The Community Engagement Scholars Program (CESP) is offered through The Center for Community-Engaged Learning (CCEL). The CCEL works with partners to provide opportunities for students to engage in off-campus experiential learning through community work and place-based educational programs.
"Learning abroad can be an excellent supplement to community engagement. You might see and experience completely new things that will give you a fresh perspective on your experiences back home. We have a very specific image of homelessness or water scarcity globally: If we wonder why there are villages without clean water, do we wonder that about Flint, Michigan, or North Minneapolis? What can we learn about ourselves when we are no longer in the comforts of our own home? You don't have to leave town to do community engagement, but you can leave town to learn more about who you are, and how you want to contribute to change at home."
Masog, Campus Outreach, Recruitment, Communications, and Event Coordinator, CCEL
CESP Recommendations
Fulfilling CESP Requirements
Whether or not you plan to complete program requirements while abroad, you should plan to meet with a CESP Adviser before departure.
You can complete community engagement hours and community engagement course credits abroad. Internships and research can also count towards program requirements. Experiences abroad must meet the same guidelines for program requirements completed within the United States:
- Community engagement hours, including community-based research, must be completed in partnership with a non-profit/non-government organization (NGO), public agency, or community organization that meets a need in the community.
- You must complete a minimum of 20 hours with the same organization.
- Community engagement courses must have a university course designation and be credit-bearing.
- Learning abroad experiences (hours, credits, internships, and research) must be verifiable by the organization or by the Learning Abroad Center.
In addition to completing CESP program requirements, you can also fulfill both liberal education requirements and major/minor requirements abroad. Learn more here.
Community Engagement Opportunities Abroad
Internships Abroad
Several Learning Abroad Center programs offer internship placements with local non-profit/non-government organizations (NGOs), public agencies, and community organizations that can be used to fulfill CESP requirements. In most cases, study abroad programs that have an internship component will require enrollment in an internship course which will be taken alongside additional coursework.
Research Abroad
The Learning Abroad Center offers a number of programs that include research opportunities and some are eligible for the Learning Abroad Center’s research scholarship. Research projects on some programs may be completed with local non-profit/non-government organizations (NGOs), public agencies, and community organizations. For more information about what it means to conduct research abroad, visit LAC Undergraduate Research Abroad.
If you would like to count your research experience towards CESP requirements, your project must be approved by a CESP adviser before departure or once you’ve arrived at the research site. Not all research opportunities listed will count.
Independent Community Engagement
Regardless of whether you select a study abroad program with an integrated internship or research opportunity, there are always opportunities to participate in community engagement wherever you study abroad! Reach out to the study abroad adviser associated with the program to inquire about the best ways to get involved with the local community. The program adviser’s contact information can be found on the “contact” tab or each program’s website. Independent community engagement must be verifiable by the organization or the Learning Abroad Center. If the organization is going to verify the experience we need the organization's name, contact information for the site supervisor, and documentation of the hours. If you have questions about this before or while abroad, contact [email protected].
Programs
Africa & the Middle East
Jordan
- Live alongside Jordanian families and students while taking center based courses in Arabic language and Middle Eastern Studies.
- Internship track available if you are looking to engage with the local culture. Opportunities available at local nonprofits and human rights organizations.
- No language required for the Internship track. If you have two or more semesters of college-level Arabic, you may pursue the intensive Arabic track.
Senegal
MSID Senegal
- All MSID programs require you to complete an internship or research project with a local nonprofit in your host country.
- You are able to count all 16-course credits toward CESP requirements. Students typically submit 150–200 hours from these programs.
- Instruction is in French; 4 semesters of college-level French required. Wolof and advanced French language offered.
MSID Senegal includes the following programs:
Ghana
SIT Ghana: Globalization, Cultural Legacies, & the Afro-Chic
- Experience cosmopolitan West Africa in this unique study abroad program that will challenge stereotypes of Africa and position the continent as a global, political, and cultural force.
