Imagine studying ethical tolerance in the Netherlands, or doing an internship with Amnesty International in London. You can participate in development-focused field placements in Ecuador, Thailand, or Senegal, or study grassroots citizen involvement in Northern Ireland. Every May-term, the University's Undergraduate Leadership Minor hosts one study abroad opportunity. These, and many more programs, are open to you!
What Are Some Desired Learning Outcomes of Study Abroad?
- Understand the ways in which different cultural norms and values can change the manner in which leadership skills and initiatives are utilized to create change.
- Explore the role that particular social, environmental, and spiritual belief systems can play in the practice of community leadership.
- Gain knowledge about global issues and, more specifically, how different individuals can use their experiences, knowledge, and practice to make a difference.
- Continue personal development growth through awareness of the history and cultural context of the location, its people, and surrounding areas.
Program Information
In addition to the semester programs suggested below, short term opportunities are available through the Leadership Minor and the Learning Abroad Center.
Leadership Minor Programs Abroad
Every May-term, the University's Undergraduate Leadership Minor hosts at least one study abroad opportunity through LEAD 4484. Additionally, LEAD 4484 is an approved Leadership Minor elective.
The Leadership Minor faculty steering committee has changed the requirements for the minor. Students will need approval for any study abroad experience that is not offered through LEAD to count as elective credits in the minor. If you have any questions, contact the Leadership Minor program, [email protected].
Global Seminars
3-week, 3-credit programs at the 3000-level led by University of Minnesota faculty and staff are offered over Winter Break or May Session. Past leadership focused Global Seminars include: Leadership & Social Change in Ireland, Leadership & Social Change in Argentina. Locations and course work vary each year. Students will need approval for any study abroad experience that is not offered through LEAD to count as elective credits in the minor. If you have any questions, contact the Leadership Minor program, [email protected].
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. Students will need approval for any study abroad experience that is not offered through LEAD to count as elective credits in the minor. If you have any questions, contact the Leadership Minor program, [email protected].
Fulfill Requirements
Leadership Minor Requirements
Review the following suggestions from the Leadership Minor program before beginning your study abroad research. In order to take courses in your Leadership Minor program, you will need to plan ahead with your advisers.
Liberal Education Requirements
You can fulfill liberal education requirements while abroad. Consult the U-Credit Abroad database for more information.
Major Requirements
As you plan your learning abroad experience, be sure to refer to the Major Advising Page associated with your academic major.
Global Identity: Connecting your international experience to your future
Leadership minor students have the opportunity to use their study abroad experience to fulfill their Leadership Minor elective credits after taking LEAD 1961W. Those going on a 6+ week long program will take a 1-credit course on intercultural and career skill-building, OLPD 3332 Global Identity: Connecting your international experience to your future, in addition to their coursework to get LM elective credit. Go here to find out more about Global Identity. If you have questions and want to talk to a Leadership Minor advisor, contact [email protected]
Scholarship Opportunities
Leadership Minor students can apply for Learning Abroad Center scholarships.
Programs
Africa and the Middle East
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 in the latter half
- Past internship placements include social work agencies, youth projects, women’s groups, orphanages, health clinics, community centers, and many more
- Students will need approval for any study abroad experience that is not offered through LEAD to count as elective credits in the minor. If you have any questions, contact the Leadership Minor program, [email protected].
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 in the latter half
- Past internship placements include social work agencies, youth projects, women’s groups, orphanages, health clinics, community centers, and many more.
- Students will need approval for any study abroad experience that is not offered through LEAD to count as elective credits in the minor. If you have any questions, contact the Leadership Minor program, [email protected].
Asia and Oceania
Australia
- Combines courses about Australian culture and Sydney with an internship and the course World of Work for 6 credits
- Internships are available in a variety of fields, such as human rights advocacy groups, social change organizations, and internships in the civic and political sphere
- Students will need approval for any study abroad experience that is not offered through LEAD to count as elective credits in the minor. If you have any questions, contact the Leadership Minor program, [email protected].
Thailand
MSID—International Development in Thailand
- Program focuses on international development in the context of Thailand through coursework in the first half of the semester and an internship in the latter half
- Past internship placements include social work agencies, youth projects, women’s groups, orphanages, health clinics, community centers, and many more
- Students will need approval for any study abroad experience that is not offered through LEAD to count as elective credits in the minor. If you have any questions, contact the Leadership Minor program, [email protected].
Europe
Denmark
Study Abroad in Denmark—Leadership Studies
- A variety of leadership courses are available. Sample course titles include: Psychology of Leadership, Leadership Across Cultures, Women and Leadership, Activism: Engagement and Resistance
- Instruction is in English
- Students will need approval for any study abroad experience that is not offered through LEAD to count as elective credits in the minor. If you have any questions, contact the Leadership Minor program, [email protected].
Italy
- Experience Italian life and culture, past and present, in the beautiful and lively city of Florence
- Explore contemporary and historical issues facing Italy through coursework and an excursion to Sicily
- Students will need approval for any study abroad experience that is not offered through LEAD to count as elective credits in the minor. If you have any questions, contact the Leadership Minor program, [email protected].
Spain
- Excellent program for students also completing a Spanish minor with upper-division Spanish courses as well as courses on the history and culture of Spain
- Community engagement course with a focus on the immigrant experience in Spain
- Internship course with past placements at social service organizations, the Toledo Regional Parliament, and with government programs that work with teenagers
- Students will need approval for any study abroad experience that is not offered through LEAD to count as elective credits in the minor. If you have any questions, contact the Leadership Minor program, [email protected].
United Kingdom
- Offers a 6 credit professional internship placement along with coursework in the humanities, social sciences, and business
- Past examples have included Amnesty International, JUSTICE (a human rights law association), Charter 88 (a group working to give the UK a written constitution), and the United Nations Association
- Students will need approval for any study abroad experience that is not offered through LEAD to count as elective credits in the minor. If you have any questions, contact the Leadership Minor program, [email protected].
United Kingdom/Ireland
Leadership & Social Change in Ireland
- Program focuses on investigating ethical leadership while studying the historical, cultural, and political events that lead to the "Troubles" in Northern Ireland
- Students study leadership and social change while understanding how to engage with others in different cultural contexts to navigate important challenges facing local communities, our society, and our world
- LEAD 4481 is an approved Leadership Minor elective
- Liberal Education Fulfillment: Global Perspectives
- This Global Seminar will likely run every other year over Winter Break or May term
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.