Learning Abroad Center

Learning Abroad in Kinesiology

Department Recommendations

Recommendations by Academic Year

Freshman Year

  • Start looking into different study abroad experiences now—plan for how long you want to be abroad, and where you want to study.
  • Start researching financial aid options and scholarships.
  • A May-term study abroad trip is a great way for Freshman to get their feet wet with Learning Abroad.

Sophomore Year

  • Plan to take classes that fulfill requirements for application to the Kinesiology major, and/or Liberal Education requirements.

Junior and Senior Years

  • Talk with your Kinesiology Major adviser about courses in the program you are attending that could meet your major requirements; and talk with your CEHD adviser about liberal education requirements.
  • Consider a learning abroad opportunity that includes a volunteer or field experience opportunity.
  • Faulty led, short-term winter break, May, or summer sessions are wonderful options.

How will the study abroad program fulfill my requirements?

Liberal Education

You may take liberal education requirements through study abroad. Consult the Learning Abroad Center’s U Credit Abroad Search of study abroad courses that have been evaluated and approved to meet UofM liberal education requirements, or submit a course online to be evaluated for liberal education requirements.

Major Requirements

With careful planning, and depending upon the program you choose, it is possible to take courses to fulfill Kinesiology B.S. core and sub-plan courses, as well as participate in Internship or Directed Study opportunities. Consult with your departmental academic adviser regarding your specific needs and situation.

Map your academic plan with your adviser

  • Kinesiology B.S. students planning on studying abroad will need to start working on their Academic Planning for Study Abroad (APSA) Form form as soon as they have chosen a program.
  • Once you have chosen the courses you want to take abroad (first choice and back-ups), fill out the APSA with the course designators and course descriptions, and meet with your departmental and college adviser for approval of courses.
  • Meet with your departmental and college advisers at least three months prior to your scheduled departure for your study abroad program. Your Kinesiology adviser must review and approve any courses you want to count toward your major requirements.

It is recommended that you make a plan for courses that you will register for upon your return to the University of Minnesota before you leave for your study abroad program.

College/Department Scholarships for UofM Students

Nonaffiliated Programs

CEHD strongly encourages students to participate in UofM-sponsored or affiliated programs, which have been vetted and approved by the Learning Abroad Center or another unit on campus. The UofM has close working relationships with hundreds of affiliated programs that are high quality in terms of academic standards, housing, cultural immersion, health and safety and administrative support services. CEHD encourages you to choose program options found on the Learning Abroad Center website. Occasionally CEHD students inquire about nonaffiliated programs, approval and support for nonaffiliated programs is highly unlikely.

Programs

Africa & 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 through the Department of Sports Science. Course approval from the School of Kinesiology is required for major or minor degree requirements.
  • 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, is one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa.
  • Course offerings are available through the Department of Physical Education and Sports Studies. Course approval from the School of Kinesiology is required for major or minor degree requirements.
  • English is the official language and instruction is in English.
  • Fall semester, spring semester, or academic year.

Kenya

Empowering Youth Through Sport 

  • Term: May Term 2023 in Nairobi, Iten, Eldoret, & Mombasa, Kenya.
  • Explore how sports, from soccer to yoga to marathons, are all important to a wide range of people in Kenya.
  • Engage in service projects and discuss activity in the context of Kenyan culture, while remaining cognizant of your own American culture.
  • This program is led by Daheia Barr-Anderson, Assistant Professor of Kinesiology, and is approved for Kinesiology B.S. major focus elective.

Asia and Oceania

Australia

Study & Intern in Sydney

  • Program term: Fall or Spring Semester, Summer Term
  • Summer internship program available
  • Offers courses in humanities and social sciences for liberal education credit
  • Past placements include: NSW Institute of Sport, State Sports Center, Basketball Australia

James Cook University (available through IFSA Australia)

  • Program term: Fall Semester, Spring Semester, Academic Year, Calendar Year
  • The Sport and Exercise science courses focus on the role of exercise in the enhancement of human performance in occupational, education, sport, exercise and leisure settings
  • James Cook University provides a great academic base from which to explore the Great Barrier Reef, tropical rainforest and outback

University of Wollongong (available through IFSA Australia)

  • Program term: Fall Semester, Spring Semester, Academic Year, Calendar Year
  • Courses offered through the Faculty (Department) of Health and Behavioural Sciences
  • Wollongong is located about 90 minutes south of Sydney and offers proximity to the mountains and beach. With a stunning natural environment, thriving industry, and a blend of big and small city characteristics, it is an ideal place to study
  • Consistently ranked as one of Australia's top universities, the University of Wollongong offers top-quality programs, individualized attention and an inviting campus filled with streams, gardens and wildlife