- All students on this program will complete an independent study project or internship that can be completed with a local non-profit or organization.
Americas
Argentina
Study & Intern in Buenos Aires
- Study language and culture in Buenos Aires, the political and economic heart of Argentina. Students can take a breadth of courses in economics and Argentine history as well as a community engagement course.
- You may fulfill your on-site community engagement through either a course where you work with organizations devoted to helping children and adults who do not have access to basic rights such as education, health, or a home or through an internship experience.
- No language prerequisite for semester or summer term. Two semesters of college-level Spanish required for winter break.
Costa Rica
The School for Field Studies Costa Rica
- Learn professional level research skills while studying tropical ecology, economics, and develop a deeper understanding of the issues and challenges related to natural resource management.
- Work with local Costa Rican park rangers, farmers, and top environmental officials to understand the challenges of maintaining the biodiversity of the country.
- 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.
- Complete a directed research project. There is a potential to collaborate with local non-profits or nongovernmental organizations.
Ecuador
MSID Ecuador
- All MSID programs require you to complete an internship or research project with a local nonprofit in your host country.
- You are able to count all 16-course credits toward CESP requirements. Students typically submit 150–200 hours from these programs.
- Instruction is in Spanish; 4 semesters of college-level Spanish is required
- MSID Ecuador includes the following programs
Asia & Oceania
Australia
- Examples of past internships of interest to CESP students include Cancer Council NSW and OzHarvest (a meal delivery service), in addition to many other local nonprofits and community organizations
- 3-credit internships are available. Coursework in humanities, social sciences, and business are available.
University Study in Australia: University of Sydney
- The University of Sydney is Australia's oldest and most prestigious university. It is ranked 38th in the world in the 2013 QS World Rankings and is consistently among the top three universities in Australia.
- You can choose from a full range of university course offerings. CESP students can take advantage of internship and research opportunities in addition to independent volunteering through campus life groups.
Bhutan
The School for Field Studies Bhutan
- Conduct research while trekking through the eastern Himalayas while learning about Bhutanese culture, Buddhism, and the diverse Himalayan ecosystem.
- Take a hands-on approach to forest biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable development.
- All courses taught in English. No language prerequisite. One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental studies/science required for semester program.
- Complete a directed research project. There is a potential to collaborate with local non-profits or non-governmental organizations.
Cambodia
The School for Field Studies Cambodia
- Study the environmental dynamics of the Mekong River through professional level research skills. Examine the interaction between human life and the ecology of the river and region.
- Work with local conservation organizations and government officials to understand environmental ethics and natural resource management in protected forests.
- All courses taught in English. No language prerequisite. One semester of college-level ecology, biology
- Complete a directed research project. There is a potential to collaborate with local non-profits or non-governmental organizations.
Thailand
- All MSID programs require you to complete an internship or research project with a local nonprofit in your host country.
- You are able to count all 16-course credits toward CESP requirements. Students typically submit 150–200 hours from these programs.
- No language prerequisite.
- MSID programs in Thailand include:
Europe
Denmark
Study Abroad in Denmark and Summer in Denmark & Sweden
- Live and study in Copenhagen while taking a wide-breadth of classes in English. Classes available in a variety of disciplines from communication to public health.
- Classes that are practicum or research-based and may fulfill CESP requirements. Many courses include excursions in order to allow students to see the industry at work.
- Summer in Denmark & Sweden offers you the opportunity to explore one or both countries and build your summer experience abroad.
- No language prerequisite.
France
Language & Culture in Southern France
- Take courses alongside both French and international students in Montpellier, France. You will have access to coursework in the humanities and sciences as well as varying levels of French.
- No language prerequisite
- CESP students can choose to participate in a community engagement course and work with the various French non-profits and schools. If you have sufficient French language skills, you can enroll in the internship instead and have a wider selection of placements.
