“Beyond gaining an international perspective, the process of planning for study abroad gives the student valuable experience.”
—David Smith, Nutrition Program Chair
As international understanding of the effects of food and nutrition on wellness and disease grows, there are many career opportunities for nutrition graduates with international experience. How does culture affect nutrition choices and behavior? How do other countries approach research and science differently? Consider complementing your Nutrition degree with a course like Chinese Diet Therapy or do an internship with a nutritionist in a hospital in London or a rural clinic in Ghana.
This is the basic process you'll complete in order to study abroad. The order in which you do things is somewhat flexible.
Academic Planning
Review the following suggestions from the Nutrition program before beginning your study abroad research.
How do I select a study abroad program?
- Over 300 programs are available to University of Minnesota students. The Department of Nutrition has worked closely with the Learning Abroad Center to select some programs that fit particularly well for Nutrition students. Consider your academic interests, your geographic interests, and your academic goals. Talk with your academic adviser and work with a Learning Abroad Center program selection adviser. You’ll find a program that fits your goals.
How will the study abroad program fulfill my requirements?
Liberal Education:
- Liberal education credits can easily be fulfilled abroad. All universities that qualify for study abroad offer courses that can fulfill requirements. The Learning Abroad Center has worked with the Office of Admissions to pre-approve many courses. Click here to view the U-Credit Abroad database.
Major requirements:
- Having a conversation with your academic advisers prior to studying abroad will help you make a more informed decision about which courses to take while you are overseas and provide you with a record of the decisions made. Your academic adviser may be able to point out additional considerations for you that are specific to your major, minor, or college of enrollment. Being aware of how your study abroad coursework can potentially fulfill your requirements can help you complete degree requirements more efficiently and quickly, helping you graduate on time.
- Work with your academic adviser to fill out the Academic Planning Study Abroad (APSA) form.
Programs
Africa and the Middle East
Kenya
Minnesota Studies in International Development (MSID)
- This “mini-Peace Corps” program offers credit through coursework, research, field placements, and internships
- Work along-side host nationals on development projects
- Internships are individualized
Senegal
Minnesota Studies in International Development (MSID)
- This “mini-Peace Corps” program offers credit through coursework, research, field placements, and internships
- Work along-side host nationals on development projects
- Internships are individualized
Americas
Ecuador
Minnesota Studies in International Development (MSID)
- This “mini-Peace Corps” program offers credit through coursework, research, field placements, and internships
- Work along-side host nationals on development projects
- Internships are individualized
Asia and Oceania
Japan
IES Tokyo
- Get an insider’s look at the relationship between the Japanese culture and food
- Learn Japanese and take courses in art, history, anthropology, economics, political science, or sociology
- Internships in nutrition are possible
New Zealand
Massey University (available through Butler 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
Europe
United Kingdom
University Study in the United Kingdom: Lancaster University
- Study at Lancaster University, a highly ranked teaching and research institution known for its innovative curricula
- Lancaster is well established as a center for science and pre-medical studies, and offers opportunities for independent research with experts in many fields
Middlesex University (available through Butler England or Arcadia England)
- Middlesex University, spread across six campuses in north London, offers liberal arts and science coursework, including herbal medicine, Chinese medicine, and midwifery
- Health and nutrition related internship and service-learning opportunities are available
University Study in the United Kingdom: University of Northumbria
- Northumbria University is located in Newcastle upon Tyne, which is less than 3 hours from London and 1 hour from Edinborough
- Choose from a variety of courses in Nutritional Science
Student Experiences
Visit the Learning Abroad Center's Student Experiences web page for details on other students' experiences studying abroad.
