“Studying abroad expands students' experiences and understanding of culture in ways that impact them for a lifetime. I’d encourage students to explore how various learning abroad opportunities might fit into their program plans, as it can be one of the most memorable and impactful steps in personal and professional growth. We need communicators, educators, and leaders with a broad understanding of the world and with the ability to see issues through many different perspectives.”
Dr. Rebecca Swenson, Associate Professor and Major Coordinator, Agricultural Education, Communication & Marketing
Important Considerations
- Students are encouraged to complete the core AECM courses on campus. However, there is quite a bit of flexibility within the major to complete requirements for your program subplans (tracks) while abroad, so speak with your academic adviser and major coordinator to determine what would work best for your academic plan.
- For students in Subplan/Track A (Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences), Fall of Junior year is a great time to go abroad.
- Given the many short-term study abroad program options, students are encouraged to pursue these programs at any point during their academic career.
- Semester and year-long programs are great options for ACM students. The department strongly encourages students to take advantage of these programs, but to also keep in mind that it is important to start planning early by meeting with your academic adviser and major coordinator.
Nonaffiliated Programs
- CFANS 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. CFANS will not support or approve student participation in nonaffiliated programs.
Programs
Africa and the Middle East
Ghana
University of Ghana - ISEP Direct
- The University of Ghana is the largest of the four universities in Ghana and currently enrolls over 30,000 students. ISEP's programs at the University of Ghana also offer benefits above and beyond a typical ISEP program including facilitated volunteering, independent studies and research projects, internship opportunities, excursions and a Twi language course
- Course offerings include: Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, Agricultural Engineering, and Marketing & Entrepreneurship, and Communication Studies
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
- Students will engage with topics such as waste management in urban settings, mangrove swamps, the balance between practical needs and preservation, coastal preservation in Senegal (maritime erosion, the loss of biodiversity, difficulties access fishing waters), flooding in Dakar neighborhoods, recycling, and the repurposing of waste objects
- Work along-side host nationals on development projects
- Internships are individualized
South Africa
University of Cape Town (available through IES South Africa)
- Experience South African culture firsthand while learning alongside South African students. Study in an urban setting at the University of Cape Town. The University of Cape Town is South Africa’s oldest university and is one of Africa’s leading teaching and research institutions. The main campus occupies a beautiful site on the slopes of Table Mountain
- Courses available in English in environmental science, climate change, and sustainable development
- Semester, academic year, and calendar year options available
Tanzania
The School for Field Studies--Tanzania
- Wildlife Management Studies (Semester), Fundamentals of Wildlife Management (Summer Session I), and Carnivores of the African Plains (Summer Session II)
- This program examines the dynamic and complex real-world environmental issues on the ground in Tanzania. Concepts in wildlife management, behavioral ecology, impacts and adaptation to climate change, human-wildlife conflict, and community-based conservation
- 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
Chile
The School for Field Studies--Chile
- Wild Patagonia: Fire and Ice (Semester)
- This interdisciplinary program is designed to help students actively discover and understand the complexities of environmental, social, and economic issues in Chile.
- Major academic themes include: natural resources, Climate change impacts and resilience, Glacial dynamics, Geology and volcanic activity, Penguin behavior, Endangered species protection, Coastal and alpine ecology, Conservation strategy and practice, National park visitation and protected areas management
Costa Rica
The School for Field Studies--Costa Rica
- Semester: Sustainable Development Studies, Summer Session I: Biodiversity and Sustainable Food Systems, Summer Session II: Environmental Justice From the Ground Up
- Learn how different agricultural techniques have the potential to restore biodiversity and combat climate change. Study the sociocultural history of coffee and cacao, from Indigenous histories to modern production and exports
- Go behind the scenes at a local coffee farm and sustainable permaculture homestead to learn how Costa Ricans have successfully combined agriculture and conservation.
- 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
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 or research project in the latter half
- Through the course International Development: Environmental Challenges from the Andes to the Amazon students will examine cases that involve people's rights over the environment, food sovereignty, water management, climate change, sustainable development and local alternatives for natural resource management and conservation
- Work along-side host nationals on development projects
- Internships are individualized
Peru
The School for Field Studies--Peru
- Biodiversity and Development in the Amazon (Semester)
- Discuss threats to the region – from climate change to resource extraction – and get at the heart of Peru’s conservation and development issues. Experience flooded forests on a multi-day riverboat expedition and travel to the Andean highlands where you’ll visit cloud forests and the historic Incan capital of Cusco, the hub for visitors to Machu Picchu.
