Study Abroad in Applied Economics No matter what your area of interest, you can enrich your education with a study abroad experience. Study management and finance in Melbourne, marketing in Hong Kong, food retailing in Belfast, trade in Denmark, development in Kenya, resources and the environment in New Zealand, or regional and public economics in Barcelona. Learn about how the global economy works by experiencing it yourself. College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences An international study experience will increase your understanding of economics and how the principles apply at home and in other countries. Vernon Eidman, Department Head, Applied Economics Learning Abroad Center University of Minnesota 230 Heller Hall 271 19th Avenue S Minneapolis, MN 55455 612.626.9000 888.700.UOFM UMabroad@umn.edu www.umabroad.umn.edu An equal opportunity educator and employer. Applied Economics 04/09 50 Study abroad can help you... Find great Applied Economics coursework and curriculum Understand economics from an international perspective Expand your cross-cultural communication and problem-solving skills Prepare to work in an increasingly diverse and international workplace Broaden your academic horizons Globalize your world view Improve your language skills Within Minnesota or outside our borders, high quality employment opportunities will bring you into contact with other cultures and languages. The skills you gain studying abroad will make you more competitive for the highest paying jobs and add to your quality of life. Set goals and plan for results The process of selecting a study abroad program is similar to selecting your major or minor. Begin planning as soon as possible. It is never too early to start. Set some goals. There are many good study abroad programs, and the best one for you depends on what you want. Prioritize your goals. Consider long-term academic and professional goals, as well as oncampus degree requirements. Prepare academically. You may need to take language or other prerequisite courses for your chosen program. Give yourself time to research and talk to advisers and students who have studied abroad. We have screened hundreds of international programs and identified several with a proven track record for on-site service, academic excellence, and good fit with the needs of Applied Economics students. Using this advising sheet you can find examples of the sorts of programs that can meet your individual needs. Can I afford to study abroad? YES! Early planning for study abroad helps you make cost-effective program decisions, and it also helps you prepare your finances through savings, scholarships, and financial aid. Financial aid applies to study abroad and, in some cases, your eligibility will increase to cover additional expenses. The University of Minnesota offers more than $300,000 in scholarships for study abroad. The Learning Abroad Center provides resources on these and a variety of other scholarships available to undergraduate students. The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences also offers significant scholarships, which support students incorporating an overseas experience as part of their education while at the University. Go to 190 Coffey Hall or call 612.625.9254 for more information. What are my next steps? Attend a First-Step Meeting Learn about study abroad resources and advising by attending a First Step Meeting at the Learning Abroad Center. See www.umabroad.umn.edu or call 612.626.9000 for the latest schedule. Investigate Programs You can find a program that fits your goals by visiting International Programs in Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences in 135 Skok Hall (contact John Vreyens at 612.624.3221) and using the Learning Abroad Center s catalog, website, advisors, and resource centers. Talk to your CFANS adviser Use an Academic Planning for Study Abroad (APSA) form to get approval from your academic adviser and the undergraduate coordinator, Gary Cooper, or the Applied Economics major coordinator for major specific courses. The undergraduate coordinator or Applied Economics major coordinator will sign as the college adviser and your academic adviser will sign as the major adviser. Your study abroad courses will then be pre-approved to meet your major requirements. 1
Academic Considerations for Applied Economics Students How do I select a study abroad program? Over 300 programs are available to University of Minnesota students. The Department of Applied Economics has worked closely with the Learning Abroad Center to select some programs that fit particularly well for Applied Economics students. Consider your academic interests, your geographic interests, and your academic goals. Use this sheet, talk with your academic adviser, or work with a Learning Abroad Center program selection adviser. You ll find a program that fits your goals. How will the study abroad program fulfill my requirements? Liberal Education: You may take any liberal education requirements through study abroad. The Learning Abroad Center has worked with the Office of Admissions to pre-approve many courses. You can find the Study Abroad Liberal Education Database on-line by visiting www.umabroad.umn.edu. Major requirements: All foundation requirements can be taken abroad with the approval of your advisers. We strongly encourage you to take your Applied Economics core courses (3001-7) on campus, but you may be able to find substitutes for these courses with careful planning and consultation with the Undergraduate Coordinator or Major Coordinator. Professional Application Cluster requirements: This is a natural way to fit study abroad courses into your academic plan. We encourage you to take your two Applied Economics Professional Application Cluster courses on campus, but the remainder of the twelve required credits in this category can be easily taken abroad. You will probably also be able to find a study abroad course that satisfies the Ethics and Responsible Management requirement. Electives: All electives can be taken abroad. When should I study abroad? Freshman The first semester is the best time to start planning for study abroad. May Session or Summer Session programs can be a great first step and fulfill many liberal education requirements as well as enable you to work on a second language. Sophomore Sophomore year is a good time to fulfill liberal education requirements and take foundation requirements abroad. Junior Junior