“Learning abroad is not just an academic experience, but can be a fully transformational experience into the unknown. The sheer experience of navigating new cultures, customs, and traditions affords the opportunity to engage in a reflective process about one’s own identities and worldview. As more and more industries and corporations transcend borders, it becomes increasingly important for individuals to engage in the sharing of culture and values in order to develop the competencies needed to build cohesive and cross-functional working relationships across the globe. Having learned abroad in New Zealand in my undergraduate career and served in the United States Peace Corps in Uganda, experiences abroad have become paramount to my growth personally and professionally, and I highly encourage students to consider learning abroad as an opportunity to enhance their college experience and for the globalizing world in front of us.”
– Daniel Koza, Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies & Advising
Business and Marketing Education Recommendations
- As soon as you have chosen a study abroad program, use an Academic Planning for Study Abroad (APSA) Form to facilitate discussions with your advisers.
- Students should be aware that they will need to obtain signatures from two advisers: first from the OLPD major adviser and second, the CEHD Student Services adviser.
- To meet with your OLPD major adviser, please schedule an appointment online or email them directly. To meet with your CEHD Student Services adviser, schedule an appointment online or call 612.625.3339.
Fulfill Academic Requirements
Liberal Education
- You can fulfill liberal education requirements while abroad. Consult the U Credit Abroad Search for more information.
Major Requirements
- Typically, students will satisfy their Applied Experience and a portion of their Supporting Program with their abroad coursework. Occasionally, students may be approved to satisfy other degree requirements (specific major coursework, for example). Please consult your OLPD adviser if you believe there are courses abroad that align with required courses in your major.
OLPD 4696—Applied Experience
- While an active BME student, you may fulfill your BME Applied Experience (OLPD 4696 requirement) by completing any combination of coursework abroad. You do not have to complete an internship abroad.
- Students who fulfill their BME Applied Experience while abroad do not register for OLPD 4696. (Students work with their OLPD adviser to apply coursework from study abroad to fulfill this requirement on their APAS.)
- Students completing their BME Applied Experience while abroad are permitted to complete OLPD 4696 prerequisites, including OLPD 3609: Profession and Practice, after they have completed their learning abroad experience.
Supporting Program credits
- You may fulfill some or all of your BME Supporting Program if your selected coursework is aligned with your designated Supporting Program theme. This can be determined in consultation with your OLPD adviser.
- If you are hoping to satisfy credits toward minor requirements, please consult with the home department for that minor. (Example: Management minor students should consult with [email protected])
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 & the Middle East
Botswana
University of Botswana (offered through ISEP Botswana)
- Comprehensive university located in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana and has a student body of 18,000.
- The university is a comprehensive institution offering courses in both the liberal arts and sciences and a number of professional programs, including business, education, engineering and medicine.
- A variety of courses are available in Accounting, Auditing, Business Management, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Human Resources Management, International Business/Trade/Commerce, Logistics, Materials, Supply Chain Management, and Marketing.
- Instruction is in English; no prior study of an African language is required. Fall semester, spring semester, or academic year.
Ghana
University of Ghana (available through ISEP Ghana)
- Comprehensive university on the outskirts of the capital, Accra, one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa.
- Course offerings in business include consumer behavior, integrated marketing, international marketing, communications, economics, entrepreneurship, and business finance.
- English is the official language and instruction is in English.
- Fall semester, spring semester, or academic year.
Senegal
MSID: Entrepreneurship in Senegal
- Fall and spring semester
- Take classes and do an internship or research project focused on entrepreneurship and inclusive finance
- Live with a homestay and take classes in French, to improve your language skills
MSID: Sustainability in Senegal
- Fall and spring semester
- Take classes and do an internship or research project focused on sustainable development and climate change
- Live with a homestay and take classes in French, to improve your language skills
There is also MSID: Health in Senegal and MSID: Human Rights in Senegal. Contact your OLPD Advisor if interested in any of the MSID programs.
South Africa
University of Cape Town (available through IES South Africa)
- The University of Cape Town is South Africa’s oldest university and is one of Africa’s leading teaching and research institutions. Students will gain a better understanding of the social, political, historical, and economic realities of South Africa.
- Students can take courses in the School of Commerce such as “Introduction to Project Management,” “People Management,” and “Evidence-Based Management.” There are also several options in Management, Finance, and Communication to supplement a supporting program.
Americas
Argentina
Study & Intern in Buenos Aires
- Study language and culture in Buenos Aires, the political and economic heart of Argentina. Students can take a breadth of courses in economics and Argentine history while enhancing their experience through community engagement opportunities.
- No language prerequisite; Courses available in English including “The Global Economy” and “International Marketing.”
