“Study abroad is the best way for you to indulge your curiosity about the world beyond our borders. Whether you are examining a thematic issue from a new perspective, immersing yourself in a particular region of concentration, or honing your language skills, your experiences abroad will force you to understand global studies in exciting new ways. There is simply no substitute for such an experience.”
Evelyn Davidheiser, Director, Institute for Global Studies
Academic Planning Recommendations
- Study abroad programs that are 6 weeks or longer fulfill your “experiential learning” requirement for the global studies major.
- Choose a study abroad program in your region to complete regional course requirements.
- Choose a study abroad based on your theme to complete thematic course requirements.
- Many programs can complete both theme and region requirements, especially programs that allow you to directly enroll at a foreign university.
- There is no “best” time for everyone to go abroad, although global studies majors often find that studying abroad during their sophomore or junior year works the best.
Liberal Education Requirements
Search the U Credit Abroad Search. You may also submit any liberal education course not yet evaluated for approval online.
Major and Minor Requirements
- Only upper-division courses will fulfill requirements in the global studies major.
- Keep in mind that GloS 3144 and GloS 3145, required courses for the major and minor, are offered only in the fall (GloS 3144) and spring (GloS 3145) semesters.
Who will advise me and help me with course approvals?
Learning Abroad Center advisers can help you find program and course information to help you prepare for your study abroad academic planning discussion with your academic adviser. Once you have narrowed your options, use the Academic Planning for Study Abroad (APSA) form to structure your academic planning.
College/Department Scholarships for UofM Students
- CLA students can apply for CLA Study Abroad Scholarships in addition to other Learning Abroad Center scholarships.
- Global Studies specific scholarships, specifically the Ralph Mendelson Scholarship and the Global Studies Undergraduate Study Abroad Scholarship
Programs
Africa & the Middle East
Botswana
University of Botswana (available through ISEP Botswana)
- Program type: University Study
- Located in Gaborone, the capital of one of Africa’s best governed and most stable countries, the University of Botswana has a student body of 12,000.
- Among the departments of inherent interest to global studies students are African languages and literatures, history, political & administrative studies, population studies, and sociology.
- Instruction is in English; no prior study of an African language is required. Fall semester, spring semester, or academic year.
- Major requirements most often satisfied: Regional—African electives; Thematic: Depending on coursework (see adviser).
Ghana
SIT Ghana: Globalization, Cultural Legacies, and the Afro-Chic
- Located in Accra
- Fall and spring semester
- Key topics include how Africa is represented in mainstream media discourse, the impact of new and emerging technology on Ghana's social landscapes, changes in class structure and processes driving change, and changing gender relations and the status of women
University of Ghana (available through ISEP Ghana)
- Program type: University Study
- Comprehensive university on the outskirts of the capital, Accra, supplemented by ISEP courses plus the option of doing a research project and/or a community-focused internship.
- Extensive African studies curriculum includes such disciplines as art history, anthropology, gender studies, geography, history, philosophy, political science, religious studies, sociology.
- Instruction is in English; no prior study of a West African language is required. Fall semester, spring semester, or academic year.
- Major requirements most often satisfied: Regional—African coursework (see adviser); Thematic—Depending on coursework (see adviser).
Israel
University Study in Israel: The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
- Program type: University Study
- Instruction at the Rothberg International School is in English; no prior Hebrew is required. Fall semester, spring semester, academic year, or summer. Summer offers coursework during either July or August sessions.
- The Rothberg International School also offers a six-week intensive Arabic program during the summer. Beginning and intermediate courses are available.
- Major requirements most often satisfied: Regional—Middle East coursework (see adviser); Thematic—Depending on coursework (see adviser). Can work well also for Arabic or Hebrew language study.
- Spring in Jerusalem—Honors Program is offered in the spring semester. Combines language study, research, and advanced coursework. Includes study tours and additional lectures. Available to outstanding students on a competitive basis.
Kenya
The School for Field Studies Kenya
- Program type: Study Center
- Examine how land-use practices within Maasai group ranches can be sustainably managed to promote both local economic livelihoods and wildlife conservation.
- This program examines the dynamic and complex real-world environmental issues on the ground in Kenya. Concepts in wildlife management, behavioral ecology, impacts and adaptation to climate change, human-wildlife conflict, and community-based conservation.
- Major requirements most often satisfied: Regional—African coursework (see adviser); Thematic—Depending on coursework (see adviser).
- All courses taught in English. No language prerequisite. One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental studies/science required for semester program. Semester and summer options available.
