Program Details
Location
Toledo,
Spain
Term
May Session
Housing
Dormitory
Languages Taught In
English
Program Eligibility
Student Type
UofM Students
Non UofM Students
Student Year
Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
Graduate Students
GPA
2.5
About
The walled city of Toledo is a unique backdrop for the modern-day discussions surrounding mental health and well-being. During this program, you will live and study in a location declared a World Heritage Site; Toledo is a living museum, a preserved part of Spanish history where people still live, work, and play.
While you’re in Spain, activities and excursions will introduce you to issues, concepts, challenges/strengths, and interventions related to mental health and health care. This program will help you deepen understanding and abilities to apply cross-cultural competencies in mental health research, practice, and advocacy.
Work with experts in the field and others to identify mental health trends, current issues, and care systems from Spain and the United States.
Program Model
Housing & Meals
Live in shared rooms with fellow program participants. A welcome and farewell meal, breakfasts, and some additional meals are included in the program fee. We will take additional meals in the housing or at local restaurants and eateries.
Excursions
Excursions in Toledo may include:
- Madrid day trip
- Segovia (El Alcazar, Plaza Mayor, Jewish Quarter, aqueduct) day trip
- Toledo city tours
- Educational site visits will include mental health clinics, well-being centers, or related educational settings
Flight
All program participants will take the coordinated group flight to and from the program site. The cost of the group flight is included in the program fee that will be posted to your student account. Do not book your own flight; you will receive information from the Learning Abroad Center about your seat on the group flight once your participation has been confirmed.
It might be possible to deviate your return flight. Inquire with your program contact if interested.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop independence by challenging yourself in a new environment
- Function as an effective team member by utilizing your personal strengths in a group setting
- Explore a specific topic through experiential and interdisciplinary approaches
Faculty & Staff
This program is led by Seth Christman, assistant teaching professor in the College of Education and Human Development. Seth has led several programs abroad including one to South Africa. Seth is a licensed psychologist with several years of experience practicing in& college counseling settings. His research centers around college mental health, as well as LGBT well-being, and multicultural competence in supervision and therapy. In the counselor education program, he has taught courses such as Introduction to Clinical Mental Health, Diagnosis & Treatment, and Counseling Internship.
Program Structure
Program Level
3000 level coursework
Courseload
One 3-credit course
Global Seminars are 3-week study abroad programs led by University of Minnesota faculty and staff that feature:
- Intensive learning in a location that illuminates the topic
- Small groups of 15–25 students
- No prerequisites or language requirements
- Included excursions and cultural activities
- Instruction in English
Coursework
You will be assessed through participation and engagement in course activities, peer dialogues, local community involvement, reflective journaling, and a presentation on current issues related to the course topics.
Receive credit for: ESPY 3xx
Sustainability
The Learning Abroad Center is committed to sustainability and incorporating this into its programs. This course can be tied to Sustainable Development Goals through course content and program activities including:
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being—Health and well-being is a core theme of the program, and you will engage with readings, excursions, peer-to-peer dialogues, and guest speakers exploring access (and barriers) to culturally-informed mental health care in the US and Spain.
SDG 4: Quality Education—The course examines the overlap of wellness and education. The program will encourage you to consider the importance of educational access to multiple forms of well-being, examine ways in which global educational systems directly address (or exclude) mental health concerns, and identify globally informed models for healthy human development.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions—We will examine the role of helping professions in advocating for equitable mental health systems and providing equitable care. You will also explore the role of helping professionals in helping individuals, families, and communities in coping with unjust systems, traumatic experiences, and identity development.
Academic Registration
If confirmed, you will be registered for your course by the Learning Abroad Center once registration opens for your term abroad. Make sure you have no holds that would prevent registration.
If you haven't already, communicate with your academic adviser(s) as applicable to review the course for your major, minor, or college requirements. University of Minnesota students should use the Academic Planning Form (PDF), located on your confirmation checklist.
