“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
Human Resource Development Recommendations
Map your academic plan with your departmental or academic adviser
- As soon as you have chosen a study abroad program, use an Academic Planning for Study Abroad (APSA) Form to facilitate a discussion 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, most 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: Human Resource Development
- While an active HRD student, you may fulfill your HRD 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 HRD 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 HRD 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 HRD 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: Psychology minor students should consult with the Psychology department.)
Financing Learning Abroad
Many learning 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)
- 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 business management, entrepreneurship, and human resources management.
- 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 human resource management, human behavior in organizations, economics, entrepreneurship, and business finance.
- English is the official language and instruction is in English.
- Fall semester, spring semester, or academic year.
Senegal
MSID—International Development in Senegal
- Program focuses on international development in the context of Senegal through coursework in the first half of the semester and an internship project in the latter half.
- Work with on-site staff to integrate HRD related issues to fulfill internship requirements (see above).
- Instruction is in French; minimum 4 levels of college level French required. Wolof and advanced French language offered.
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—International Development in Ecuador
- Program focuses on international development in the context of Ecuador through coursework in the first half of the semester and an internship project in the latter half.
- Work with on-site staff to integrate HRD related issues to fulfill internship requirements (see above).
- Instruction is in Spanish; 4 semesters of college-level Spanish is required.
Asia and Oceania
Australia
- Offers a 6 credit professional internship placement along with coursework in the humanities, social sciences, and business.
- Past internships have included Trace Personnel and Mondo Search (employee recruitment firms) in addition to 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.
- Offers a wide variety of courses that may work for your major, including international human resource management, business and management writing, managerial strategies in organizing work, and technical writing.
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.
- Courses are available in organizational management, talent management, and human resources through the Department of Work and Organizational Studies.
- 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 offers students exceptional academics against the backdrop of New Zealand’s South Island. Dunedin is a welcoming college town with easy access to many outdoor and recreational activities including horseback riding, hiking, and skiing.
- Courses of relevant interest are microeconomics, macroeconomics, human resource management, and communication skills.
Thailand
MSID-International Development in Thailand
- Academic program built around grassroots development internships. Homestays and internship/research further enrich cultural immersion. Based in Chiang Mai, but with internship options outside the city.
- Work with on-site staff to integrate HRD related issues to fulfill internship requirements (see above).
- Instruction is in English; no prior Thai language is required.
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.
Germany
IES Berlin—Business Studies in Berlin
- Courses are offered at the IES (International Education for Students) Center and the Berlin School of Economics in addition to German language courses.
- Courses of interest include "Economics of Reprivatization in the New Europe" and "Business and Trade with Central and Eastern Europe."
Ireland
- Take classes at University College Dublin including courses in Human Resource Management.
- Internship sites will likely be with small start-up companies, so you can work closely with the employees and get a glimpse into the inner workings of a small business.
Spain
- Excellent program for students also completing a Spanish minor with upper-division Spanish courses as well as courses on the history and culture of Spain.
- A few business internships available. Internships placements will likely be with small local businesses within Toledo, so you can work closely with employees and deepen your Spanish language skills.
- Four semesters of college-level Spanish required.
- Take business-related coursework in addition to a variety of courses available on culture, history, and language.
- Past internships have included 360cs (helps entrepreneurs develop business), MadridEasy (helps international students find housing) in addition to small local businesses and multinational corporations.
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.
- Human resource development courses include theories of management, human resource management, and organizational behavior.
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.