Madagascar
SIT Madagascar: Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management
- Located in Antananarivo, Madagascar
- Fall and spring semester
- Key topics include: marine and coastal ecosystems, conservation, and resource management, diversity of forest ecosystem types and land use dynamics, addressing issues pitting conservation against economic development, and ethnobotany and the interactions between culture and the environment
Morocco
SIT Morocco: Migration and Transnational Identity
- Located in Rabat, Morocco
- Fall and spring semester
- Key topics include: Factors driving migration in Morocco, North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, the EU management of migration in the Mediterranean, African migrant communities in Morocco and resilience, Migration and human rights, Transnationalism and identity among Moroccan migrants to the Netherlands, gender and migration
Rwanda
SIT Rwanda: Post-Genocide Restoration and Peacebuilding
- Located in Kigali, Rwanda
- Fall and spring semester
- Key topics include: Rwanda history and origins of conflict and genocidal outbreak, collective strategies of remembrance and combating genocide deniers, Social and psychological impact of genocide on survivors, Changing gender relations and the status of women, refugees and displaced people in post-conflict environments, post-genocide economic development
Senegal
MSID—International Development in Senegal
- Program type: Field Study
- Academic program built around grassroots development internships. Homestays and research further enrich cultural immersion; Global Studies is among the most popular majors of participants.
- Past internship placements include social work agencies, youth projects, women’s groups, orphanages, health clinics, community centers, education, and many more.
- Instruction is in French. Fall or Spring semester.
- Major requirements most often satisfied: Regional—African coursework (see adviser); Thematic—Can fulfill 1 to 3 courses for all themes.
- For students interested in doing research, MSID—Senegal is an International UROP-eligible program
South Africa
University of Cape Town (available through IES South Africa)
- Program type: University Study
- Post-Apartheid South Africa is attempting one of the most dramatic transformations in race relations that the world has seen. Extensive volunteer opportunities supplement classroom work.
- Look for relevant courses under African Studies, Environmental & Geographical Science, Media & Communication, History, Political Studies, Social Anthropology, Social Development, many others.
- Instruction is in English; no prior study of African languages required. Fall or spring semester, academic or calendar year.
- Major requirements most often satisfied: Regional—African coursework (see adviser); Thematic—Depending on coursework (see adviser).
Americas
Argentina
Study & Intern in Buenos Aires
- Program type: Study Abroad Center
- Very cost-effective UofM language and area studies program open to all but aimed especially at students with insufficient Spanish language skills to take courses taught in Spanish.
- Sample courses: Politics & Society in Latin America; Latin American Economy—Argentine Perspectives. All students also take 2 Spanish courses. Community engagement course is also available.
- Instruction is in English; no prior Spanish is required. Fall semester, spring semester, or summer.
- Major requirements most often satisfied: Regional—Latin American coursework (see adviser); Thematic—Depending on Coursework (see adviser).
Costa Rica
The School for Field Studies Costa Rica
- Program type: Field Study
- Strongly field-oriented program based at a field station in Costa Rica’s Central Valley. Includes considerable research
- Semester courses focus on tropical ecology, sustainable development, resource management, and ethical and economic issues in sustainability.
- Major requirements most often satisfied: Regional—Latin American coursework (see adviser); Thematic—Environment & Sustainable Development electives.
- All courses taught in English. No language prerequisite. One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental studies/science required for semester program. Semester and summer options available.
Ecuador
MSID—International Development in Ecuador
- Program type: Field Study
- Academic program built around grassroots development internships. Homestays and research further enrich cultural immersion; Global Studies is among the most popular majors of participants.
- Past internship placements include rural women’s empowerment, literacy, public health/nutrition, sustainable agriculture, community environmental conservation, fishing or handicraft cooperatives.
- Instruction is in Spanish. Fall or Spring semester.
- Major requirements most often satisfied: Regional—Latin American coursework (see adviser); Thematic—Can fulfill 1 to 3 courses for all themes.
- For students interested in doing research, MSID—Ecuador is an International UROP-eligible program
Mexico
SIT Mexico: Migration, Borders, and Transnational Communities
- Located in Oaxaca, Mexico
- Fall and spring semester
- Key topics include: Factors contributing to high rates of undocumented migration, Effects of large-scale migration on communities, Gender and family culture shifts as women take on new leadership roles, Experiences of undocumented migration and changes over time, Border enforcement strategies and their impacts on border communities, Policy changes that could address the causes of undocumented migration
Asia & Oceania
India
SIT India: Public Health, Gender, and Sexuality
- Located in New Delhi, India
- Fall and spring semester
- Key topics include: Learn about reproductive healthcare in India, examine the spectrum of identities evolving outside of heterosexual marriage and emerging health needs, explore a range of public health challenges, witness regional and grassroots approaches to healthcare access, understand health and its relationship to human fulfillment.
