It's Time to Explore!
Can you imagine yourself in Thailand learning about wildlife conservation in the tropics? In the Caribbean, investigating solutions for sustaining coral reefs? Managing an environmental education project with the Kenyan Wildlife Service? These valuable experiences are worth pursuing as an undergraduate and are more possible than you might first assume. This guide highlights many study abroad courses and programs that are great for FWCB students, suggests ways to fit international experience into your degree program, and provides information on how to cover the costs.
"Change your life and empower your future: it’s easier than you think. Study abroad with us. You will see things differently, you will have new skills and experiences to market, and we will help you make it happen with scholarships, guidance and amazing opportunities. A student who studies abroad gains confidence working in different cultures, addressing complex environmental challenges and adapting to new situations-- all things needed for successful natural resource careers--and attributes highly valued by employers."
Jim Perry, H.T. Morse Distinguished University Professor; Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology; Director, Wildlife Care and Handling Minor
Important Considerations
- Many basic science and policy courses, FWCB core courses, and FWCB track and contract courses can be taken to fulfill requirements at approved universities.
- If you are pursuing the Wildlife Care and Handling Minor, you can use your study abroad experience to fulfill the Externship requirement (FW4629). Contact minor coordinator Jim Perry for more information.
- Visit the FWCB International Programs page for information about short-term programs led by FWCB faculty.
Nonaffiliated Programs
CFANS strongly encourages students to participate in UofM-sponsored or affiliated programs, which have been vetted and approved by the Learning Abroad Center or another unit on campus. The UofM has close working relationships with hundreds of affiliated programs that are high quality in terms of academic standards, housing, cultural immersion, health and safety and administrative support services. CFANS will not support or approve student participation in nonaffiliated programs.
Programs
Africa and the Middle East
South Africa
University of Cape Town (available through IES South Africa)
- The University of Cape Town is South Africa’s oldest university and is one of Africa’s leading teaching and research institutions. Students will gain a better understanding of the social, political, historical, and economic realities of South Africa.
- Several courses available in ecology, marine biology, and environmental science.
- Semester, academic year, and calendar year options available.
Kenya
The School for Field Studies Kenya
- Experience the rich culture and traditions of the Maasai tribal communities while collaborating on issues of human-wildlife conflict and climate change.
- Finish up the semester by heading into the field to conduct an extensive research project in the country’s world-famous national parks and conservation areas.
- All courses taught in English. No language prerequisite. One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental studies/science required for semester program. Semester and summer options available.
Tanzania
The School for Field Studies Tanzania
- Experience the rich culture and traditions of the Maasai, Iraqw, and Hadzabe tribal communities while collaborating on issues of human-wildlife conflict and climate change.
- Finish up the semester by heading into the field to conduct an extensive research project in the country’s world-famous national parks and conservation areas.
- All courses taught in English. No language prerequisite. One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental studies/science required for semester program. Semester and summer options available.
Americas
Chile
- Abroad Winter Break in the Patagonia region of Chile; open to all students
- Experience the wildlife and mountains of beautiful and highly biodiverse Patagonia; co-create a community mural celebrating that.
- Engage in discussions that include the biophysical science of ecosystems and the human resource science of decisions.
- This program is led by Jim Perry, Professor in Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, and is approved for The Environment and Global Perspectives Liberal Education Themes.
Costa Rica
The School for Field Studies Costa Rica
- Learn professional level research skills while studying tropical ecology, economics, and develop a deeper understanding of the issues and challenges related to natural resource management.
- Work with local Costa Rican park rangers, farmers, and top environmental officials to understand the challenges of maintaining the biodiversity of the country.
- All courses taught in English. No language prerequisite. One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental studies/science required for semester program. Semester and summer options available.
Ecuador
MSID—International Development in Ecuador
- Live, study, and intern among the Andes mountains in the colonial city of Quito, Ecuador. Experiential learning is the core of our MSID programs where homestays and internships/research further enrich cultural immersion. Based in Quito, but with internship options outside the city.
- FWCB students can pursue internships or research at an ecological reserve working on rainforest conservation in the Amazon or at a wildlife preserve on environmental protection. Additional opportunities are available.
- Minimum 4-semesters of college-level Spanish required. Fall or Spring semester.
Peru
The School for Field Studies Peru
- A coveted destination, Peru offers a diverse landscape for students to learn about biodiversity and development through professional level research.
- Work with local NGOs, local farmers, and top environmental officials to understand the challenges of maintaining protected areas and biodiversity of the Andes.
- All courses taught in English. No language prerequisite. One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental studies/science required for semester program.
- Only semester program available.
Turks & Caicos
The School for Field Studies Turks & Caicos
- Participate in field research techniques that will impact South Caicos' resource management and habitat conservation.
- Take a hands-on approach to learn about marine ecology and coastal ecosystems while snorkeling or scuba diving.
- All courses taught in English. No language prerequisite. One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental studies/science required for semester program.
- Semester and summer options available.
Asia and Oceania
Australia
The School for Field Studies Australia
- Study rainforest management, restoration, and policy in tropical Queensland.
- Learn field research techniques that focus on climate change, land use, restoration and more.
- All courses taught in English. No language prerequisite. One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental studies/science required for semester program.
- Semester and summer options available.
- Live in Sydney among dazzling harbors, beaches, a multicultural population, and a host of restaurants and attractions.
