Learning Abroad Center

Learning Abroad in Art

“We have shifted our view of study abroad from being simply an option for our students, to what is now an essential experience for those pursuing any of the art disciplines. The making of art doesn't happen in a vacuum and thus requires an expanded understanding of cultural, social, and historical dynamics that extend beyond our own familiar boundaries.”

Clarence Morgan, Professor

Academic Planning Recommendations

Liberal Education Requirements

Search the U Credit Abroad Search. You may also submit any liberal education course not yet evaluated for approval online.

Major and Minor Requirements

  • Students can fulfill major or minor coursework abroad. In some of the programs listed below, students can take studio courses that will count toward your art major. Advance planning will ensure that courses taken during study abroad will fit smoothly into your degree program.
  • All internships must be approved by the student’s academic adviser (or the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the adviser’s absence) in order to use them to fulfill requirements. This should be done during the academic planning process prior to the experience.

College of Liberal Arts Language Requirement

Courses taken abroad for the CLA Language Requirement (for BA degrees) must be at least 4 credits. CLA college advisers can approve courses that are clearly identified in a syllabus or online course description as first-, second-, third-, or fourth-semester language courses. If a course level is not explicitly stated, you must work with your CLA adviser to have the course evaluated by the appropriate language department. Advisers cannot approve these courses.

Who will advise me and help me with course approvals?

Learning Abroad Center advisers can help you find program and course information to help you prepare for your study abroad academic planning discussion with your academic adviser, Patricia Straub. Once you have narrowed your options, use the Academic Planning for Study Abroad (APSA) form to structure your academic planning.

College/Department Scholarships for UofM Students

Programs

Africa and the Middle East

Israel

University Study in Israel: Hebrew University of Jerusalem

  • Study in Jerusalem, a city sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. This thriving metropolis is a melding of past and present, or ancient roots and modern innovations.
  • Fine arts courses available through ArtJerusalem in a variety of areas such as etching, painting, drawing, sculpture, and photography.  
  • Instruction at the Rothberg School is in English; no prior Hebrew is required. Students may also take regular courses in the larger university (many offered in English) in addition to courses through Rothberg. 
  • Spring in Jerusalem—Honors Program is offered in the spring semester. Combines language study, research, and advanced coursework. Includes study tours and additional lectures. Available to outstanding students on a competitive basis.

Americas

Argentina

Study & Intern in Buenos Aires

  • Study in downtown Buenos Aires and explore global & cultural issues while developing your spanish.
  • Buenos Aires: City of Arts course focuses on the art and architecture of Argentina.
  • Learn about different artistic movements in Argentina and broaden your perspective of world art.

Asia and Oceania

Australia

University of Melbourne (available through IFSA Australia)

  • The University of Melbourne, known for its excellence in teaching and research, consistently ranks among the world’s top universities. Considered the “World’s Most Livable City,” Melbourne offers students both a metropolitan lifestyle while being just minutes away from vibrant beaches and abundant national parks.
  • Reputable arts and performing arts college with classes in drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture.

University Study in Australia: University of Sydney

  • Located on the edge of downtown, the University of Sydney is an old and traditional institution by Australian standards—something of an Australian counterpart to an Ivy League school.
  • Art majors can take visual arts classes taught at the Sydney College of the Arts, many of which have a studio component.

Thailand

MSID—International Development in Thailand

  • Academic program built around grassroots development internships. Homestays and internship/research further enrich cultural immersion. Based in Chiang Mai but with internship options outside the city.
  • Internship placements have focused on such areas as arts and culture, sustainability and the environment, public health, education and literacy, entrepreneurship and alternative economies, and social service.
  • Instruction is in English; no prior Thai language is required. Fall or Spring semester.

Europe

France

IES France—Nantes

  • Students have many opportunities to immerse themselves in French language and culture through coursework and homestay experiences.
  • Students with French language proficiency can register for courses at the IES center in addition to courses offered at local universities.
  • IES students with prior training in studio art are eligible to enroll in one to two courses at the Ecole Régionale des Beaux-Arts.

