College of Biological Sciences Recommendations
Advising
- Tell your academic advisor that you are interested in study abroad at each registration appointment. Together, identify the best terms to go abroad, based on the courses in your four-year-plan.
- Schedule a program selection advising (PSA) appointment by contacting the Learning Abroad Center at 612.626.9000 or schedule an advising appointment with a program selection adviser.
Academic Planning
- As soon as you have chosen a study abroad program, use an Academic Planning for Study Abroad (APSA) Form to facilitate further discussions with your CBS adviser to discuss what courses you should enroll in abroad to determine course equivalencies and approvals.
- Search the U Credit Abroad database to select from more than 2,000 study abroad courses that have already been pre-approved for liberal education requirements. You may also submit any liberal education course not yet evaluated for approval online.
Program Types
Comprehensive University Study
Many CBS students look at comprehensive university study abroad programs or “Uni Study in” programs where they will have access to biology and science coursework in English.
Fieldwork, Directed Research, or Internships
Study abroad opportunities are not limited to formal instruction. Consider taking advantage of the unique research, internship, and fieldwork opportunities available in different regions of the world. Consult with your CBS adviser about how to gain credit for these experiences.
CBS Instructor Led Programs
To help ensure access to international experiences, CBS offers faculty lead seminars abroad during breaks in our regular semester schedule—Winter Break, Spring Break, and May Session. Students can experience the world without necessarily being gone for an entire semester.
Financing Learning Abroad
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 that you cannot afford to study abroad keep you from exploring it as an educational opportunity. Learn more about how to finance your experience abroad by checking out these helpful resources.
Study Abroad Scholarships
Programs
Africa and the Middle East
Botswana
University of Botswana (offered through ISEP Botswana)
- Enroll in regular university courses alongside local students at a large, modern university, with a student body of 18,000.
- Program is based in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, a city of 200,000
- A variety of courses are available in the sciences, including animal physiology, biology, biochemistry and molecular biology, chemistry, ecology and genetics
- Instruction is in English, and English is widely spoken in Botswana.
- Volunteer, independent study and internship opportunities are available
- Terms available: Fall semester, spring semester, and academic year
Ghana
University of Ghana (available through ISEP Ghana)
- Comprehensive university with 30,000 students on the outskirts of the capital, Accra. Legon is a town of 250,000+ residents
- ISEP students can also take advantage of local language classes, volunteering, independent study & research opportunities as well as excursions planned for ISEP students.
- The University of Ghana has a School of Biological Sciences which offers coursework in Biology, Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology and Plant & Environmental Biology
- Instruction is in English; no prior study of an African language is required.
- Terms available: Fall semester, spring semester, or academic year
Kenya
The School for Field Studies Kenya
- Explore the interconnectivity between wildlife, human communities, and natural resource availability in Kenya, and competition for the region’s finite natural resources is intensified by climate change, drought, ecosystem fragmentation, and human development.
- Courses and fieldwork focus on key environmental issues faced here such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, wildlife and natural resource management, and tourism impacts.
- All courses taught in English. No language prerequisite. One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental studies/science required for semester program. Semester and summer options available.
South Africa
University of Cape Town (available through IES Abroad)
- The University of Cape Town is South Africa’s oldest university and is one of Africa’s leading teaching and research institutions.
- Areas of study available at this university include: anatomy, physiology, immunology, genetics, neuroscience, pathology, physiotherapy, biology, chemistry and others.
- No language prerequisite; semester, academic year, and calendar year terms available.
Tanzania
The School for Field Studies Tanzania
- Concentrate on understanding the impacts of climate change, habitat fragmentation, and competition for resources and promotes successful coexistence between humans and the country’s incredible wildlife.
- Courses and fieldwork focus on key environmental issues faced here such as biodiversity conservation, wildlife management, human-wildlife conflict, tourism impacts, and climate change.
- All courses taught in English. No language prerequisite. One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental studies/science required for semester program. Semester and summer options available.
Americas
Argentina
Argentine Universities Program (available through IFSA Argentina)
- Attend the prestigious Universidad de Buenos Aires to take regular coursework alongside Argentinian students. Additional coursework available at Universidad del Salvador, Universidad Católica Argentina, or Universidad Torcuato Di Tella.
- Coursework is available in biochemistry, ecology, genetics, physiology, botany, and molecular biology.