Indonesia
SIT Indonesia: Arts, Religion, and Social Change
- Located in Kerambitan, Bali, Indonesia
- Fall and spring semester
- Key topics include: Religion, society, and arts on side-by-side islands of Bali and Java, Foundations and non-governmental organizations, confucianism, Hindu-Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam, land, water, ethnic identity, tourism, and the environment in Bali, Ancient roots and information of modern-day Indonesia, research and interviews for self-designed, independent project
Japan
Exchange in Hiroshima, Japan: Hiroshima University
- Program type: Study Abroad Center and University Study
- Japanese language study plus content courses taught in English, some in special study abroad program, others for Japanese students as well.
- Sample center courses: Japanese Society & Gender Issues; Japanese Culture & Education; Japanese Society & Lifestyles; Peace & Human Rights; Development Economics; Internship.
- Instruction is in English; prior Japanese language study preferred but not required. Spring semester or academic year.
- Major requirements most often satisfied: Regional—East Asian coursework (see adviser); Thematic—Depending on coursework (see adviser).
Exchange in Tokyo, Japan: Sophia University
- Program type: University Study
- Jesuit university with two campuses, one of which teaches in English and draws both foreign students and Japanese students who have lived abroad for extended periods of time.
- Sophia offers a wealth of courses on Japan or East Asia in anthropology, art history, history, international business & economics, literature, philosophy & religion, political science, languages.
- Instruction is in English; prior Japanese language study preferred but not required. Spring semester or academic year.
- Major requirements most often satisfied: Regional—East Asian coursework (see adviser); Thematic—Depending on coursework (see adviser).
Exchange in Nagoya, Japan: Nagoya University
- Program type: Bilateral Exchange
- Students will participate in Nagoya University's Program for Academic Exchange (NUPACE)
- Courses offered include: Japanese language courses, area-studies courses (offered in English) and introductory courses (offered in Japanese)
- Students with advanced Japanese proficiency can enroll in any course offered to degree-seeking students at Nagoya University.
- An independent research option (Guided Independent Study – GIS) is available and qualifies for International UROP funding
South Korea
University Study in South Korea: Korea University
- Program type: University Study
- Korea University, located in Seoul, teaches many courses in English as a strategy to position Koreans for the global workforce; study abroad students take courses alongside Korean students.
- Extremely broad range of courses offered, many focused specifically on Korea or Asia.
- Many courses taught in English; no prior Korean is required. Some additional courses available in Korean for students sufficiently proficient. Fall or spring semester, academic year, or summer.
Thailand
MSID—International Development in Thailand
- Program type: Field Study
- Academic program built around grassroots development internships. Homestays and research further enrich cultural immersion; Global Studies is among the most popular majors of participants.
- Possible internship placements include: Researching sustainable energy, teaching English in a local school or NGO, work with organizations that are helping young girls who have been trafficked or are at risk of being trafficked
- Instruction is in English; no prior Thai is required. Fall or Spring semester.
- Major requirements most often satisfied: Regional—Asian coursework (see adviser); Thematic—Can fulfill 1 to 3 courses for all themes.
- For students interested in doing research, MSID—Thailand is an International UROP-eligible program
Vietnam
SIT Vietnam: Traditional Medicine & Community Health
- Located in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Summer session
- Key topics include: Social, economic, and cultural paradigms that frame traditional Vietnamese medicine, Healthcare and health delivery among diverse groups, including marginalized and indigenous populations, The philosophy behind traditional Vietnamese medicine and its connection with traditional Chinese medicine, Herbal remedies, medicinal preparation, Vietnamese massage, and acupuncture, Standard Vietnamese language and communication skills
Europe
Austria
IES Austria—European Studies and Culture
- Program type: Study Abroad Center
- Large language and area studies program with extremely broad curriculum. Some courses on Austria, others on Central and Eastern Europe, and others on Europe as a whole.
- Includes opportunities for business internships (German required), public service internships (no language requirement), or education field experiences (no language requirement).
- Instruction is in English; no prior German is required. Students sufficiently proficient may also take IES or University of Vienna courses in German. Fall semester, spring semester, or academic year.
- Major requirements most often satisfied: Regional—European coursework (see adviser); Thematic— Depending on coursework (see adviser).
Exchange in Austria: University of Graz
- Program type: University Study
- Law courses taught in English are available to UofM Global Studies students through the Diploma studies program
- Human rights is a focus of the Law Faculty, which has a research cluster on human rights, democracy, diversity and gender
- Academic year or spring semester
Denmark
Study Abroad in Denmark and Summer in Denmark & Sweden
- Program type: Study Abroad Center
- DIS, one of Europe’s largest and academically strongest study abroad programs, offers a wide variety of courses on Denmark, Scandinavia, and Europe.