Germany

Exchange in Germany: Freie University in Berlin

  • Take courses at Freie University in Berlin--the largest city in Germany with a vibrant cultural life and a rich history.
  • Students take courses from the university’s curriculum with German students. Although FU does not have studio classes on offer, students can choose to take coursework in the art history department or fulfill a variety of liberal education requirements.
  • Two years of college-level German required.

WorkART Kunstverein Fellowship Program (Available through the Center for German and European Studies)

  • Gather valuable insights into Germany’s art world, into the nonprofit arts sector and cultural management, into exhibiting and organizing art events, and into cultural politics.
  • Work directly with artists, art management, and an interested public.
  • Each internship fellow will work with the head and the staff of a Kunstverein chapter according to an individually negotiated schedule during a four (minimum) to eight (maximum) week internship between late May and mid-August. 20 to 30 hours of work per week. Ten fellowships are available.

Greece

Capturing Greece: Color, Light, & Form

  • May Term Abroad, Athens & Greek Islands, Greece; open to all students
  • Immerse yourself in Greece’s unique cultural environment to expand your vision and creativity. Travel to Athens and Tinos to observe and experience water, stone, and structure in a fresh way
  • You will explore ancient architectural forms, uniquely evolved historic villages, and references to mythological and symbolic imagery
  • This program is led by Frances (Fancy) Trice is the Graphic Design Program Director in the College of Design, and is approved for the Arts & Humanities Liberal Education Core
  • Consult with your academic adviser to see if this program will meet major or minor degree requirements

Ireland

Burren College of Art, Ballyvaughan (available through IFSA Ireland)

  • Study art on the grounds of a 16th-Century castle in rural Ireland
  • Students have personal studio space and one-on-one guidance by faculty and visiting artists.
  • Coursework available in drawing, painting, photography, and sculpture.

Italy

Study & Intern in Florence

  • Take classes in studio art, art history, psychology, and more while studying Italian language.
  • Participate in an internship to gain international work experience. Sample internships could place students in a local gallery.
  • No language prerequisite; semester and academic year terms available.

Spain

Study & Intern in Toledo

  • Available courses include art history, social science, and many more opportunities, including an internship.
  • Multiple museum internship offerings are available and may be of interest to current art majors.
  • Two years of college level Spanish required.

United Kingdom

Glasgow School of Art, Scotland (available through IFSA United Kingdom)

  • The Glasgow School of Art is a small and very specialized art school concentrating on fine art, design, and architecture.
  • All of its teaching and research is studio-based, and courses include painting and printmaking, sculpture and environmental art, and fine art photography.
  • Glasgow is the third-largest city in the UK.

Study & Intern in London

  • The program offers a professional internship placement along with coursework in the humanities, social sciences, and business.
  • Placement opportunities include working in art education, art studios, art galleries, and many others.

University of the Arts, London--Studio Art Program (available through IFSA United Kingdom)

  • Solidify your artistic vision at Europe’s largest university for art and design. Located in the heart of London, students can enjoy all the city has to offer including diverse history and a thriving cultural scene.
  • Art majors have the option to take courses in a variety of disciplines as well as intensive independent study.
  • Students should be prepared to submit a portfolio for admission into program and certain courses.

University Study in the UK: University of Glasgow

  • Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow consistently ranks as one of the UK's most highly-rated schools with a comprehensive curriculum. Students find Glasgow to be a friendly and welcoming city with easy access to the Scottish Isle and highlands.
  • Choose from a variety of courses in The School of Culture and Creative Arts with a strong focus on art history and theory.

Additional Options to Consider

LAC 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.
  • Explore an exciting location and topic, Fulfill Liberal Education requirements, or earn major/minor credit.

LAC Freshman Seminars

  • Combine on-campus instruction during the spring semester with a study abroad component during spring break, on a 3 credits, 1xxx level Seminar.
  • Freshman Seminars Abroad are designed specifically for first-year students as an introduction to study abroad, an opportunity to explore an exciting location and topic, and likely fulfill a liberal education requirement.

Additional LAC Seminars

  • Check out additional LAC Instructor-led Seminars that might run over winter break, spring break, May, and summer sessions. They vary in length, dates, and content so students can find one that best fits their academic and professional goals.

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.