- Earn credit towards your Minnesota Teaching Certification in Elementary Education while studying in this vibrant city with a centuries-old history of intellectual advances and social tolerance.
- Examine French education practices and complete required teaching practicum hours through teaching English in a French school.
Ireland
- Study Irish culture and participate in internships in Ireland’s urban capital. A wide variety of disciplines available at Dublin City University to supplement your internship or study center courses.
- Several internships available at many small local organizations with a focus on education. Research opportunities are also available.
University Study in Ireland: University of Limerick
- Live and study at the University of Limerick—one of Ireland’s most beautiful campus. Limerick offers a vibrant campus life and innovative academics.
- Make connections with the local community through the UL Practicum course. With a team of students and staff, you can design and implement a community engagement project. Research opportunities are also available.
Italy
- Experience Italian life and culture by taking courses and interning in the lively city of Florence. Courses have a strong focus on humanities and design coursework along with a local internship placement.
- Past internships have spanned a variety of disciplines ranging from art to education to journalism. Inquire at the Learning Abroad Center to find a placement that works for your CESP requirement.
- No language prerequisite.
Spain
Psychology & Research in Madrid
- Study psychology and engage in research in Madrid—the charming capital of Spain. This program is geared toward Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science Psychology majors and minors. Courses fulfill requirements in this major.
- CESP students pursuing your Psychology degree can use your research to fulfill your requirements if the research has a direct link to a community organization.
- No language prerequisite, but preference is given to students with two or more semesters of college-level Spanish. Completion of PSY 1001, BIOL 1009, or NSCI 1001 required.
- Take courses and participate in an internship in Madrid—the charming capital of Spain. Courses available in a wide variety of disciplines as well as intermediate and advanced levels of Spanish language.
- Pursue either English or Spanish language placements with local nonprofits in Madrid ranging from Accem (an NGO focused on social service) to the Association for Human Rights in Spain.
- Study and improve your Spanish language skills in Toledo, Spain—a charming Medieval walled city. You can take courses in several disciplines and participate in a local internship or community engagement.
- In addition to several internship placements, CESP students have the opportunity to participate in a community engagement class focused on the immigrant experience in Spain. You will work directly with several Toledo institutions that work with immigrant populations.
- Two or more semesters of college-level Spanish is required. Internships are only available in Spanish and require 4 or more semesters of college-level Spanish.
Cross-Cultural Health in Spain
- This program is geared toward students in health fields, including pre-med, nursing, public health, health services management, and more.
- Toledo is a medieval, walled city about 30 minutes south of Madrid by train. It is home to several prominent health institutions in Spain.
- Health internships are available in both English or Spanish.
Sweden
Study Abroad in Sweden and Summer in Denmark & Sweden
- Study in Stockholm while taking English language classes in a variety of disciplines from Literature to Medical Practices and Policy.
- CESP students may be able to complete research in partnership with a non-profit/ non-government organization (NGO), public agency, or community organization with the intent to address a social issue such as justice or human rights.
- Summer in Denmark & Sweden offers you the opportunity to explore one or both countries and build your summer experience abroad.
- No language prerequisite.
United Kingdom
- Call London your home as you take courses and participate in an internship facilitated by accomplished British faculty. You can take courses in a variety of subjects from humanities to marketing.
- You can focus on an internship with a local NGO, or a community engagement opportunity. Unlike the internship, the community engagement experience will focus on serving local communities while reflecting on project goals in an academic setting.
- Sample internships include community outreach opportunities like Naz Project London (an HIV/AIDS support charity) and nonprofits like Westminster Befriend a Family.
University Study in the United Kingdom: University of Glasgow
- Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow consistently ranks as one of the UK's most highly-rated schools.
- Take a wide variety of classes in a variety of disciplines available through the university. Strengths include history, sociology, and biology.
- You can pursue volunteer opportunities either through campus life or independently. CESP students may choose to fulfill requirements through independent research.
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.