Program Details
Program Eligibility
About
This course explores the concept of care and its history, ethics, and philosophy through representations in literature. You will work with the core question of how our view of society, history, and literature changes when we prioritize the concept of care. Through a variety of guest lectures on care as it relates to marginalized communities, as well as guided museum and site tours, you will gain an understanding of how care can help to create a more inclusive and just society for all.
Program Model
Housing & Meals
Live in shared housing for the duration of the program. Some meals will be provided.
Excursions
Excursions in London/Edinburgh may include:
- Walking tour of London and Edinburgh
- Dickens walking tour
- Guest lectures on neurodiversity, queer politics, feminism
- Edinburgh Castle
- Osterley Park National Trust
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 Matthew Reznicek, an associate professor of medical humanities in the University of Minnesota Medical School.
Program Structure
One 3-credit course
Course Schedule
This is an embedded spring semester course, with the abroad portion in the UK taking place over May session at the end of the semester. On-campus classes take place in the second half of the spring semester.
On-campus Spring semester 2025 course meets: Tuesday & Thursday from 9:45–11:00 a.m., B-Term.
Abroad term: mid-late May 2025
Coursework
Coursework will include daily writings, a short literary paper, a final literary analysis paper, a diary from your time abroad, a critical reflection, and participation in discussion and activities.
Receive credit for: Approved for HSEM 3243
Approved for: Honors course experience (HSEM) and non-course experience (learning abroad component)
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 10: Reduced Inequalities—Interact with experts in critical disability studies and discuss ways of reducing inequality related to disabilities.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions—Discuss and brainstorm ideas about the ways of building a more just and inclusive society through practices of care and care ethics.
Dates Details
Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:
Term | Program Dates | Priority Deadline | Final Application Deadline |
---|---|---|---|
May Session 2025 | May 16–June 1, 2025 (tentative) | November 15, 2024 (Honors students) | January 15, 2025 (All) |
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 20 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 |
---|---|---|
Thursday, Dec. 12th | 12:00 p.m. | Hybrid Zoom & Heller Hall 230C |
Monday, Dec. 16th | 12:00 p.m. | Zoom only |
On Campus Dates
Spring semester 2025, Tuesday & Thursday from 9:45–11:00 a.m., B-Term.
Orientation Dates & Locations
The Learning Abroad Center facilitates a pre-departure orientation in collaboration with your program leader(s) in addition to any additional orientation sessions scheduled by your program leader(s). It is your responsibility to know the information shared at these orientations.
Orientation consists of several sessions, all of which are created to support your preparation to go abroad:
- Online Health & Safety Orientation: This asynchronous module can be accessed in your LAC checklist and is mandatory.
- LAC Seminar Pre-departure Orientation: This asynchronous module can be accessed in your LAC checklist and is mandatory. The discussion post is due before your LAC Program Orientation meeting.
- LAC Program Orientation: Program details and important UofM information will be covered (finances, health & safety, policies, insurance, etc.). This will be scheduled in collaboration with your program leader(s). Details will be sent to you via email from the LAC and/or your program leader(s). This is a mandatory meeting. **For embedded programs, this will likely be one of your class dates prior to departure.**
- Program Leader Orientation(s): Your program leader(s) will schedule 1–3 additional orientation sessions prior to departure. These will cover academic requirements and preparation, final travel and program logistics, cultural knowledge, and more. Details will be sent to you via email from your program leader(s). These are mandatory meetings. **For embedded programs, these will likely be included in your class dates prior to departure.**
The Learning Abroad Center also offers 2 optional orientations:
Fees
Spring Break 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. Generally, program fees range between $5,000-6,000. 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.
If you are registered for less than 13 credits, you will be charged tuition for this course in addition to the program fee.
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 spring enrollment for the purposes of registration and financial aid.
Bridging Loan
Bridging Loan, a no-interest/no-fees loan that funds the confirmation deposit and/or flights cost, is available for this program for eligible students going abroad during an eligible term.
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
Complete pre-application advising.
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
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.
Enrollment on this program is limited to 20 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.
Applications will be reviewed using the following timeline:
- November 15: University Honors students apply by this date for priority admission
- January 15: All other majors/non-Honors students with UHP review
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.
Register for On-Campus Course
Your participation on this program is secured by applying and confirming through the Learning Abroad Center application process.
You will also need to register for the on-campus course HSEM 3243. Permission numbers will be sent to confirmed students after thee program deadline.
Note: Registering for the course, but not confirming through the Learning Abroad Center, will not hold your spot in the program.
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, send an email to