- All courses are in Spanish; at least 2 years of college-level Spanish required. Semester, academic year, calendar year, and summer terms available.
Costa Rica
The School for Field Studies—Costa Rica
- Study tropical ecology, economics, and develop a deeper understanding of the issues and challenges related to natural resource management. Deepen and develop solid investigative research skills in this field-based program.
- Work with Costa Rican park rangers, farmers, and top environmental officials to better understand the challenges of maintaining the biodiversity of the country.
- All courses taught in English. No language prerequisite. One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental studies/science required for semester program. Semester and summer options available.
Ecuador
- Spend time in both Quito and San Cristóbal in the Galapagos — one of the world’s most beautiful and biologically diverse island locations.
- Gain hands-on experience studying topics such as Biology, Ecology, Environmental Studies, Marine Ecology, and Sociology.
- Courses are offered in modules, allowing students to focus on one course at a time. Students often spend the morning collecting samples and the afternoon analyzing the data as part of the course they take.
- All courses are taught in English, with the exception of a 1-credit required Spanish language course. Semester terms available.
Panama
The School for Field Studies—Panama—Tropical Island Biodiversity and Conservation Studies
- Gain an understanding of both the conflicts and synergies of conservation and development in beautiful islands of the Bocas del Toro region in Panama.
- SFS programs focus on critical environmental issues through a combination of coursework, field study and a directed research project.
- All courses are taught in English; semester and summer terms available.
Turks and Caicos
The School for Field Studies—Turks & Caicos
- Participate in field research techniques that will impact South Caicos' resource management and habitat conservation. Take a hands-on approach to learning about marine ecology and coastal ecosystems.
- All courses taught in English. No language prerequisite. One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental studies/science required for semester program.
- Semester and summer options available.
Asia and Oceania
Australia
The School for Field Studies Australia
- SFS programs focus on critical environmental issues through a combination of coursework, field study, and a directed research project.
- Study and work hands-on in rainforest management and restoration in Australia's tropical rainforest.
- All courses taught in English. No language prerequisite. One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental studies/science required for semester program. Semester and summer options available.
James Cook University (available through IFSA Australia)
- James Cook University’s location in tropical northern Queensland offers proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, rainforest, and the outback.
- Courses available in a wide range of subjects such as biology, tropical research, marine science, and environmental science.
- Semester, academic year, and calendar year terms available.
University of Melbourne (available through IFSA Australia)
- One of Australia’s most prestigious universities, located in the cultural capital of the country.
- Courses available in a wide range of related subject areas including biological science, physical science, ecology & evolutionary biology, and plant science.
- Semester, academic year and calendar terms available.
University Study in Australia: University of Sydney
- Study at the University of Sydney—one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Modern laboratories and internship opportunities available.
- Enroll in environmental studies classes focused on Australia’s environment and climate. Additional coursework in resource management, biology, and sustainability available.
- Semester, academic year, calendar year and summer terms available.
Bhutan
The School for Field Studies— Bhutan
- Conduct research while trekking through the eastern Himalayas while learning about Bhutanese culture, Buddhism, and the diverse Himalayan ecosystem.
- Take a hands-on approach to forest biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable development.
- All courses taught in English. No language prerequisite. One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental studies/science required for semester program.
- Semester and summer options available.
Cambodia
The School for Field Studies—Cambodia
- Study the environmental dynamics of the Mekong River, which provides habitats to myriad species and sustains life for millions of people.
- Examine the interaction between human life and the ecology of the river and region. In addition, students explore a variety of regional development and conservation challenges and community-based solutions during travel across rural and urban Cambodia.
- All courses taught in English. No language prerequisite. One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental studies/science required for semester program.
- Semester and summer options available.
New Zealand
University Study in New Zealand: University of Auckland
- Study at a diverse, urban university with a reputation for excellence in the sciences and research in Auckland—New Zealand's largest city.
- Sample courses include Biology for Biomedical Sciences: Cellular Processes and Development, Genetics, Food and Beverage Microbiology, and Developmental Biology and Cancer, and Nutritional Science
- Semester, academic year, and calendar year terms available.
University Study in New Zealand: University of Otago
- As New Zealand’s oldest University, the University of Otago, located in Dunedin, offers students exceptional academics against the backdrop of New Zealand’s South Island.
- Sample courses include Drugs and Human Health; Infection and Immunity; Nutrition, Metabolism and Human Health; and Reproduction, Genetics and Development
- Semester, academic year, and calendar year terms available.
