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An international learning experience is life changing! Build your resume by studying a language, conducting research abroad, or doing an international internship related to your academic program. You may also choose to travel with a faculty member for credit or spend a semester taking courses abroad.
Many students organize their own international experiences through personal and professional contacts. Whether you choose to plan it yourself or participate in an organized program, the Learning Abroad Center advising staff can assist you at every step of the way.
Follow the steps below to ensure the best possible match for your personal and curricular needs.
1. Set goals & prioritize
Determine your goals and priorities for study abroad. Study abroad programs can help you meet degree requirements, especially field experiences or internships, and is also an excellent way to study a language or gain a different perspective on your discipline. You are encouraged to think carefully about your goals and how they relate to your degree program and future career plans.
2. Explore your options
- Check out the Learning Abroad Catalog
& this web site
Most University of Minnesota sponsored programs are listed in the catalog and on this web site. Short-term programs, semester study, directed study, and language study are all available to you. Our extensive resources on Work, Intern and Volunteer programs are a good place to start planning an independent experience. - Meet with the Graduate
Adviser
The adviser can help you identify programs that are a good match for your personal and curricular interests, or help you determine the next steps in designing an independent experience. Come to the advising session prepared with your own research results as well. - Talk to other students
Students in your program may have done projects similar to the one you are planning and have good advice to share with you. In some cases, the Learning Abroad Center can connect you with a past program participant.
3. Talk with your faculty adviser
Talk to your academic adviser about your interest in including an international component in your degee program. Faculty advisers can supervise independent projects, provide professional contacts, and help you fit the international experience into your degree program.
Allow yourself plenty of time to complete a program application or make the necessary professional contacts to secure your own placement. Application deadlines range from three months to one year before the program start date. Apply now for a Learning Abroad Center program. Apply for an Outside Program. If you are arranging your own internship or research, leave plenty of time to deal with unexpected delays. Also, anticipate how you will receive academic credit upon your return, if applicable.
5. Find funding
You may use federal financial aid for organized programs or to pay for directed study credits. Grants, scholarships, and fellowships are also available through the University of Minnesota Office of International Programs Graduate Student Funding and external funding sources.
Last modified on December 12, 2008 |