"I would strongly encourage our students to take advantage of the learning abroad programs. Learning abroad is a unique opportunity for individual and professional growth, helping students gain a greater understanding of the world and broader ways of thinking through invaluable cultural, academic, and life experiences."
Metin Çakır, Associate Professor
Important Considerations
- The department is extremely supportive of students going abroad at different points within your academic career. There is flexibility within the major for you to complete requirements abroad. Planning is an important part in this process, so it’s important for you to stay in contact with your adviser, major coordinator, and faculty mentor.
- Many students go abroad during Sophomore or Junior year. If you are a transfer student, you are also encouraged to go abroad; Junior year tends to work best. Senior year doesn’t always work well, but it isn’t impossible.
- There is flexibility for you to complete both long-term or short-term programs, but you should speak to your advisers prior to confirming your participation so you can plan academically.
- Going abroad could be a great way to complete a minor.
- Having an international experience can give you a competitive edge in the job market after graduation.
Nonaffiliated Programs
CFANS strongly encourages you 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 & the Middle East
Botswana
University of Botswana - ISEP Direct
- The University of Botswana is located in the capital city of Gaborone, a cosmopolitan city with excellent public transportation, museums, and shopping.
- Take university courses like Managing in a Global Business Environment, Business Ethics, Business Finance, Supply Chain Management, Principles of Management
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, Nutrition and Food Science, Food Process Engineering, Soil Science, Economics, Crop Science
Morocco
Climate Resilience in Agriculture: Exploring Diverse Regions and Empowering Youth in Morocco
- A 3-week May CFANS-sponsored program where students will learn about the impact of climate change on agriculture in Morocco's various regions and how environmental policy is implemented.
- Meet with Moroccan youth to learn about the realities of pursuing agricultural and environmental work in a changing climate.
- Visit different environmental regions of the country from an oasis to the desert to the mountains.
Senegal
MSID - Entrepreneurship in Senegal
- Study economically viable business activities driven by a strong social mission, while focusing on economic and social activities of surrounding Ecuadorian communities.
- Take the course "Entrepreneurship & Inclusive Finance" and apply what you learn on an internship or research.
- Requires 4 semesters of college level French.
Americas
Argentina
Study & Intern in Buenos Aires
- Study language and culture in Buenos Aires, the political and economic heart of Argentina. You can take a breadth of courses in economics and Argentine history
- No language prerequisite; courses available in English including "The Global Economy" and "International Marketing"
Costa Rica
IFSA Costa Rica - Universidad Nacional Partnership
- A good fit for students who are interested in living somewhere with easy access to sustainable living and nature, where they can also improve their Spanish.
- Take classes in economics, agronomy, and business are available.
Asia & 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, SDNY 3375: Global Internship Program, SDNY 3024: Global Workforce Management, SDNY 3025: Managing Global Supply Chains, SDNY 3022: International Economics, and SDNY 3021: International Finance
- This program also offers a 3-credit internship in multinational and local businesses and firms in Sydney
University of Melbourne (available through IFSA Australia)
- Possible areas of study include agricultural marketing, agricultural policy and international trade, and resource economics and management
- Course offerings include: accounting, business law, commerce, econometrics, economics and environmental studies, finance, management, marketing economics, and more
New Zealand
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
Coffee, Chocolate, & Cannabis: Agroecology & Entrepreneurship in Thailand
- Spend 6 weeks in Chiang Mai, Thailand, an emerging global center for specialty coffee, artisanal chocolate, and medicinal cannabis.
- Complete a 4-week internship or independent research project focused on your preferred area of study related to coffee, cacao, or cannabis production.
MSID - Entrepreneurship in Thailand
- Take the course "Entrepreneurship & Business: From Street Stalls to Global Enterprises" which focuses on entrepreneurship in Thailand/Southeast Asia and sectors in which these businesses operate.
- Complete a 6-week internship or research project in your area of interest; a sample internship includes working with a successful local chocolate company that utilizes local ingredients and is expanding to new markets
- Courses taught in English
MSID - Sustainability in Thailand
- Take the course "Sustainable Food Systems & Tropical Agriculture" which focuses on sustainable agriculture, both subsistence and cash crops, and agricultural commodity production.
- Complete a 6-week internship or research project in your area of interest; a sample internship includes working with organic farms that utilize agritourism or community supported agriculture business models
- Courses taught in English
Europe
Denmark
- Program combines classroom teaching, local field studies, and study tours in Denmark and Europe
- You can enroll in courses like European Business Strategy: Case Studies, Sustainable Food: Production and Consumption, or Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Europe, and sign up for electives like International Marketing and Branding, Social Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Business Strategy, and Digital Media in Marketing
France
- Developed in conjunction with the Carlson School of Management, program is based at the University of Montpellier
- Fall or Spring semester, Academic year
- Taught in English and/or French, French language class required alongside additional electives
- Courses specifically designed for business & marketing students
- Course with visits to labs and industry available
Greece
Greek Agriculture & Gastronomy: A Taste of the Mediterranean
- A Spring B + 2-week May CFANS-sponsored program where students gain firsthand experience with Greek food industry, agricultural traditions, and their impacts and benefits on Greek life and culture.
- Visit industry sites including vineyards and an agricultural cooperative.
- Experience interactive lectures on topics like olive oil, to European dairy regulations and cheese production.
Italy
Sustainable Food Systems of Italy
- 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
University Study in Italy: Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
- Available sample courses include: Marketing Strategies in an International Setting, Sustainability & Food Law, Management and Organization in the Digital Economy, Food Production Management, and Food Economics
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 3227: Global Workforce Management, LNDN 3753: International Economics, LNDN 3228: Managing Global Supply Chains, LNDN 3752: International Marketing, and LNDN 3375: Global Internship Program
- This program also offers a 3-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.
- 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.