on Parent/Student Roles, Cost and Billing information, Health and Safety and Pre-departure/Re-entry checklists.

Visit GO SAFE: Safety & Education Abroad for more safety information.

In the case of an emergency abroad, the University of Minnesota has a central international emergency phone number to be used by ALL University travelers who are abroad for University purposes. Students, faculty and staff who are experiencing an emergency abroad can call 612-301-2255 and get help 24/7.

For questions or concerns related to Study Away for University of Minnesota Rochester students, please contact Gerrit VanSteenbergen at [email protected].

Virtual Internship at the National Hospital for Paraplegics in Spain - Spring 2021

Why did you choose to do a virtual internship?

I chose to do a virtual internship to gain insight into another country's professional norms and cultural context. I always wanted to study abroad during college, however, with graduating a year early I didn't really have the time. But because of the pandemic and this opportunity, I got that chance!

What did you gain from your global internship experience and how do you see that impact in your life today?

From my internship experience, I learned a lot about research and also got an insight into Spain's culture. My mentors were incredible and I'm still in contact with them! This experience opened my eyes for where I can go with my career and how I don't need to stay in my home country if I don't want to. I also got to hear stories from patients with spinal cord injuries, which reminded me of the importance of a patient's personal narrative and how that matters for their individual care.

Do you have any advice or general comments for current UMR students who are thinking about learning away or doing a virtual internship?

I highly recommend that UMR students take advantage of studying abroad or doing a virtual internship to further your knowledge of cultures different than your own, as well as to enjoy your life before entering the crazy journey of medicine!

Uganda Child Family Health International - February 2018

Why did you choose to study abroad?

I chose to study abroad because I absolutely love traveling and learning about new cultures. 

What did you gain from your global internship experience and how do you see that impact in your life today?

From my study abroad experience, I now have a better understanding of how medical and dental care in Uganda work. I still think about my time in Uganda often and can’t wait until I can return someday as a dentist!

Do you have any advice or general comments for current UMR students who are thinking about learning away or doing a virtual internship?

Spending a month in Uganda is one of my favorite memories from my whole college experience. I would highly recommend studying abroad if you have the time! The experiences will stay with you forever!  

MSID Ecuador - Fall 2018

Why did you choose to study abroad?

I chose to go abroad because I wanted to gain educational and cultural experiences outside of Minnesota. For me, it was actually very feasible to fit a year abroad into my academic plan as I was able to take all of the courses required for my degree at UMR in my first 2 years on campus.

What did you gain from your global internship experience and how do you see that impact in your life today?

During my experience abroad, I learned so much about the importance of adaptability and practicing cultural humility. Change is inevitable in our lives, and something that I was previously uncomfortable with. However, it is through change that we grow, and my learning abroad experience taught me that. Additionally, during my time abroad, I gained a greater appreciation for the importance of practicing cultural humility and how this practice should be an aspect of our daily lives and learning journey. I see these both impacting myself on a daily basis as I am working and learning in the US because these are important skills everyone needs, wherever they are. 

Do you have any advice or general comments for current UMR students who are thinking about learning away or doing a virtual internship?

If you are able, study abroad! It's a life changing experience.

Psychology & Research in Madrid - Fall 2018

Why did you choose to study abroad?

I chose to go abroad to enhance my cultural scope of the world, which is applicable for a future career in healthcare. I also found it extremely valuable to be in Spain where I could get the opportunity to put the spanish I've been learning to use. I knew I wanted to study abroad when I first began college and I told my advisor right away, so it was very easy to fit it into my academic plan and I did not have to take any summer classes or postpone graduation.

What did you gain from your global internship experience and how do you see that impact in your life today?

I gained many skills during my learning abroad experience, one of them being the confidence in myself to be in uncomfortable situations and trust that I can succeed in any environment. I also learned a lot of language skills and met a lot of people I would otherwise never have had the opportunity to meet. This experience gave me the confidence to move across the country and start a job in my field in a place where I knew nobody. This job has been such a turning point in my career.

Do you have any advice or general comments for current UMR students who are thinking about learning away or doing a virtual internship?

I would advise anyone who has even the smallest bit of interest to study abroad to do it. The experiences you get are once in a lifetime and you're never going to regret doing the experience, but you will regret not doing it.

Global Change, Community, and Families in Thailand - Spring 2019

Why did you choose to study abroad?

I chose to study abroad during my time as a student at UMR because I was not sure that I would get the opportunity again to travel outside of the United States. I also was not sure that in the future I would be able to afford a trip like it. I decided to pursue this opportunity with only my last year left. Working with my student success coach, we were able to plan my courses so that I did not have to worry about extending graduation.

What did you gain from your global internship experience and how do you see that impact in your life today?

I was exposed to a totally different culture and lifestyle that I never understood before. I gained insight into how to build relationships with people from unique backgrounds and recognize the differences in lifestyle, values and needs around the world. I use that in my current work to better understand my clients, their experiences and needs.

Do you have any advice or general comments for current UMR students who are thinking about learning away or doing a virtual internship?

Do it while you have the ability to apply for grants and have access to programs that have guides and relationships with the community! There are so many things to learn out there and college is a great time to explore.