- All courses taught in English. No language prerequisite. One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental studies/science required for semester program. Only semester program available.
Asia and Oceania
Australia
- Take courses in international business, environmental studies and Australian politics
- Sample courses include: SDNY 3018: Advertising & Promotions, SDNY 3019: Advertising & Society, SDNY 3015: International Marketing, and SDNY 3375: Global Internship Program
- This program also offers a 6-credit internship in multinational and local businesses and firms in Sydney
University of Melbourne (available through IFSA Australia)
- Study at the University of Melbourne, one of Australia’s leading universities
- The Institute of Land and Food Resources offers courses in crop and soil science such as Plant Function, Food Processing, Experimental Design and Statistical Methods, Principles of Microbiology, The Politics of Food, Sustainable Food Production, and Sustainable Food: Policy and Practice
Cambodia
The School for Field Studies--Cambodia
- The interdisciplinary curriculum is designed to help students actively discover and understand the complexities of environmental, social, and economic issues in Cambodia
- Visit the ancient Angkor temples, study threats to biodiversity, learn about environmental justice and policy, and discuss traditional medicines with Indigenous communities
- Gain practical skills in the field such as: species identification and wildlife monitoring, elephant behavior analysis, conservation project proposals and grant writing, ethical reasoning, basic Khmer language skills, research design and implementation, quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, and research presentation.
- 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
Massey University (available through IFSA New Zealand)
- Massey University has a 70-year tradition of academic and research excellence across a wide range of disciplines
- Many courses available in the sciences, including nutritional science and unique complimentary courses such as Maori Health
University Study in New Zealand: University of Otago
- Located on New Zealand's south island, Dunedin is renowned for its natural beauty, as well as outdoor activities like hiking, biking, camping, surfing, rafting, diving, and climbing
- Fall or Spring semester
- The University of Otago offers management, accounting, economics, entrepreneurship, finance, international business, HR management, and marketing
Thailand
MSID - International Development in Thailand
- Program focuses on international development in the context of Ecuador through coursework in the first half of the semester and an internship or research project in the latter half
- Through the course International Development: Entrepreneurship & Sustainable Food Systems students will learn how farmers, businesses, entrepreneurs engage in the process of agricultural and entrepreneurial development and how this development impacts food systems
- Examine community supported agriculture; the growing, processing, and production of coffee, tea, and chocolate (cacao) in northern Thailand; growth of fair trade/fair work cafes; sustainable agricultural practices and community-supported agriculture; and community-based agrotourism
- Work along-side host nationals on development projects
- Internships are individualized
Europe
Denmark
- Program combines classroom teaching, local field studies, and study tours in Denmark and Europe
- Students can enroll in courses like Strategic Communications, and sign up for electives like International Marketing and Branding, International Advertising in a European Context, and Digital Media in Marketing
Ireland
- Enroll in courses taught at the at University College Dublin
- Available sample courses include: Food Policy, Organic Agriculture, Agri-Environmental Economics and Policy, Diversity in the Rural Landscape, Economics of Food, Principles of Dairy Production, and Environmental Management
Italy
Sustainable Food Systems of Sicily & Florence
- Abroad May term in Sicily and Florence, Italy
- Program will introduce you to past and present Italian culture through the foods, their cultural importance, and the concepts of sustainability
- Taught by Mike White, PhD, Morse Alumni Distinguished Professor in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences, as well as the former Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Faculty Affairs
University Study in Italy: Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
- Available sample courses include: Marketing Strategies in an International Setting, Sustainability & Food Law, Crop Protection, Persuasive Communication, Food Economics, and Nutrition and Food
United Kingdom
- Choose from courses in international trade, European economic history, international marketing in Europe, corporate finance, and Western European government and politics
- Sample courses include:LNDN 3251: Strategic Communications and Social Media, LNDN 3752: International Marketing, LNDN 3247: COMMUNICATE: Basic Acting Techniques for Confidence-Building and Better Presentations, and LNDN 3375: Global Internship Program
- This program also offers a 6-credit internship in multinational and local businesses and firms in London
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.