University of Queensland (available through IFSA Australia)

  • The Sports and Physical Recreation Association has outstanding sports facilities, including an Olympic-sized pool, sauna and spa, tennis and squash courts, a gym, playing fields, and even a sports medicine center
  • Courses of interest include Motor Control and Learning, Psychology of Sport and Exercise, Sociocultural Foundations of Human Movement, Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, Health and Fitness through Diet and Exercise, Physical Activity and Health, Biophysical Foundations of Human Movement, Sport and Physical Activity in Society: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives

New Zealand

University Study in New Zealand: University of Auckland

  • Program term: Fall Semester, Spring Semester, Academic Year, Calendar Year
  • New Zealand’s largest university, located in its largest city. About one out of every three New Zealanders lives in Auckland, a subtropical city on the North Island
  • Study abroad students have the opportunity to participate in their Clinical Exercise Physiology Programme, which contains a 200-hour clinical practicum, as well as two academic courses to meet both theoretical and practical requirements for their degree and professional registration. Practicum hours will take place at their Health and Rehabilitation Clinic, where students will deliver exercise rehabilitation services to clinical populations, especially individuals who have cardiac, musculoskeletal, neurological, pulmonary, immunological, neoplastic, mood, and metabolic disorders, as well as post-surgical cases.

University Study in New Zealand: University of Otago

  • Program term: Fall Semester, Spring Semester, Academic Year, Calendar Year
  • The University of Otago, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the Southern Hemisphere, is located in Dunedin, on New Zealand's South Island
  • Dunedin, New Zealand's "college town," is friendly and intimate with a population of 120,000 and a thriving student population. While there is a relaxed feel about the city, opportunities abound for pursuing outdoor and sporting activities
  • Take classes in Sport Management through the School of Physical Education
  • Courses of interest include Exercise Testing and Prescription, Nutrition for Exercise and Sport, Sports Injuries, Sport and Exercise Psychology, Coaching

Europe

France

Sports & Culture in France

  • Program term: May Term, 3 credits, 3 weeks
  • Study sports tourism, sports psychology and sports pedagogy in one of France's most sporty cities.
  • Approved for Kinesiology B.S. focus elective.

Ireland

University Study in Ireland: University of Limerick

  • Program Term: Fall Semester, Spring Semester, Academic Year
  • Study in Limerick, located in western Ireland on the banks of the Shannon River
  • The Physical Education and Sport Sciences (PESS) department in the University of Limerick is the principal centre in the republic for tertiary education and research in Physical Education and one of the main centres for the teaching of Sport and Exercise Sciences
  • The University offers innovative academics, state-of-the-art sports facilities, and vibrant campus life

Study Abroad in Dublin - Dublin City University Track

  • Program Term: Fall Semester, Spring Semester
  • This "Dublin City University" track will allow students to enroll directly at Dublin City University (DCU), a university located north of the city center, and spread out between a few smaller campuses. Notable subjects include Journalism, Education, and Kinesiology.

United Kingdom

Study & Intern in London

  • Program Term: Fall Semester, Spring Semester, Summer Term
  • Offers an internship and courses in humanities and social sciences for liberal education credit
  • Earn 6 credits of professional internship placement
  • Past placements include Lansdowne Club, Wembley Hospital, Pimlico Secondary School, St. Katherine’s Health Club

University of Leeds (available through IFSA United Kingdom)

  • Program Term: Academic Year, Fall Semester, Spring Semester
  • The University of Leeds is one of Britain’s largest universities and has an international reputation for excellence
  • Courses are available through the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences
  • Courses include Performance Physiology, Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology, Social Processes in Sport and Exercise, Physiological Assessment of Exercise in Health and Disease

University Study in the United Kingdom: University of Glasgow

  • Program Term: Fall Semester, Spring Semester, Academic Year
  • Courses in Sports Science; Exercise and Sports Nutrition; Biomedical; Biomedical Sciences
  • Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, is a lively place to live and study. Glasgow is a friendly and welcoming multicultural city which has recently been voted "politest city in the UK."
  • Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is the fourth oldest university in the United Kingdom, and consistently ranks as one of the UK's most highly-rated schools.

Additional Options to Consider

LAC Global Seminars

  • 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.

LAC Freshman Seminars

  • 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.

Additional LAC Seminars

  • 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.

Intensive Language Programs

  • 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.