“The Athletics Department and the Lindahl Academic Center for Student-Athletes fully support student-athlete participation in the University's Learning Abroad program. We see this as an extraordinary opportunity for a one of a kind student learning experience in a different part of the world and have had many student-athletes participate over the years."
JT Bruett, Director of the Lindahl Academic Center for Student-Athletes
Department Recommendations
Student-athletes can go abroad with careful planning. The University wants you to include an international experience as an integral part of your undergraduate career. Learning abroad can fit very effectively into your University of Minnesota degree plan without delaying your graduation.
Programs vary in length, academic focus, teaching format, language requirements, cost, and degree of independence demanded of the participant.
Student-Athlete Study Abroad Process
- Getting Started with the Lindahl Academic Center for Student-Athletes
- Pick up Lindahl Academic Center Study Abroad Form—signatures are required through this process
- Discuss appropriate travel time and training needs with your coach
- Ask your Lindahl Academic Center counselor about specific academic degree requirements you must meet
- Getting Started with the Learning Abroad Center
- Follow the steps outlined in the Learning Abroad Center's Process.
- Consult with Your College/Major Adviser(s)
- Download the Academic Planning for Study Abroad form
- Discuss the list of items your Lindahl Academic Center counselor generated to be discussed with your college/major adviser
- Meet with your major adviser and discuss how your study abroad program fits into your curriculum. Have them sign the Academic Planning for Study Abroad form
- Select and Finalize your Program in Consultation with your Lindahl Academic Center Counselor
- Complete the Athletics Study Abroad Program Form
- Meet with the Scholarship Coordinator in the Compliance Office
- Discuss athletic scholarship issues related to study abroad and obtain the corresponding signature on the Checklist (scholarship athletes only)
- Submit Program Application
- Work directly with the Learning Abroad Center if you have questions about submitting the application
Special Considerations for Student-Athletes
Timing
- Timing of study abroad is of crucial importance to student-athletes. There are many program lengths to choose from, ranging from year-long to just two or three weeks in duration.
- You will need to consider various factors, including practice and competition schedules, likelihood that you will have a chance to engage in post-season competition (bowl games, Big Ten or NCAA tournaments/meets, etc.) other team commitments, off-season activities, eligibility issues, scholarship constraints, and access to conditioning facilities while abroad.
- Speaking with your coach and Lindahl Academic Center counselor will help in determining the most appropriate time for you. See Timing by Sport guidelines below.
Credit Arrangements
As a student-athlete, you MUST choose a program that yields resident credits, meaning that you will earn an actual grade for the course on your University of Minnesota transcript, rather than just transfer credits.
Eligibility
Speak with your Lindahl Academic Center Counselor and the Compliance staff with regards to any specific eligibility issues. The NCAA has strict requirements regarding participating in outside competition; be sure to obtain all the necessary information from Compliance and your Lindahl Academic Center Counselor prior to going abroad.
Training
Even more so than most students, it is essential that while you are abroad you continue to maintain your physical fitness. Speak with your coach and/or trainers about developing a plan for while you’re away.
Programs
Americas
Argentina
Linked Internships: UofMN to Buenos Aires
- 4-credit course that links a virtual internship during spring semester with an on-site internship in May for 3-weeks
- Develop skills and relationships by interning virtually and in-person with the same organization
- Cost-effective way to include an international experience in your undergraduate career
- Great way to gain an international experience for a semester with only being abroad ~ 3 weeks
- Placements available in English, majority of placements are in Spanish
- On-site staff can support students in identifying gyms or training facilities in Buenos Aires
Asia & Oceania
Australia
University of Melbourne (available through IFSA Australia)
- Program Type: Host University Study
- Program Term: fall semester, spring semester, academic year, calendar year
- The University of Melbourne is an internationally acclaimed institution, known for academic excellence and achievement in education and research
- Comprehensive athletic facilities
University Study in Australia: University of Sydney
- Located in the vibrant capital city of Australia
- Strong sports science program with access to a multitude of outdoor activities
- Comprehensive athletic facilities
- Credit-bearing internships available
New Zealand
University Study in New Zealand: University of Otago
- Program Type: Host University Study
- Program term: fall semester, spring semester, academic year, calendar year
- The University of Otago, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the southern hemisphere, is located in Dunedin, on New Zealand's South Island.