- Take courses in a variety of subjects while gaining professional work experience through an internship experience. Sample internship placements can include aquatic conservation and work with animals in Sydney’s many wildlife parks.
- Semester and summer options available.
James Cook University (available through IFSA Australia)
- James Cook University provides an ideal location to study environmental science because of its tropical location near the Great Barrier Reef, rainforest, and outback.
- JCU is a respected world leader in a tropical environmental study. Coursework available in areas such as tropical rainforest ecology, hydrology, marine ecology, and environmental assessment.
- Semester, academic year, and calendar year options available.
University of Melbourne (available through IFSA Australia)
- Study at the University of Melbourne, one of Australia’s leading universities
- Classes are available focusing on Australian flora and fauna, ecology, sustainable environmental development, parks and recreation management, environmental management systems, and environmental economics as well as field study options.
- Semester, academic year, and calendar year options available.
University Study in Australia: University of Sydney
- Study at the University of Sydney--Australia’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Modern laboratories and internship opportunities are just a few of the highlights.
- Opportunity to take environmental studies classes focused on Australia’s environment and climate. Additional coursework in coastal management, ecology, and sustainability available.
- Semester, academic year, calendar year, and summer options available.
Bhutan
The School for Field Studies Bhutan
- Conduct research while trekking through the eastern Himalayas while learning about Bhutanese culture, Buddhism, and the diverse Himalayan ecosystem.
- Take a hands-on approach to forest biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable development.
- All courses taught in English. No language prerequisite. One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental studies/science required for semester program.
- Semester and summer options available.
New Zealand
University Study in New Zealand: University of Otago
- As New Zealand’s oldest University, the University of Otago, located in Dunedin, offers students exceptional academics against the backdrop of New Zealand’s South Island.
- Courses of interest available in environmental management and science as well as botany, wildlife management, and biology.
- Semester, academic year, and calendar year options available.
Victoria University of Wellington (available through IFSA New Zealand)
- Live and study in Wellington--New Zealand’s vibrant capital city. Wellington's arts scene and diversity provide a unique environment for you to take advantage of the wide offerings of this well-known university.
- Explore unique course offerings in environmental studies, biodiversity, conservation biology, and marine conservation.
- Semester, academic year, and calendar year options available.
Thailand
MSID—International Development in Thailand
- Live, study, and intern at the rolling hills of northern Thailand. Experiential learning is the core of our MSID programs where homestays, language learning, and internships/research further enrich cultural immersion. Based in Chiang Mai, but with internship options outside the city.
- Internships in the Sustainability & the Environment track could place students with an elephant conservation project, a tilapia farm or researching diverse species in northern Thailand’s villages. Additional opportunities and tracks available.
- Instruction is in English; no language prerequisite. Fall or Spring semester.
Europe
Denmark
- Take courses in a wide variety of disciplines with beautiful Copenhagen as your classroom. This program consists of coursework, field study, and study tours taught in English that take an interdisciplinary approach to various subjects.
- Students can pursue courses in the Environmental Science of the Arctic track and the Sustainability in Europe track. Option to pursue courses in other disciplines.
- No language prerequisite; Semester, academic year, and summer options available.
Denmark & Sweden
- The Summer in Denmark & Sweden program offers academically rigorous courses in a wide variety of subjects, including courses with a sustainability focus. Each course is the equivalent of a semester-long course, compressed into 3–4 weeks. Instruction is in English by local faculty.
Ireland
University Study in Ireland: University of Limerick
- Located in western Ireland on the banks of the Shannon River, The University of Limerick is known for its innovation and excellence in the sciences.
- The University has extensive course offerings in environmental science including environmental management, conservation ecology, and geoscience.
- Semester, academic year, and summer options available.
Norway
Exchange in Norway: Norwegian University of Life Sciences
- Located between fjords and forests in Ås, Norway, the Norwegian University of Life Sciences offers an intimate setting for students.
- The Norwegian University of Life Sciences focuses specifically on biology, food, environment, land use, and natural resource management.
- No language prerequisite; Semester and academic year options available.
Exchange in Norway: University of Bergen
- Study in Bergen--the gateway to the world-famous fjords of Norway. Established in 1946, the University of Bergen is known for being a young and modern university.
- Students can take courses in a variety of disciplines. Courses in aquaculture, climatology, and biology may be of special interest to FWCB students.
- No language prerequisite; Semester and academic year options available.
United Kingdom
University Study in the UK: University of Glasgow
- Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow consistently ranks as one of the UK's most highly-rated schools.
- Students can explore options through the biology and earth science departments--many of which focus on animal biology and life science.
- Semester and academic year options available.
Additional Options to Consider
- 3-week, 3-credit programs at the 3000-level led by University of Minnesota faculty and staff over winter break or May session.
- Explore an exciting location and topic, Fulfill Liberal Education requirements, or earn major/minor credit.
- Combine on-campus instruction during the spring semester with a study abroad component during spring break, on a 3 credits, 1xxx level Seminar.
- Freshman Seminars Abroad are designed specifically for first-year students as an introduction to study abroad, an opportunity to explore an exciting location and topic, and likely fulfill a liberal education requirement.
- Check out additional LAC Instructor-led Seminars that might run over winter break, spring break, May, and summer sessions. They vary in length, dates, and content so students can find one that best fits their academic and professional goals.
- Begin your language study or work toward completing requirements for a language minor.
- Complete a semester of language on a short-term program or explore options to complete two or more semesters of language on semester-long program.