Learning abroad
Learning abroad will change the way you see yourself and the world.
It’s also one of the best ways to prepare for your place in
today’s global economy. An international perspective and the
ability to communicate effectively across cultures are essential
skills for professional success in the 21st century.
A world of opportunities
Choose from among hundreds of programs
available in Africa, Australia, the Middle East, the Americas, Asia
and Oceania, and Europe. Spend a summer, a semester, or an academic
year abroad to enhance your cross-cultural skills, language ability,
or professional experience. You can also gain on-the-job experience
through a technical internship abroad.
Global Seminars, three-week, three-credit
programs held during May Session, offer a variety of topics and
sites each year, including customized programs for IT students.
Where to start
Begin planning your study abroad experience by visiting the University’s
Learning Abroad Center,
230 Heller Hall, for assistance with program selection, academic
planning, registration, financial aid, orientation, cultural adjustment,
and re-entry.
Courses and your major
You can study in another country without losing momentum toward
your degree. IT has identified several foreign universities whose
programs are an ideal choice if you want to take courses in your
major. These universities offer courses in engineering fields, sciences,
and math as well as a wide array of courses in the arts, humanities,
business, and the social sciences. Many international technical
university courses have already been reviewed for transfer applicability.
Universities
organized by country are available. If a specific course or
university you are researching is not listed, that does not necessarily
mean that technical courses are not available for degree requirements.
New courses would need to be evaluated. IT students also often fulfill
Liberal Education requirements abroad. The Learning Abroad Center
maintains a convenient Liberal
Education Database.
After you’ve chosen a program and identified the courses
you want to take, departmental and college advisors can evaluate
whether or not the course work can be used toward your major or
to meet other requirements.
It’s important to be somewhat flexible in planning your courses.
Sometimes course information isn’t immediately available,
so you may need to correspond directly with the host university.
Costs and financial aid
You can apply most federal and state financial aid and University
scholarships to study abroad programs. Scholarships for study abroad
are available at the University, collegiate, and departmental levels.
Start your planning early if you wish to apply financial aid or
scholarships toward study abroad expenses. Be sure to discuss your
options with a counselor at the Learning Abroad Center.
For more information
Specialized study abroad programs for IT students
Adam Pagel (pagel@umn.edu)
IT Student Services
106 Lind Hall
612-624-8013
Susan Kubitschek (kubit001@umn.edu)
IT Student Services
106 Lind Hall
612-624-8010
General study abroad opportunities
Learning Abroad Center
230 Heller Hall
612-626-9000
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