- Dunedin, New Zealand's "college town," is friendly and intimate with a population of 120,000 and a thriving student population. While there is a relaxed feel about the city, opportunities abound for pursuing outdoor and sporting activities
- Courses include Exercise Testing and Prescription, Nutrition for Exercise and Sport, Sports Injuries, Sport and Exercise Psychology, Coaching
- Comprehensive athletic facilities
Europe
France
- Program Type: Study Center
- Program term: May term, 3 credits, 3 weeks
- Study sports tourism, sports psychology and sports pedagogy in one of France's most sporty cities
Ireland
University Study in Ireland: University of Limerick
- Program Type: Host University Study
- Program Term: fall semester, spring semester, academic year
- Study in Limerick, located in western Ireland on the banks of the Shannon River
- The Physical Education and Sport Sciences (PESS) department in the University of Limerick is the principal centre in the republic for tertiary education and research in Physical Education and one of the main centres for the teaching of Sport and Exercise Sciences
- The University offers innovative academics, state-of-the-art sports facilities, and vibrant campus life
- Comprehensive athletic facilities
Italy
Linked Internships: UofMN to Florence
- 4-credit course that links a virtual internship during spring semester with an on-site internship in May for 3-weeks
- Develop skills and relationships by interning virtually and in-person with the same organization
- Cost-effective way to include an international experience in your undergraduate career
- Great way to gain an international experience for a semester with only being abroad ~ 3 weeks
- Placements are generally using students' English and social media/marketing skills for a small business
- On-site staff can support students in identifying gyms or training facilities in Florence
Norway
- Program Type: Exchange, University Study
- Program Term: Summer, 4-week and 6-week options
- Study a broad range of subjects
- Access to gym facilities, training centers, and many outdoor recreation activities
United Kingdom
- Program Type: Study Center
- Program Term: fall semester, spring semester, summer term
- Offers an internship and courses in humanities and social sciences for liberal education credit
- Earn 3 credits of professional internship placement
- Past placements include Lansdowne Club, Wembley Hospital, Pimlico Secondary School, St. Katherine’s Health Club
Linked Internships: UofMN to London
- 4-credit course that links a virtual internship during spring semester with an on-site internship in May for 3-weeks
- Develop skills and relationships by interning virtually and in-person with the same organization
- Cost-effective way to include an international experience in your undergraduate career
- Great way to gain an international experience for a semester with only being abroad ~ 3 weeks
- Access to a wide range of placements in an international city
- On-site staff can support students in identifying gyms or training facilities in London
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.
Timing by Sport
The table in the following section provides some general guidelines by sport; however, it is essential to speak early with your coach and Lindahl Academic Center Counselor to determine the most appropriate times for your particular case. Note: Some of the times listed on the sheet will work only if you are able to find sufficient training facilities to train while studying abroad. Consult early with your coach.
| Sport | Fall Sem. | Winter Break | Spring Sem. | May Term | Summer* | Spring Sr. yr. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WOMEN'S SPORTS | ||||||
| Basketball | Y | N | ||||
| Golf | Y | Y | ||||
| Gymnastics | Y | N | ||||
| Hockey | Y | Y | ||||
| Rowing | M | M | Y | |||
| Soccer | Y | Y | Y | Y | ||
| Softball | M | Y | ||||
| Swimming/Diving | Y | M | ||||
| Tennis | M | M | Y | |||
| Track & CC | Y | |||||
| Volleyball | M | Y | M | Y | ||
| MEN'S SPORTS | ||||||
| Baseball | Y | M | ||||
| Basketball | Y | N | ||||
| Football | M | N | Y | |||
| Golf | Y | Y | ||||
| Hockey | Y | N | ||||
| Swimming/Diving | Y | M | ||||
| Track & CC | Y | |||||
| Wrestling | Y | Y | ||||
Key:
Y—Times generally work for students
M—Times that are less than optimal but might work after speaking with Lindahl Academic Center Counselor
N—Times that most student athletes should not consider except possibly during a redshirt year
Footnotes:
* For many sports summer suitability depends on length of program and which months. Consult with your Lindahl Academic Center Counselor and coach when planning a study abroad experience.
** If you plan to use your scholarship or financial aid to study abroad consult with your Lindahl Academic Center Counselor and the Scholarship Coordinator in the Compliance Office about its applicability.