| Location | Program Structure | Travel |
| Dates | Academic Structure | Financials |
| Cost | Eligibility | Insurance |
| Housing | Credit | Health |
| Food | Orientation |
Where is the program located?
Ecuador, India, Kenya, or Senegal.
What are the dates for this program?
Term Date Pre-Session
Fall Semester
early August - late August
early September–mid December
Spring Semester mid January–mid May (mid-April for India) Academic Year early September–mid May (mid-April for India)
How much will it cost me to participate in this program?
The cost depends on the country and term length. Please refer to the Learning Abroad Center web site for fees.
Where will I live?
Students live with host families throughout the program.
When will I find out where I am living? With whom will I live?
MSID participants generally find out who their host family will be within two weeks of departure.
How close will my housing be to my classes?
Your housing will be within walking distance to classes or accessible via public transport.
Where will I be eating my meals?
You will breakfast and dinner each day with your family.
Are there food options available for vegetarians or vegans?
This depends on your host family and MSID site. If you have dietary restrictions, you should not this on your housing form but be prepared to supplement your host family meals with food from snack bars or convenience stores during the day.
Who will I work with for all my pre-departure planning?
You will have contacts from the MSID team at the Learning Abroad Center.
How much work will I need to do on my own to prepare?
MSID participants are responsible for a completing a packet of pre-departure readings as well as various forms required by the in-country staff in order to secure host family and internships.
What subjects can I study?
MSID has a set course schedule in which all participants take part. See individual MSID web site for more information.
Will I know the exact classes I'll be taking before I leave?
Since all MSID participants take the same classes, you can read the class descriptions on the country specific page before you even apply.
How many students are accepted into the program and does the program usually fill before deadline?
MSID accepts 75–150 students each semester. Students are encouraged to hand in their applications by the priority deadline, especially if applying to Kenya.
Who will I be taking classes with and who will teach my classes?
You will take classes with the other MSID participants, who are students from universities around the United States. Your classes will be taught by faculty from the country in which you are studying.
How often will I attend class?
During the first half of the semester, you will attend class five days a week. After that, you will work in an internship, usually working five days a week, with homework assignments. All students return at the end of the field internship for a week-long wrap-up seminar.
What language are my courses taught in?
Classes will be taught in Spanish in Ecuador, in French in Senegal, and in English in India and Kenya.
Can I study the host county language?
Beginning level classes are offered in three countries: Hindi in India, Wolof in Senegal, and Swahili in Kenya. Advanced Spanish is taught in Ecuador.
What are the eligibility requirements for this program and do I have to take any prerequisite classes before I go?
All MSID programs require a 2.5 GPA; junior, senior, or graduate student status, or a bachelor's degree; relevant course work or volunteer experience is encouraged. Ecuador requires four semesters of Spanish and Senegal requires four semesters of French.
Do I have to be an undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota to participate?
No. MSID accepts students from other schools; usually about 65% of participants are non-University of Minnesota students.
Am I too advanced for this program?
No. It is up to your graduate program whether or not they will accept the credit, but MSID is happy to accommodate graduate students by adjusting your course load as needed.
How many credits will I receive and what kind of credit will I get?
You will receive 17 University of Minnesota resident credits for Fall Semester, 17 for Spring Semester, and 33 for the Academic Year.
How long will it take for my credits to show up on my transcript?
You will see credit on your transcript six to eight weeks from the end of the program.
How will I know if these credits will count toward my degree requirements?
It will be up to you to meet with your major or minor advisers; they will evaluate the courses to see if any of them fit departmental requirements.
Will I attend an orientation before I leave?
Yes. There is an afternoon orientation on a Saturday in November or April (depending on which semester you are going) at the University of Minnesota.
Will I have an orientation once I arrive on site?
Yes. Before you move in with your host family, you will spend a few days in accommodations with the other MSID participants and the in-country staff, orienting you to the city, the culture, and one another.
Will I have to arrange my own travel or will it be arranged?
Group flights are arranged. You may arrange your own travel, provided you inform us of your plans and arrive before the group flight.
Will someone meet me at the airport when I arrive?
The on-site staff will meet you.
Can I travel during this program?
Academic Year students will have a break around mid-December during which time they are free to travel. Spring semester students on MSID Ecuador and Senegal have a one-week spring break. There is no break for MSID India or Kenya or during the fall semester. Family members should only visit during official breaks or before or after the program.
Are there any excursions planned during this program and will I have to pay for them separately?
All excursions are included in the program fee.
Can I use my financial aid for this program?
Yes. If you are a University of Minnesota student, you will need to receive a Study Abroad Cost Estimate (SACE) from the Learning Abroad Center after you are accepted and have confirmed your participation.
Can I use my scholarships for this program?
Scholarships can usually be applied. Check with the scholarship provider.
Are there any scholarships that I can apply for?
The University of Minnesota offers several scholarships. Check the Learning Abroad Center for more information.
Will I be covered by insurance while abroad?
Yes. You will be covered by CISI insurance.
Do I need to keep my US insurance while I'm abroad?
Yes. It is recommended that you maintain your current insurance in order to cover pre-departure, return, and pre-existing conditions.
Are there any vaccinations I will need to get before going?
Yes. You will need to schedule an appointment with a travel health professional who will review with you the required and recommended immunizations, as well as discuss with you the various options for your malaria prophylaxis.
What should I do about the prescription medicine I take?
You should order enough for the duration of the program. Bring the medications along with the actual prescriptions written by your doctor in order to confirm that you are supposed to be carrying the medication.
Last modified on November 21, 2008 |