Travel the world and earn
college credit!
Because environmental challenges cross international borders, all ESPM students are strongly encouraged to participate in a study abroad program at least once during their time at the University. Whether you want to explore a rainforest, or have hands-on experience learning about the Great Barrier Reef , there's sure to be a program that's just right for you given the University's more than 300 study, work, and intern programs in over 80 countries!
For more information about international opportunities, especially those geared toward ESPM students, visit the Learning Abroad Center, Office of International Agricultural Programs and check out the ESPM International Advising Sheets (ENR and ES). Whether you want to travel for two weeks, a summer, a semester, or a full year, plan your international experience today and see the world!
Facts you should know about international opportunities:
Study abroad is not the only type of international experience available. While many students chose to study at another University, there are numerous ways you can have an international experience. You could conduct independent research, volunteer, gain practical experience through full-time employment or an internship, or take a field studies course.
The cost of an international experience is often comparable to attending the U of M.
Given partnership agreements, there are many program options available all over the world where students actually pay University of Minnesota tuition rates. Depending on your destination, living costs are also often comparable or perhaps even lower than they would be in the United States . Financial aid awards (scholarships, loans, grants) can be applied to most international experiences. In addition, numerous scholarships specifically designated to support international endeavors are available to help cover costs like airfare and in-country travel.
An international experience does not delay graduation
Studies have shown that students who incorporate an international experience into their program are actually MORE LIKELY to graduate in four years! Preparing for an international experience is a thoughtful process and requires planning with your faculty advisor. Before you go, your faculty advisor will work with you to determine how your international experience fits into the ESPM major and your degree. Depending on your program and destination choice, an international experience can be used to fulfill your internship or fieldwork requirements, conduct hands-on research, fulfill ESPM coursework or liberal education requirements, or complete your honors project. ESPM professors are committed to working with you throughout the planning stage to ensure that your international experience is an enriching one that does not delay your graduation.
In addition, the ESPM International Advising Sheets ( ENR and ES ) were developed to highlight specific Universities and programs that ESPM professors have "pre-approved" for their strong environmental programs. Choosing a University or program from this list makes it even easier to ensure that your coursework will count back to the University of Minnesota and ESPM major.
An international experience can set you apart with employers
Completing an international experience can set your resume and job applications apart once you graduate. Employers recognize the educational value of international experiences, and are increasingly showing interest in hiring students who have gone abroad over other job applicants. In addition, the University's Learning Abroad Center conducted a survey that showed starting salaries for students who had an international experience were $3,000-5,000 higher on average once they graduated.
There are many international opportunities in English all over the world
ESPM international opportunities are available in regions all over the world including Africa, Oceania, Asia, Europe, and the Americas . If you wanted to learn or improve your second language skills, the University offers many language-based programs. If you prefer to study in English, there are many opportunities to do so. Those Universities and programs listed on the ESPM International Advising Sheets ( ENR and ES ) are all in English.
The length of an international experience varies tremendously
International opportunities can range from a 3-week field studies course during May, to summer, semester, or year-long programs. Most students complete their international experience during their sophomore or junior years.
Students repeatedly say that their international experience was the best part of their undergraduate program. If your first experience ignites the travel bug, it is possible to take advantage of additional international opportunities. Often, students will use a 3-week seminar course to see whether they might want to have a longer international experience. Completing more than one international experience requires careful planning with your faculty advisor and should be done as early as possible to ensure that everything will fit into your program.