Dates Details
Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:
| Term | Program Dates | Priority Application Deadline | Final Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| May Session 2025 | May 16–June 8, 2025 (Tentative) | February 1, 2025 | March 1, 2025 |
Program dates are subject to change.
If the deadline falls on a weekend, submit your materials on the following business day.
Important Note: Enrollment on this program is limited to 25 students. Admission is granted on a rolling basis and applications are reviewed in the order they are completed. Some programs may fill to capacity prior to the application deadline, therefore applying early is recommended. Additionally, applying early will allow for more time to plan ahead and prepare for the program.
Information Sessions
Join in-person or over Zoom. Register and learn more about this and other events on our events page.
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| TBD | TBD | TBD |
Orientation Dates & Locations
Orientation will be conducted in 2 parts: an online orientation—which is mandatory—and in-person or online program-specific session with program leader(s). All meetings are required and failure to complete the online orientation will impact your ability to go abroad. The online orientation module is found on your application checklist and is due by your first orientation session.
You will be notified of the official date and time of required orientation sessions or will be contacted to send availability in order to schedule sessions. Reach out to your program leader directly for any concerns about orientation session date and times. You will receive applicable orientation materials from your program leader either in advance or after the orientation session(s).
Priority Deadline
If you apply by the priority deadline and confirm within the allotted time you will receive the published program fee. Applying after the priority deadline and/or not confirming within the allotted time means you may be subject to an airfare increase.
Fees
May 2025 Cost of Participation forthcoming
The cost of participation can vary widely due to location, cost of living, airfare, and program inclusions. The program fee generally includes tuition, group flight airfare, airport transfers, in-country program related transportation, housing, some meals, entrances to course-related excursions and site visits, program administration, and international health insurance. Program fees can vary widely due to location, cost of living, airfare, and program inclusions. Generally, program fees range between $7,500–$8,500. You must also budget for passport and passport photos, some meals, textbooks, independent travel, and miscellaneous living expenses.
Recent increases in international airfare and accommodation costs have impacted all instructor-led program fees. The LAC strives to follow best practices to provide the lowest cost program while ensuring a quality academic experience.
If you do not see a budget estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the fee has not yet been finalized. We strive to post fees for this program at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The Learning Abroad Center will delay the posting of some fees until enrollments, inflation and exchange rates are determined. Note the average increase in fees will be 3–10%. Program fees are based on estimates and may change depending on international economic factors.
Billing & Payments
Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.
This program is considered part of summer enrollment for the purposes of registration and financial aid.
Cancellation Policy
Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.
Prepare
Be aware: Learning Abroad Center programs require a $50 application fee. This fee will be charged to your student account upon submission of an online application.
Apply
The COVID-19 vaccine series is strongly recommended, pursuant to CDC guidelines, but not required for participation in this program.
You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.
Complete
After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:
- Application Essay
Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you.
If you do not meet the GPA requirement for this program you will be required to submit an additional essay. It will be added to your checklist after you start your application, and you will be notified when it has been added.
Next Steps
- After you complete all required application checklist items, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application is ready to be reviewed.
- Your completed application will be reviewed by the Learning Abroad Center.
- If admitted, the Confirmation & Payment Agreement form will be added to your checklist. Complete this form to secure your spot on the program. By submitting the form, you also give your approval for the program deposit to be billed to your UofM student account.
- Complete the confirmation checklist, which include the following items in additional to program-specific forms:
- Passport Information
- Emergency Contacts
- Health Information Form
- Online Health & Safety Orientation
- Release & Waiver
- You will receive information about additional steps from the sponsoring college/department.
After You Apply
Before your program begins, review these resources.
Health & Safety
Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.
Power of Attorney
Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.
Student Identity
Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.
Travel Resources
Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.
Program Contact
For further information or questions about this program, email
Lindsey Lahr at [email protected],
or call at
612.625.9370