“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.
Study Abroad Process
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?
- More than 250 programs in 70 countries 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. See the U Credit Abroad Search.
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
MSID—International Development in Kenya
- Program focuses on international development in the context of Kenya through coursework in the first half of the semester and an internship project in the latter half.
- Work along-side host nationals on development projects
- Internships are individualized
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.
- Work along-side host nationals on development projects
- Internships are individualized
Americas
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 project in the latter half.
- 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 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 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
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 IFSA United Kingdom 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 Edinburgh
- Choose from a variety of courses in Nutritional Science
Additional Options to Consider
Many other options are available through CFANS.
Non-Credit Opportunities
Non-credit opportunities can be a great option for students who do not need academic credit but want to gain skills and experience abroad related to their field of study.
Student Experiences
Visit the Learning Abroad Center's Student Experiences web page for details on other students' experiences studying abroad.
