“Beyond gaining an international perspective, the process of planning for study abroad gives the student valuable experience.”
David Smith, Nutrition Program Chair
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
Botswana
University of Botswana (offered through ISEP Botswana)
- Located in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana and has a student body of 18,000.
- Botswana is a country with political freedom that ensures that frank and intense debates occur on a regular basis concerned with issues related to economic, social and political development.
- The University of Botswana is widely known for African studies, environmental science, humanities and social sciences.
- Instruction is in English; no prior study of an African language is required.
- Fall semester, spring semester, or academic year.
Ghana
University of Ghana (available through ISEP Ghana)
- Comprehensive university on the outskirts of the capital, Accra, one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa.
- ISEP students can also take advantage of local language classes, volunteering, independent study & research opportunities as well as excursions planned for ISEP students.
- ISEP students studying in Ghana thrive in fields such as African studies, business, geography and resource development, agriculture, social sciences and public health.
- English is the official language of Ghana and instruction is in English.
- Fall semester, spring semester, or academic year.
South Africa
University of Cape Town (offered through IES South Africa)
- Program type: University Study
- Post-Apartheid South Africa is attempting one of history’s most dramatic transformations in race relations; yet class inequality remains vexing even as racial inequality begins to diminish.
- UCT and UKN are both strong in African archaeology, history, literature, political science, sociology; UCT also in religious studies and African languages, UKN in art history and geography.
- Instruction is in English; no prior study of an African language us required. Fall or spring semester, academic or calendar year.)
Europe
Denmark & Sweden
Exploring the New Nordic: Food Seasonality & Sustainability in Denmark & Sweden
- Learn about the culinary movement know as New Nordic and it's focus on hyper local food production on this May term program.
- Explore Nordic cuisine through actives like foraging, visiting food producers, and urban gardens.
- The program will visit Copenhagen, Denmark and Stockholm, Sweden as a case study allowing students to see the similarities and differences in these food cultures.
France
IES France—Paris French Studies
- Program type: Study Abroad Center (plus University Study)
- Language and area studies program whose course offerings include some on the Francophone world. Also available: internships and courses in Paris universities.
- Sample courses: The Maghreb & Arab World; Francophone Paris; France & Francophone Africa; Contemporary France; Gender Relations in the Francophone World.
- Instruction is in French; two years prior college language study required. Fall semester, spring semester, or academic year.
Language & Culture in Southern France
- Program type: University Study and Study Abroad Center (two tracks)
- UofM program in Montpellier, a city with large West and North African immigrant populations. Permits a mix of center courses, regular Université Paul Valéry courses, and internships.
- Students in the University Study track may also take language and culture courses from the Center track; these include some civilization and culture courses, although no courses on Africa.
- Instruction is in French; one year French prerequisite for center track, two for university study track. Fall or spring semester, academic year, or a summer intensive language program.
Greece
Greek Agriculture & Gastronomy: A Taste of the Mediterranean
- Gain firsthand experience with Greek food industry, agricultural traditions, and their impacts and benefits on Greek life and culture on this May term program.
- Participate on visits to industry sites including vineyards and an agricultural cooperative, and discuss topics from olive oil, to European dairy regulations and cheese production.
Italy
Sustainable Food Systems of Italy
- Learn about past and present Italian culture through the foods, their cultural importance, and the concepts of sustainability on this May term program.
- Study aspects of sustainability and ethics in the context of cultural, social, economic, and environmental considerations in which food is produced, prepared, and eaten.
United Kingdom
University Study in the UK: Queen Mary University of London
- Program type: University Study
- QM’s academic departments, library, students’ union, and administrative buildings are all on one campus in the multicultural East End, making it unique among the traditional London colleges.
- Most remarkable about Queen Mary is the extraordinary diversity of both the campus and the surrounding East End community, which include many people with African or West Indian roots.
- Academic year (summer also available through IFSA United Kingdom).
School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London (available through IFSA United Kingdom)
- Program type: University Study
- Located in the heart of London, SOAS was founded in 1916, at the height of the British Empire, and has become one of the worlds’ great centers of expertise on Africa/Asia/Middle East.
- Many departments offer African courses, including Anthropology, Art/Archeology, Economics, History, Music, Languages/Cultures (7 African languages taught), Law, Political Studies.
- Fall semester, spring semester, or academic year.
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.