Ecuador
MSID: Entrepreneurship in Ecuador
- Fall and spring semester
- Take classes and do an internship or research project focused on social entrepreneurship and microfinance
- Live with a homestay and take all classes in Spanish, to improve your Spanish language skills
MSID: Sustainability in Ecuador
- Fall and spring semester
- Take classes and do an internship or research project focused on sustainability and environmental challenges ranging from the Andes to the Amazon
- Live with a homestay and take all classes in Spanish, to improve your Spanish language skills
There is also MSID: Health in Ecuador and MSID: Human Rights in Ecuador. Contact your OLPD Advisor if interested in any of the MSID programs.
Asia & Oceania
Australia
- 3-credit summer or 6-credit semester internships are available combined with the Learning through Internships course. Coursework available in the humanities, social sciences, and business.
- Examples of past internships in business and marketing include NSW Business Chambers and Lindblad Expeditions (travel agency), in addition to many small local businesses and multinational corporations.
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.
- Melbourne’s Faculty of Economics and Commerce contains the Asian Economic Centre, the Centre for Actuarial Studies, and the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research.
- Courses are available in accounting and business, information systems, finance, economics, management, and many non-business disciplines.
University Study in Australia: University of Sydney
- University of Sydney is Australia's oldest and most prestigious university. It is ranked 38th in the world in the 2013 QS World Rankings and is consistently among the top three universities in Australia.
- Business and marketing education students can take courses in general psychology, economics, finance as well as choose from the full range of university course offerings.
- Review the U Credit Abroad Search to view course equivalencies that have been approved for major requirements.
- Modern laboratories, a brand new economics and business building, and internship opportunities are just a few of the highlights.
New Zealand
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.
- Courses of relevant interest include economics, finance, marketing, strategic management, and management information systems.
South Korea
University Study in South Korea: Korea University
- Korea University, located in Seoul, teaches many courses in English as a strategy to position Koreans for the global workforce; study abroad students take courses alongside Korean students.
- Extremely broad range of courses offered, many focused specifically on Korea or Asia.
- No prior Korean is required. Some additional courses available in Korean for students proficient in the language.
Thailand
MSID: Entrepreneurship in Thailand
- Fall and spring semester
- Take classes and do an internship or research project focused on entrepreneurship and business in Thailand
- No language prerequisite
MSID: Sustainability in Thailand
- Fall and spring semester
- Take classes and do an internship or research project focused on sustainability, and specifically sustainable food systems and tropical agriculture in Thailand
- No language prerequisite
There is also MSID: Health in Thailand and MSID: Human Rights in Thailand. Contact your OLPD Advisor if interested in any of the MSID programs.
Europe
Denmark
Study Abroad in Denmark—International Business
- Develop solid knowledge of the European business environment through business visits and study tours as well as classes in economics, marketing, and business.
- Program includes study tours within Denmark and other European countries.
- No language prerequisite.
France
- Take business courses at the prestigious University of Montpellier alongside French and international students.
- Courses specifically designed for business & marketing students. Optional course with visits to lab and industry available.
- No language prerequisite, but French track is available for students with a minimum of 4 semesters college-level French.
Ireland
- Take Business classes at the University College Dublin which include marketing, management, and accounting.
- Opportunity to participate in an optional internship. Internship sites will likely be with small start-up companies, so you can work closely with employees to obtain a glimpse into the inner workings of a small business.
Italy
- Take classes in entrepreneurship, consumerism, art, art history and more.
- Courses of interest to BME students might include “Cross-Cultural Psychology,” “History and Sociology of Modern Consumerism,” and “Entrepreneurship: Small Business in Florence.”
- Review the U Credit Abroad Search to view course equivalencies that have been approved for major requirements.
- Many small business internship sites are available that cater to tourists. Internships could focus on marketing, publicity, and exposure to the inner workings of small Florentine businesses.
- No language prerequisite, however, students can study the Italian language to facilitate interaction with locals.
Spain
- Take business-related coursework in addition to a variety of courses available focusing on culture, history, and language.
- Past internships have included work with entrepreneurs, small local businesses, and multinational corporations.
- Live with a Spanish host family or in a local dormitory.
- English-taught coursework and English speaking internships available in a variety of fields.
United Kingdom
- Offers a 3-credit or 6-credit credit professional internship placement along with coursework in the humanities, social sciences, and business. Students participating in internships are required to enroll in the Global Internship Program course.
- Review the U Credit Abroad Search to view course equivalencies that have been approved for major requirements.
- Past internships have included the Fitness First Health Club, Queens Park Rangers (a local football club), small local businesses, and multinational corporations.
University Study in the UK: Queen Mary, University of London
- Queen Mary is located near the center of London, yet it maintains a strong sense of campus community.
- Students may take Microeconomics 1, Macroeconomics 1 or a variety of other courses in many different fields.
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.
- A wide breadth of courses are available within the Adam Smith Business School. Courses that may be of particular interest to BME students include “Project Management,” “Innovation and Participation At Work,” and “Managing Diversity in Organizations.”
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.