- Exceptionally broad, multidisciplinary curriculum. Sample tracks include European Humanities, European Politics, Justice and Human Rights, and Sustainability in Europe.
- Instruction is in English; no prior Danish is required. Fall or spring semester, academic year, or summer.
- Summer in Denmark & Sweden offers you the opportunity to explore one or both countries and build your summer experience abroad.
- Major requirements most often satisfied: Regional—European coursework (see adviser); Thematic— Depending on coursework (see adviser).
France
IES France—Paris Business & International Affairs
- Program type: Study Abroad Center (plus University Study)
- Program permits you to combine courses through the IES Center with university courses at the Institute Catholique, whose disciplines include both political science and international relations.
- IES curriculum includes courses on French politics, comparative European politics, international political economy, and political economy of European integration. Internships also available.
- Instruction is in French. Fall semester, spring semester, academic year, or summer.
- Major requirements most often satisfied: Regional—European coursework (see adviser); Thematic— Depending on coursework (see adviser).
Language & Culture in Southern France
- Program type: University Study and Study Abroad Center (two tracks)
- Permits a mix of special language and culture courses for international students and regular Université Paul Valéry courses in a proportion suitable to each student’s language proficiency.
- Paul Valéry curriculum includes a rich array of courses, in various disciplines, not only on France but also on southern European politics or the Mediterranean more broadly. Internships offered.
- 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.
- Major requirements most often satisfied: Regional—European coursework (see adviser); Thematic— Depending on coursework (see adviser).
Germany
IES Germany—Berlin Language & Area Studies
- Program type: Study Abroad Center
- Having been on the front lines of the Cold War and a major focal point of US foreign policy during the twentieth century, Berlin is fascinating city to experience as it seeks to become whole again.
- Area studies program that also offers internships and access to two of Germany’s top institutions, the Freie Universitat of Berlin (formerly in the West) and Humboldt University (formerly in the East).
- Instruction is in German; two years prior college language study required. Fall semester, spring semester, academic year, or summer.
- Major requirements most often satisfied: Regional—European coursework (see adviser); Thematic— Depending on coursework (see adviser).
Iceland
Exchange in Iceland: University of Iceland
- Program type: University Study
- One of the great bargains in study abroad. Two students annually receives scholarships covering tuition and fees, room and board.
- Iceland-focused courses available in archeology, cultural studies, folklore, history, language, literature, sociology, Viking studies, as well as many Europe-focused courses in political science.
- Instruction is in English; no prior Icelandic is required. Academic year only.
- Major requirements most often satisfied: Regional—European coursework (see adviser); Thematic— Depending on coursework (see adviser).
Italy
- Program type: Study Abroad Center
- UofM program that offers Italian language, English-taught area studies coursework and an internship option
- Sample courses: History and Sociology of Modern Consumerism, Literary Representations of Florence: Space, Self and the other, and Internships in Florence: A Comparative Approach to the Italian Workforce
- Instruction is in English; no prior Italian is required. Fall semester or spring semester.
- Major requirements most often satisfied: Regional—European coursework (see adviser); Thematic—Culture, Power, Place; other themes (see adviser).
Portugal
SIT Portugal: Sustainability and Environmental Justice
- Located Lisbon, Portugal
- Fall and spring semester
- Key topics include: Comparative approaches to sustainability and bioeconomy, “The right to nature” and neoliberalism, Environmental in/justice and health equity, Urban regeneration in southern European cities, Environmental best practices and sustainability, Water-energy-food-ecosystem nexus approach, Mediterranean bioeconomy: Land and ocean
Serbia
SIT Serbia, Austria, & Hungary: Comparative European Perspectives on Conflict and Democracy
- Located in Serbia, Budapest, Hungary, and Vienna, Austria
- Fall and spring semester
- Explore themes of post-liberal peace, everyday peace, feminist peace and security, Engage with current debates in Europe regarding the future of democracy, Examine humanitarian crises with a focus on central and southern Europe, Use theoretical, conceptual, and practical tools to identify and conduct field research and/or an internship in Serbia, Austria, or Hungary
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.
- Combine on-campus instruction during the spring semester with a study abroad component during spring break, on a 3 credits, 1xxx level Seminar.
- Freshman Seminars Abroad are designed specifically for first-year students as an introduction to study abroad, an opportunity to explore an exciting location and topic, and likely fulfill a liberal education requirement.
- 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.