"We highly encourage our Technical Writing and Communication majors to consider studying abroad for a portion of their undergraduate studies. Study abroad offers students rewarding cultural and educational experiences, and can enhance their understanding of global contexts for technical communication. Technical communication increasingly involves intercultural tasks such as translation of documentation and virtual teamwork that involves collaboration across the globe. The cultural experience students gain through study abroad can help sharpen student sensitivities to language and perception in other cultures."
Lee-Ann Kastman Breuch, Department of Writing Studies
Academic Planning Recommendations
Review the undergraduate major and minor requirements before beginning your study abroad research. No program is “best” for everyone. The trick is to find the right learning abroad option for you.
- Consider programs that offer courses that would meet Sub-Plan requirements.
- As you plan your learning abroad experience, be sure to refer to the Major Advising Page associated with your SubPlan. Work with your adviser to explore how you might integrate an experience abroad into your undergraduate career.
Sub-plan 1. Information Technology and Design
Consider study programs as well as programs that focus on internships and community engagement.
Sub-plan 2. Biological and Health Sciences
Consider programs such as Biology/Public Health field schools that offer cultural integration.
Sub-plan 3. Legal Discourse and Public Policy
Consider programs that allow you to gain experience through Parliamentary Internship or a community engagement opportunity.
Sub-plan 4. Environmental Science
Consider programs that provide Internships/Volunteer activities in Ecology and Community-based Natural Resource Management.
WRIT 4196 Internship in Technical Writing & Communication
- International internships are a great way to further develop your knowledge and skills. The Learning Abroad Center provides a number of resources for you to explore and learn about international internship opportunities.
- The Learning Abroad Center offers programs with a credit-bearing internship component.
- Must be pre-approved by adviser.
Liberal Education Requirements
Search the U Credit Abroad Search. You may also submit any liberal education course not yet evaluated for approval online.
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. Once you have narrowed down your program options:
- Use the Academic Planning Form form to structure your academic planning.
- Once you have identified the courses that you want to take abroad (always choosing more courses than you intend to take), meet with the Writing Studies adviser—preferably at least 3 months before departure. Bring your transcripts, your Academic Planning Form, and the course descriptions. Do the same in other departments for declared minors.
- To complete the Academic Planning Form process you will also need a signature from a college adviser.
College/Department Scholarships for UofM Students
- CLA students can apply for CLA Study Abroad Scholarships in addition to other Learning Abroad Center scholarships.
Programs
Asia and Oceania
Australia
University of New South Wales (available through IFSA Australia)
- Situated in Sydney, the University of New South Wales is a leader in teaching and research in Australia
- The Program in Science Communication provides courses in professional science communication and communication science in theory and practice.
New Zealand
University Study in New Zealand: University of Otago, Dunedin
The university has a strong interdisciplinary program in Communication Studies.
Europe
Ireland
University Study in Ireland: University of Limerick
- On the banks of the River Shannon above the ancient city of Limerick.
- The university has one of the few programs in Technical Communication in Europe.
United Kingdom
City University, London (available through IFSA United Kingdom)
- City offers several full-year opportunities of interest such as Professional Communications Skills and Principles of Human Computer Interaction.
University of Leeds (available through IFSA United Kingdom)
- One of the largest institutions in the UK, with a huge selection of courses and departments.
- Their top ranked Department of Communications offers courses in topics such as Science Journalism, Internet Communications and Interface Design.
University College, London (available through IFSA United Kingdom)
- UCL’s program in Science and Technology Studies offers courses such as Science and Mass Media, and Communication of Scientific Ideas.
Additional Options to Consider
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.