Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the Office of International Program's most frequently asked questions: 

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Is study abroad the only type of international experience available?

Is study abroad 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. Search for international opportunities by program type.

I've heard that study abroad is expensive. Won't having an international experience mean that I end up with more debt?

I've heard that study abroad is expensive. Won't having an international experience mean that I end up with more debt?

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. Click here for more tips on financing a program abroad.

Will going abroad delay graduation?

Will going abroad 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 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 major-specific coursework or liberal education requirements, or complete your honors project. Read more tips on how to plan ahead so that an experience abroad fits seamlessly into your academic plan.

The Learning Abroad Center’s major advising pages highlight specific Universities and programs that professors in your major have "pre-approved" because they offer relevant coursework for your area of study. 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 your major.

Do you need to know a second language to study abroad?

Do you need to know a second language to study abroad?

If you want 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. Don't let language be a barrier to having an international experience! Search for a program based on the language in which courses are taught.

How long does an international experience last?

How long does an international experience last?

The length of international experiences varies tremendously. They can range from a 1-week field studies course over spring break, to a summer session, a semester, or even a year-long program. Most students complete their international experience during their sophomore or junior year. See a list of CFANS short-term programs and a list of suggested long-term programs.

Is it safe to study abroad?

Is it safe to study abroad?

CFANS and the greater University of Minnesota consider the health and safety of students on education abroad opportunities one of our top priorities. While no organization or institution can guarantee the safety of participants, the risks can be significantly reduced if program staff, students, parents, and advisers at the host and home institutions all work together. Check out the Learning Abroad Center’s study abroad health and safety page, as well as the University of Minnesota’s Global Programs and Strategy Alliance’s GoSafe website for detailed information on University-wide efforts to ensure students safely and successfully participate in education abroad opportunities.

Will I be covered by health insurance while I am abroad?

Will I be covered by health insurance while I am abroad?

International travel, health and security insurance is mandatory for study-abroad programs and is provided through Cultural Insurance Services International. Most students on the University of Minnesota’s and affiliated programs through the Learning Abroad Center are covered by this policy. The cost of this insurance is most often included in the program fee ⁠— as is the case for all CFANS short-term programs, or arrangements can be made by the student to buy the insurance individually or extend their insurance. Visit the international insurance web page for additional information.

How will my identity as an individual be received while abroad?

How will my identity as an individual be received while abroad?

The CFANS Office of International Programs (OIP) understands that each student brings their own unique identity and value to a program abroad, and it is our priority to make students of all identities feel welcome and supported on their study abroad journey. We’re here to help you navigate the process so that your international experience is as rewarding as possible. Click here for links to resources as well as more information on how the CFANS OIP can support you throughout the study abroad process.

Will employers value an international experience?

Will employers value an international experience?

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. Learn more about how study abroad can positively benefit your employability.

Can I have more than one international experience?

Can I have more than one international experience?

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 three-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. Contact ipglobal@umn.edu if you’re interested in connecting with a student who has participated in more than one study abroad program.