|
How does the learning abroad minor differ from the global studes minor?
These minors complement each other, and many students choose to pursue both. In general, the global studies minor consists of a social science curriculum, while the learning abroad minor helps you get the most out of your study abroad. The learning abroad minor requires coursework in intercultural communication and language study; the global studies minor does not require any communication or language courses, but does require two core courses within the global studies department and a thematic concentration. Only the learning abroad minor specifically requires a study abroad experience. The Institute for Global Studies offers a similar minor to the global studies minor, called the area studies minor, which requires two years of a foreign language. For more clarification, you may contact an adviser at the Institute for Global Studies (612.624.9007).
Is the learning abroad minor different from the foreign studies minor?
No. The foreign studies minor was renamed the learning abroad minor in fall 2005. The new name better reflects the minor's connection to the university department that advises on the minor and replaces outdated terminology.
How do I declare the minor?
You will need to set up an appointment with the learning abroad minor adviser at the Learning Abroad Center (call 612.626.9000). Bring an updated copy of your unofficial University of Minnesota transcript to your appointment, even though you may not have completed any courses at the University of Minnesota yet.
I've completed all the courses required for the minor. Why doesn't it show up on my academic record?
You must officially clear the minor with the learning abroad minor adviser. Call 612.626.9000 to schedule your appointment as soon as you have completed your last course(s) for the minor. Bring an updated transcript and documentation of relevant coursework to the appointment.
Can I take any courses S/N for the minor?
Only one S/N course may be used for the minor, including language courses.
What if my study abroad program grants transfer credit?
If you complete a study abroad program that grants transfer credit, you will need to submit a copy of the transcript issued by your program provider or accredited institution, as well as a University of Minnesota transcript noting that the credits transferred successfully.
Can a course that I am taking for my major or another minor count for the learning abroad minor as well?
Absolutely! We encourage you to use a course to count for as many requirements as you can, including liberal education, major, and minor requirements, as long as your college or major/minor advisers approve of it.
Intercultural Communication Courses
I can't get into Comm 3451 during the semester prior to my study abroad. Is it still possible to obtain the minor?
Even if you are not able to get into Comm 3451 during this semester, don’t give up on the minor! You have several alternatives if you find yourself in this situation, and have NOT studied abroad yet:
You may enroll in Comm 3451 during May or summer session, as it is much easier to get into the course during these terms.
If it is offered, and you have an interest in using your cross-cultural skills in the business environment, you may petition to take BA 3900: International Business Communication prior to your departure. This course is only taught once per year. You do not need to be a Carlson School of Management student to enroll in this course.
If it is offered, and you have chosen to study abroad in a non-English speaking country, you may petition to take TESOL 3501: Practical Language Learning for International Communication in place of Comm 3451.
If your study abroad program offers an upper-division intercultural communication course on site, you may petition to substitute that course for Comm 3451. This is subject to review by the learning abroad minor adviser, and additional documentation of the coursework (syllabus, course description, assignments) may be requested.
You may petition to take Comm 4452 or 5451 after you return from your study abroad. However, it is extremely difficult to get into these courses (they are offered only once a year and have VERY limited enrollment). In addition, you will need to complete a supplemental reading and writing assignment while overseas.
- Show up to the first week of class and try to get in if someone who enrolled does not show up to class.
I have already studied abroad, but I just found out about the minor and I couldn't complete the pre-departure Comm 3451 course before I left. Can I still obtain the minor?
Yes, the learning abroad minor is still possible. You have several options:
You may petition to take Comm 4452 or Comm 5451 in place of Comm 3451, plus complete a supplementary assignment.
If you plan to study abroad again, you can take Comm 3451 prior to your second study abroad experience. Comm 3452 may be completed anytime before or after your second study abroad experience. Please meet with the learning abroad minor adviser to discuss further requirements when combining study abroad programs.
If this is your final semester at the University of Minnesota, and you are still unable to register for Comm 4452 or 5451, you may petition to take Comm 3451 ONLY during the May or summer sessions.
- Consider the global studies or area studies minors instead of the learning abroad minor. Contact the Institute for Global Studies (612.624.9007) for more information.
Are there any seats reserved in the intercultural communication courses for learning abroad minor students?
Unfortunately, there are no reserved seats, magic registration numbers, or priority given to students pursuing the learning abroad minor.
Is there an alternative course for Comm 3452: Intercultural Re-entry?
Due to the unique topic, structure, and objective of this course, there are currently no acceptable substitutions for Comm 3452, nor is it possible to complete this course as an independent study for the minor. We are continually searching for viable options, and will post them to this site if we locate an appropriate alternative.
I petitioned to take Comm 4452 or 5451 after I return. Can I take it at the same time as I take Comm 3452?
Yes. If you are trying to decide whether you should take one before the other, we encourage you to take Comm 3452 as soon as possible after your return to the US, while your experience abroad is still fresh in your memory and spirit. You will find the course more enjoyable and helpful if you don’t wait too long to take it!
Do I need to take the country-specific courses while I am abroad?
We recommend that you do, because you will have more selection while you’re abroad and will benefit from having the subject taught from the host country’s perspective. It’s important to note that, for some countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, there are not any courses offered at the University of Minnesota that focus on these countries or this region of the world. If you will be studying in these countries, or others that may not be represented in the University of Minnesota’s course offerings, you must take the country-specific courses while you are abroad. Keep this in mind as you are selecting your program, and make sure that the program offers these courses on-site. In general, internship seminars do not count toward the country-specific requirement.
Do the language courses that I take count toward the upper division country-specific requirement?
No, the language courses, including composition and phonetics courses, may only satisfy the language requirement of the learning abroad minor.
Required Study Abroad Experience
My program is only seven weeks long. Can I still pursue the minor?
No, the 8 week program requirement is firm. You may not stay longer to complete “extra work” and count this time as your study abroad unless you complete a documented directed study project during those dates. You may, however, combine this shorter program with another short program in the same country to total at least 8 weeks of study abroad.
I'm going to be working or volunteering abroad this summer. Can I count that as my study abroad experience?
No, unless the international experience is credit-bearing, meets the minimum credit and duration requirement, and the credits are reflected on your transcript.
Last modified on February 9, 2009 |