group of U of M Students in front of a windmill in Spain

Learning Abroad in Nutrition

    “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.

    Important Considerations

    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 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 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.