Victoria University of Wellington (available through IFSA New Zealand)
- Live and study in Wellington—New Zealand’s vibrant capital city. Wellington's arts scene and diversity provide a unique environment to take advantage of the wide offerings of this well-known university.
- Courses available in biodiversity, pharmacology, and marine science.
- Semester, academic year, and calendar year terms available.
South Korea
University Study in South Korea: Korea University
- Korea University offers the opportunity to study alongside Korean and international students in the rising metropolis of Seoul.
- KU has several courses taught in English in the College of Life Sciences including Cell Biology, Microbiology, and Genetics.
- No language prerequisite; Semester, academic year, calendar year
Europe
Denmark
Study Abroad in Denmark and Summer in Denmark & Sweden
- Take courses in a wide variety of disciplines with Copenhagen as your classroom. Participate in coursework, field study, and study tours taught in English.
- Students can pursue tracks in Medical Practice and Policy, Biomedicine, Neuroscience, and Public Health.
- No language prerequisite; semester, academic year, and summer options available.
Germany
IES Germany: Freiburg—Environmental Studies and Sustainability
- Based in Freiburg, the center of the modern environmental movement, this program allows students to explore topics in Environmental Studies and Forest Ecology.
- Spring semester students have the option to apply for a research assistantship to work with a University faculty member on an environmental studies research topic. Assistantships are three to six weeks long and take place after the end of the term.
- No language prerequisite; Semester and academic year terms available.
Ireland
Study Abroad in Dublin—University College Dublin (Science & Engineering track)
- Live and study in the heart of Dublin. Participate in an internship, research project, or practicum to engage with the local community.
- You can study alongside Irish students at the University College Dublin in the Science & Engineering track. Courses available in the biological sciences, neuroscience, and environmental science.
- Semester terms available.
Italy
- Program term: Summer.
- Student year: Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.
- 3000 level courses, students take 7-10 credits over the summer.
- Spend your summer in Siracusa, Sicily, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, studying topics of importance to contemporary Sicily such as human rights and migration, international law, and marine biology and ecology.
- Participate in a research project with a local organization.
Norway
Exchange in Norway: University of Oslo
- Study at the University of Oslo, Norway’s largest and oldest university surrounded by fjords, lakes, and forests.
- Choose from a wide variety of courses taught in English in the sciences, social sciences, healthcare management, humanities, and the environment.
- No language prerequisite; semester and academic year terms available. Competitive exchange — a limited number of spaces available for UofM students.
Spain
Psychology and Research in Madrid
- Study psychology and engage in research in Madrid — the charming capital of Spain.
- Enroll in Introduction to Biological Psychology, Human Neuroanatomy, and Research Laboratory in Psychology. You can pursue research opportunities in biology and neuroscience.
- No language prerequisite; semester and summer terms available.
Sweden
Study Abroad in Sweden and Summer in Denmark & Sweden
- Study in Stockholm while taking English language classes in a variety of disciplines such as public health, neuroscience, and biomedicine.
- 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.
- No language prerequisite; semester, academic year, and summer terms available.
Sweden
Beyond the Nobel Prize: Innovation in Sweden
- May Term 2023 in Stockholm, Sweden
- Students will examine innovation across a variety of disciplines and consider how solutions to problems facing society require creativity, collaboration, and new ways of thinking. In particular, we will explore how organizational, political, cultural, and social environments can foster innovation, using the Swedish context. Since Sweden is the site of the Nobel Prizes in various science disciplines, we’ll specifically consider innovation in science.
- This program is led by Nikki Letawsky Shultz, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and International Programs, College of Biological Sciences.
- Approved for the Global Perspectives liberal education theme, as well as Biology majors as a “science in context” major elective and “other electives option” for Cellular and Organismal Physiology majors.
United Kingdom
University Study in the UK: Queen Mary University, University of London
- Queen Mary is located near the center of London, yet it maintains a strong sense of campus community.
- Comprehensive options available in biology, evolution, neuroscience, and ecology.
- Semester and academic year terms available.
University Study in the UK: Glasgow University
- Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow consistently ranks as one of the UK's most highly-rated schools.
- You can explore options through the biology and earth science departments. You can take Anatomy during the semester or stand alone during the summer to fulfill pre-health requirements.
- Semester and academic year terms available; summer option available through the Summer in Scotland program.
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.