“Based on my personal experience, I can say that learning a new language and about other countries and cultures broadens your horizon, enriches your life with a global perspective, and opens doors to your future in ways you cannot yet imagine.”
F. Abel Ponce de Leon, Senior Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs, College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences
Important Considerations
- If you are planning on applying to veterinary school, be aware that most veterinary school interviews take place during the spring semester of your senior year.
- Foundation, Professional, and Area Emphasis Requirements can be taken abroad with careful planning and approval of your academic adviser and major coordinator.
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
Kenya
School for Field Studies Kenya - Endangered Species
- Examine how climate change, resource competition, and shifting land management practices are transforming the ecosystems of endangered species in Kenya.
- Study chimpanzees at Tanzania’s Gombe Stream Research Center, in the very forests where Goodall’s discoveries reshaped our understanding of animal intelligence and social structures.
Tanzania
School for Field Studies Tanzania - Wildlife Management Studies
- Meet Tanzania’s charismatic wildlife, from magnificent lions and elephants to thunderous herds of wildebeest and zebras, as you learn about their ecology and behavior.
- Embark on a multi-day camping expedition in Serengeti National Park, attending field lectures on the ecology and migratory patterns of the ecosystem’s teeming wildlife.
Americas
Argentina
IFSA Study in Buenos Aires: Pre-veterinary Medicine
- Ideal for aspiring vets, this program blends relevant academics and amazing opportunities for hands-on learning through internships, directed research, and volunteering, and networking.
- Sample classes include Animal Genetics, International Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Spanish, and Animal Population Health.
- No language prerequisite, however, four semesters of university-level Spanish or equivalent for internship or directed research opportunities.
Costa Rica
Universidad Nacional Autonoma (available through IFSA Costa Rica)
- The Universidad Nacional Autonoma is located in the beautiful city of Heredia just outside of the capital city, San Jose
- Take advanced Spanish and additional regular university courses in areas such as Swine Production, Beef Production, Animal Nutrition and Animal Health
Asia & Oceania
Australia
University of Melbourne (available through IFSA Australia)
- The University of Melbourne is one of Australia’s leading universities
- Its Institute for Food Resources offers extensive courses, including Animal Breeding, Equine Management Systems and Comparative Nutrition
University Study in Australia: University of Sydney
- The University of Sydney is Australia’s oldest and one of its most prestigious universities
- The University of Sydney’s undergraduate program in Animal Science is particularly strong in beef and dairy production
- Courses in Cattle Science and Production, Animal Biotechnology and Animal Genetics
University of Queensland, Brisbane (available through IFSA Australia)
- The University of Queensland’s tropical location provides a unique opportunity to study animal science
- Choose from a wide variety of courses, including Grazing Animal Management, Veterinary Nutrition and Food Animal Reproduction
Sri Lanka
- Situated in the India Ocean off the coast of southeastern India, Sri Lanka is a tropical island destination that offers students access to an affordable program in a unique location.
- Sample courses include: Primate Evolution, Climate Change Impacts in Tropical Ecology, and Biodiversity in Sri Lanka.
- Courses taught in English, with the opportunity to study local languages like Sinhala and Timil.
- Match with a local university student who will be your learning partner, helping you gain an understanding of the culture
Thailand
- A great option for pre-vet students looking for an internship or research.
- Study the close link between environmental, animal, and human welfare and its impact on community health in Thailand.
- Internship placements with a local elephant hospital.
Europe
Ireland
University Study in Ireland—University College Dublin
- Study in Ireland’s lively capital city of Dublin
- University College Dublin is Ireland’s largest and most comprehensive university
- Possible areas of study include Animal Husbandry, Animal Breeding and Fundamentals of Biotechnology
University Study in Ireland: University of Limerick
- Study in western Ireland on the banks of the Shannon River
- The university has an undergraduate program in Equine Science that may be of particular interest
- Take courses in Equine Physiology, Equine Health and Disease and Equine Performance
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.