Study Abroad
The Learning Abroad Center at the University of Minnesota offers hundreds of study abroad opportunities that satisfy students' academic and personal interests. Study abroad programs offer a wide array of political science courses as well as courses that will fulfill minor and liberal education requirements. Here's what a few of the political science majors have to say about their experiences abroad:
"Without studying abroad, I would never have been able to see the world and gain a greater understanding of another culture...I loved it." Tom McGregor studied in Melbourne, Australia.
"The experience of traveling to another country makes the information in classes more attainable. Learning about something is so much more interesting when you are familiar with the place, people, or history." Emily Fisher studied in Cuernavaca, Mexico and Vienna, Austria.
"Stepping outside of America to take a look at everyone else really opened my eyes. I have a more objective outlook on my education and have learned to encompass other points of view." Sara Schwan studied in Freiburg, Germany.
"Studying abroad is the experience of a lifetime. It not only opens your mind to other cultures and other worlds, but also opens doors to future employers and a growing international market." Justin Brown studied in Toledo, Spain.
Several study abroad programs also offer students the opportunity to participate in government and political internships.
"Being able to see London politics first-hand has been an invaluable experience for me. My internship with a London-based NGO allowed me to witness and understand how the British government works. Seeing the world from another perspective has been incredible." Jessica Weaver studied and interned in London, England.
"It's been quite a fantastic year; I've met many wonderful people and got to travel all over Europe. Since early January, I've been working on two campaigns for the Labour Party! I've been given the role of campaign manager, designing the literature, managing the website, contacting members and organizing events for them—all the major tasks you don't generally think of an intern doing! This experience has been just incredible." Nicholas Psyhos, studied in Belfast, Northern Ireland and London, England.
Get Started:
First Step Meetings provide students with basic information about study, work, internship and volunteer programs and describe the services and resources available through the Learning Abroad Center. No need to make an appointment—just show up. First Step Meetings are held in 230 Heller Hall on the West Bank. To attend a First Step meeting and to find out more about how study abroad can enhance your undergraduate experience, follow the Academic Planning steps suggested by the Learning Abroad Center.
To find out more about study abroad programs that are most suitable for political science students, visit Study Abroad in Political Science.
Political science majors who plan to study abroad are invited to apply for scholarships awarded by the Department of Political Science. Scholarship applications are available at the beginning of the academic school year.