International Youth Work
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  • Belfast, Derry (Londonderry), other cities, Northern Ireland
  • May Session, May 23–June 9, 2010
  • Open to U of M and non- U of M undergraduate and graduate students
  • Resident credit, YOST 3031/5031
  • Field study
  • Hotels, Hostels
  • No language prerequisite
  • Sponsored by the School of Social Work

Description
This 2.5 week, 3-credit course explores the theory and practice of youthwork in an international context. Northern Ireland will be used as a case study for deepening and expanding our understanding of work with youth, youthwork, and supporting theory and philosophy for youthwork. The course will also explore other European approaches to working with youth.

Highlights include meetings with practicing youthworkers, talking with youth people involved in the planning and coordination of projects, visiting youthwork agencies that focus on human rights and youth civic engagement, and touring cities in Northern Ireland as well as visiting the beautiful North Coast of Northern Ireland. Students will:

  • Explore youthwork practice in Northern Ireland by visiting with local young people, youthworkers, youth agencies, and youth policy makers
  • Develop an understanding of human rights-based youthwork and work with youth in divided and contested societies
  • Visit cultural sites on the beautiful North coast of Northern Ireland
  • Tour the cities of Belfast and Derry to learn how “the Troubles” has shaped each of these metropolitan areas and the resulting challenges this poses for working with youth.

Housing & Meals

To keep the trip as affordable as possible students will be housed in a combination of youth hostels and tourist grade hotels, breakfast is typically included each day and the trip will also include several group dinners.

Eligibility and Application
Undergraduates and Graduate Students by permission only. An application form is available from the Youth Studies office by emailing ppond@umn.edu. Submit application form and other required Learning Abroad Center forms (See Apply Now link above) to ppond@umn.edu.

Pre-requisite: 1-credit independent study spring semester (YOST 3291/5291) which will include readings related to the course and seminar time on the following evenings and weekends, to be arranged.

Academic Fit with a University of Minnesota Degree Plan
With good academic planning this program can fit well into the degree plans for many majors. Search for courses that fulfill Liberal Education Requirements or submit a course you want to take for review. Study Abroad in Your Major advising sheets explain why study abroad is important for a major, indicate what the department wants students to consider when selecting a program, and provide academic planning hints. This program may appear as a special recommendation on an advising sheet. If your major is not listed, talk to an adviser—this program may still fit your academic, career, and professional goals.

Estimated Costs
The program fee is $3,000 and includes housing, some meals, ground transportation, excursions and international health insurance. Roundtrip airfare is not included. Accepted students will be required to pay a $500 deposit.

Financial Aid & Scholarships
Most financial aid may be applied to study abroad. In addition, University of Minnesota students are eligible for more than $500,000 in study abroad scholarships. Visit the financial resources web page for additional information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.

More InformationFor more information about the program, please contact the program leader, Dr. Ross VeLure Roholt, rossvr@umn.edu, or Peggy Pond, ppond@umn.edu.

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Last modified on November 18, 2009