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 freshmen to get their feet wet with Learning Abroad.
Sophomore Year
- Plan to take classes that fulfill requirements for application to the Physical Activity and Health Promotion major and Liberal Education requirements.
- Once admitted into the major, talk with your School of Kinesiology Physical Activity and Health Promotion major adviser (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.
Junior and Senior Years
- Talk with your Physical Activity and Health Promotion major adviser about faulty-led, short-term winter break, May, or summer sessions.
How will the study abroad program fulfill my requirements?
Liberal Education
You may take liberal education requirements by studying abroad. Consult the Learning Abroad Center’s U Credit Abroad Search for 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 Physical Activity and Health Promotion B.S. required and elective courses and participate in Internship or Directed Study opportunities. Consult with your major adviser regarding your specific needs and situation.
Map your academic plan with your adviser
- Physical Activity and Health Promotion B.S. students planning to study abroad must 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 major adviser and college adviser to approve courses.
- Meet with your major adviser and college adviser at least three months before your scheduled departure for your study abroad program. Your major adviser must review and approve any courses you want to count toward your major requirements.
It is recommended that you plan for courses you will register for upon your return to the University of Minnesota before leaving for your study abroad program.
College/Department Scholarships for UofM Students
- CEHD students can apply for CEHD Study Abroad Scholarships and other Learning Abroad Center scholarships.
Programs
Africa & Middle East
Botswana
University of Botswana (offered through ISEP Botswana)
- The comprehensive university in Gaborone, Botswana's capital, has a student body of 18,000.
- The university is a comprehensive institution offering courses in the liberal arts and sciences and several 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)
- A comprehensive university on the capital's outskirts, 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
Youth Sports in Kenya: Empowerment through Movement
- Term: May Term 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.
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 in the latter half
- Past internship placements include social work agencies, youth projects, women’s groups, orphanages, health clinics, community centers, and many more.
- Be sure to connect with your departmental adviser regarding how your internship credit might transfer back to your degree program.
Americas
Ecuador
Health in Ecuador: Humans, Animals, & Ecosystems
- Term: Spring Break (Spring Semester on campus)
- Learn about the intersection between animal health, human health, and the environment by studying the history and ecosystems of Ecuador.
- During spring break week, you will apply the knowledge learned in the early spring semester to observations and experiences in Ecuador.
- Site visits and discussions will explore the culture of Ecuador, human, animal, and ecosystem health in tropical rainforest and reef ecosystems including the culture, livelihood, and health of indigenous populations; conservation efforts; and ecotourism
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 in the latter half
- Past internship placements include social work agencies, youth projects, women’s groups, orphanages, health clinics, community centers, and many more.
- Health focused curriculum explores public health and traditional Andean medicine.
Asia and Oceania
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, educational, sport, exercise, and leisure settings
- James Cook University provides a great academic base from which to explore the Great Barrier Reef, tropical rainforest and the 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, 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
India
- Term: Winter Break (Spring semester on campus)
- This global experience will allow you to more fully understand health, healthcare, and public health in the context of a historical culture and a rapidly developing economy of India.
- Explore areas in and around Mysore, India, to compare the social and cultural contexts of Indian and American health and medicine. While abroad, take classes at Vivekananda Institute of Indian Studies (VIIS), an educational institution of the Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement (SVYM), a leading NGO in the field of health and development in India.
- Field visits and excursions will illuminate the coursework
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
- Take classes in Exercise Sciences and Population Health. Example courses include EXERSCI 105: Exercise Prescription, EXERSCI 206: Sport Nutrition, EXERSCI 207: Sport Psychology, POPLHLTH 101: Introduction to Health Systems, POPLHLTH 203: Health Promotion: Philosophy & Practice, & POPLHLTH 210: Equity & Inequities in Health, to name a few.
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 through the School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Sciences, as well as the Department of Human Nutrition.
- Example courses include: HUNT245: Sport and Exercise Nutrition, SPEX 205: Physical Activity and Health, SPEX 307: Coaching, Leadership, and Mentoring, SPEX 308: Psychology of Physical Activity, and CMCH 201: Human Health Across the Lifespan, to name a few.
Thailand
MSID—International Development in Thailand
- Based in Chiang Mai, Thailand; Instruction is in English; no prior Thai required
- Explore the complexities created by issues such as environment, globalization, public health, and social justice
- Contribute to an internship or research project with a nonprofit organization
- Term: Winter Break (Spring semester on campus)
- In Thailand, gain an understanding of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the intersection between animal health, human health, and the environment.
- Explore areas in and around Chiang Mai, Thailand, to compare the social and cultural contexts of Thai and American health and medicine. Visit a variety of elephant conservation camps and hospitals, Chiang Mai University, a rural village, the district Public Health Office, and a human hospital.
- Field visits and excursions will illuminate the coursework
Europe
France
Sustainable Approaches to Health in France
- Term: May Session (Spring Semester)
- Explore innovative health care and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals in Montpellier
- This is an embedded spring semester course, with the abroad portion in France taking place over May session at the end of the semester and on-campus classes taking place in the second half of the spring semester
- For the on-campus portion of the course, a remote/distance option is available to University of Minnesota Rochester students
Ireland
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.
- Relevant coursework includes: Adapted Physical Activity, Physical Activity Psychology, Exercise Referral & Physical Activity Promotion
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 center for physical education and sport/exercise science.
- The University offers innovative academics, state-of-the-art sports facilities, and vibrant campus life.
Spain
Cross-Cultural Health in Spain and Study & Intern in Toledo
- Program location: Toledo, Spain
- Program term: fall semester, spring semester
- Courses offered include: Global Bioethics, Diversity and Global Health, Medical Spanish, Healthcare and Communications, and Comparative Public Health
- Health-related internships are available
- 4 semesters of college-level Spanish
- All courses taught in Spanish
United Kingdom
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; Community Engagement
- 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.
University Study in the UK: Queen Mary University, University of London
- Program term: fall or spring semester, academic year
- The only option in London with a campus environment, Queen Mary offers students the opportunity to live and study with British students
- Courses available in a wide range of science and liberal arts areas related to the major
- Fall or spring semester, academic year
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.