UMC Learning Abroad Office

Interested in going to Spain? We are in search of one more person

2012-02-23T15:51:37Z

Hi folks, we are in search of one more person to go to Spain for Spring Break. The trip is worth one UMC credit, we will visit three cities in Spain. Salamanca, Toledo, and Madrid. It is a trip of a life time. Included in the journey is, dancing lessons, cooking lessons, literature tour of the city, bull farm tour, horse riding, going to soccer game, and so much more. Also included are 20 hours worth of language learning lessons and staying with a host family. If you are interested please contact Rae French: 218-281-8339.

International Week!!!

2011-11-03T17:49:15Z

Hey Everyone!
Don't forget to check out all of the festivities going on during International Week (November 14th-18th)
Please check out the Study Abroad tables that will be set up to check out the programs we are offering.
Also, Remember Spring Semester Registration starts the 7th so make sure you Register for the program you have selected!!!

The importance of going abroad, coming from the First Lady

2011-01-26T16:29:45Z

Michelle Obama: Study Abroad Helps to
Make America Stronger
On January 19, First Lady Michelle Obama delivered remarks before a group of students at Howard University in Washington, DC, about the importance of study abroad, stating that not only is study abroad an important part of a well-rounded education, but it is also about building success in the global economy, establishing bonds of trust around the world, and working together to solve global issues.

International Education Week Nov. 15 - 19

2010-11-09T15:43:28Z

International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of our efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the United States.

Travel Alert Issues in Europe

2010-10-11T18:26:47Z

Dear Students,

You may have heard about the recent Travel Alert issued for Americans traveling in Europe. Travel Alerts are issued to disseminate information quickly about terrorist threats and other relatively short-term conditions that pose significant risks or disruptions to Americans. Please take a look at the official announcment on the State Department website to learn more about it: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_europe.html.

Though the alert is vague, it's a good reminder to follow safe travel precautions. Please review the state department's safe travel guidelines, and let me know if you have any questions.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html.

The university continues to monitor the situation, and we will be in touch with any changes or additional instructions.

Dont Forget About the Info Sessions Today!!

2010-09-21T14:51:41Z

There are two informational sessions TODAY(Tuesday the 21st) regarding the Study Abroad trips to Spain and China!!

In Hill 115:
12:00pm--Info Session on Spain

1:00pm--Info Session on China

Hope to see a lot of you there!! If you cannot make it today, there will be another information session on Thursday, same times, same place!!

Study Abroad Fair, Monday Sept. 13 from 10-2

2010-09-09T23:58:05Z

Study Abroad Fair, Monday Sept. 13 from 10-2

2010-09-09T23:58:05Z

Six tips when going abroad

2010-08-12T15:47:45Z

Find a program that matches your goals

Think about your goals, and then do your research. If one of your goals is to have opportunities to get to know local people, make sure you choose a program that will maximize your exposure to locals. If affordability is key for you, look at more cost-effective destinations, or options like volunteering or interning as an alternative to a traditional study abroad program.

Say yes to new experiences - Once you are abroad, make the most of opportunities you don't have at home, even if they put you outside your comfort zone. Make friends with local students. Try out a new sport or dance. Eat new foods. Speak a new language. The best way to get over culture shock is to throw yourself in to your new experience 100%. Time flies when you're abroad, and when your program is over you'll be so glad that you made the most of it!

Don't sweat the small stuff - Life is rarely perfect, and this is certainly true with international travel. But keep in mind that learning to manage those little bumps in the road often ends up being the most memorable and lasting lesson from an international experience. Getting outside of your comfort zone is what studying abroad is all about!

Bring a camera! - You're going to want to remember all the amazing things you did, saw, and ate, and all of the new people you got to know. Pictures are worth a thousand words, and they're a great way to keep your memories for a lifetime.
Stay on top of the details - Life-changing international experiences can't happen if you never reach your destination because your visa arrived too late. Visit with the Learning Abroad Office and I will guide you through these processes step-by-step to make sure you aren't spending your time worrying about paperwork.
Reflect and share - Take some time while you're abroad and after you return to reflect on everything you've learned. Share your experiences with friends, family, and other returned study abroad participants. Your stories may very well encourage others to study abroad, too!

Know More Adventure.........for more info contact Rae French

Check out the last photo's of Norway and see what's happening over the summer. Please comment

2010-06-03T03:49:48Z

Hi folks, student have just arrived home from Norway. Three students are still over in Europe but will return home sometime next week. In the mean time check out Shawn's blog for Health Practices in Ghana, Daniel's internship in Mexico, and Jason Olson's blogs in New Zealand.

Eisenhower Fellowship opportunity.

2010-05-19T02:13:11Z

Eisenhower Fellowships, the premier international leadership development program, is accepting applications from experienced farmers and ranchers for its 2011 Agricultural Fellowship. The successful applicant will receive a custom-designed, all-expenses paid program overseas for up to five weeks in one or two countries where he or she will focus on agricultural issues. In addition, the 2011 Agricultural fellows will receive orientation and post-travel debriefing in Philadelphia along with a select group of Eisenhower Fellows from around the world.

Upon completion of the program, Fellows will become part of our alumni network of 1700 Fellows across the globe. Previous participants of this unique program have risen to positions of influence, and have used the international connections to bring new ideas and technologies to their communities.

Qualifications:
Applicants must be a practicing farmer or rancher, aged 32-45 with excellent networking avenues, demonstrated leadership experience, U.S. citizenship or permanent resident, and a commitment to at least 15-20 years of further active leadership in agriculture.

Possible Destination Countries:

Africa: South Africa
Asia: China, China (Taiwan), India, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia
Europe: European Commission (Brussels) Germany, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Russia, Spain, Sweden
Latin America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile , Mexico, Peru, Uruguay
Middle East: Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia
Oceania: Australia, New Zealand

EF challenges Fellows to identify specific projects they will undertake upon completion of travel, often in collaboration with other Eisenhower Fellows, and to remain engaged with EF for their lifetime. For examples of concrete outcomes, visit http://www.eisenhowerfellowships.org/programs/outcomes_archive.php. Further information including criteria for fellows, Eisenhower Fellowships fact sheet, and application are attached.

Application Deadline is July 1, 2010.

All Interviews will be held in Mid-Late July of 2010

For more information and to download applications please visit:
www.eisenhowerfellowships.org
or contact Julia Ransom, Eisenhower Fellowships
jransom@eisenhowerfellowships.org
Phone: 215.546.173

Last Minute things to think about before you go home

2010-02-12T20:22:40Z

The end of the year is close by and some of you may still need to check in with me before you go abroad. Please schedule an appointment if you have not done so already. If you still want to go this fall there are still programs available in certain areas. Please contact me at rfrench@umn.edu. Thanks Rae

Know More Adventure