"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 their academic career. There is flexibility within the major for students to complete requirements abroad. Planning is an important part in this process and so it’s important for students to stay in contact with their adviser, major coordinator, and faculty mentor.
- Many students go abroad during Sophomore or Junior year. Transfer students are also encouraged to go abroad; Junior year tends to work best. Senior year doesn’t tend to work well for students in the major, but it isn’t impossible.
- There is flexibility for students to complete both long-term or short-term programs, but students should speak to their advisers prior to confirming their participation so they 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 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, Nutrition and Food Science, Food Process Engineering, Soil Science, Economics, Crop Science
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
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
- 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 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
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, 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 6-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
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 agro-tourism
- 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 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
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, 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 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.