year is a great time to spend a semester or year abroad. Juniors will likely choose a program that is focused on Applied Economics or a program that offers an internship experience. A junior who goes abroad should be ready to take courses in the Professional Application Cluster. Senior Senior year is also a great time to study abroad, especially if all foundation and core requirements are complete. Seniors can finish their Professional Application Cluster requirements or get international work experience. Seniors who wish to study abroad need to plan carefully in order to complete their degree requirements. Minor in International Agriculture CFANS recognizes the international nature of global food and agricultural systems as well as the interdependence of environmental systems. The minor provides students an opportunity to integrate course work in agricultural sciences; area, cultural and language studies; plus an overseas experience. Students select course work independently or through package programs available through the Learning Abroad Center. For more information contact John Vreyens (vreyens@umn.edu). What do I do after I have selected a program? Talk with your academic adviser. Applied Economics students need to start working on the Academic Planning for Study Abroad (APSA) form as soon as they have chosen a program. You and your adviser should complete the APSA form together. Visit the Learning Abroad Center for help with financial planning, travel planning and program application. 2
Explore Study Abroad Options The remainder of this sheet lists some options that fit well for an Applied Economics major. Although we have attempted to group them into three broad categories according to the sort of educational experience they provide, be aware that many programs combine elements of two or even all three. Gain Valuable Field Experience Many programs offer opportunities to get out of the classroom and into the community, whether through internships, service-learning, field research, field trips, or experiential assignments. In some programs these are a minor complement to classroom-based instruction, in others it is the core of the educational approach. Australia Study and Internships in Australia This program allows students the chance to combine courses in areas such as international business, environmental studies and Australian politics along with a 3 credit internship with multinational and local businesses and firms in Sydney. (UMTC Learning Abroad Center) Brazil Brazil s Economy and Business Environment This six-week summer program examines the economy of this emerging economic giant. Through a combination of classroombased learning, site visits to local factories and companies, and meetings with governmental ministries, this program provides an insight into the Brazilian economy. The program culminates with a case study of a company or sector of the economy- analyzing the problems faced in the context of Brazilian economic conditions. Instruction is in English. (AESOP) Country Varies MAST International The MAST International program provides qualified individuals a travel abroad opportunity to gain hands-on experience in agriculture, horticulture, agri-business, forestry, or related areas. This cross-cultural experience living and working in another country helps you develop a global perspective and a broader understanding of the world. Contact: Susan VonBank svonbank@umn.edu (CFANS) Student Project for Amity among Nations (SPAN) SPAN students design and conduct an independent research project in one of four countries. Sites vary each year. Students spend the year preparing their project at the University of Minnesota, collect information on their summer abroad, then complete a thesis upon return. A faculty adviser helps students prepare, accompanies each group during the summer research phase, and assists in writing-up the thesis. (SPAN) Internships or Research Abroad Directed Study Study abroad opportunities are not limited to formal instruction. Directed Study allows students to create a contract between themselves and a faculty member that outlines a project and credits to be earned. Students work independently on a project of their own design while abroad, under the direction of a University of Minnesota faculty member. Ecuador, India, Kenya, or Senegal MSID (Minnesota Studies in International Development) This program focuses on economics and social change in developing countries. It is designed around grassroots internships in a variety of areas, such as micro-finance, commercialization of local products, and small business start-up. Students take a pre-set schedule of courses emphasizing development and the country in which they are studying, and then spend time working independently in an area of interest. They finish the year with a research paper in an area of their choice, usually related to their internship. No language required for India or Kenya. Two years of Spanish required for Ecuador; two years of French for Senegal. Norway Scandinavian Urban Studies Term (SUST) This fall semester program, based in Oslo, Norway, offers a comparative study of selected regions of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Estonia. SUST affords an excellent opportunity to explore issues in contemporary Scandinavia such as economic security, education, and state supported health care. (HECUA) United Kingdom Study Abroad and Internships in London Choose from courses in international trade, European economic history, international marketing in Europe, corporate finance, and Western European government and politics as well as other liberal arts courses. This program also offers a 6-credit internship in multinational and local businesses and firms in London. Internships Many study abroad programs include internships among the course options; they are noted in the Learning Abroad catalog and website. Also check out the St. Paul Career Center website (www.stpaulcareers.umn.edu) and follow the link to international internships for more internship possibilities. 3
Look into Study Abroad Centers Center-based programs are developed for non-native students. Some are just for US students, others for a mix of US and other international students. Many of these programs combine customized classroom-based courses with opportunities for field study, internships, and/or the option of taking some classes in a host-country university. Spain CIEE Spain-Barcelona Students take beginning to intermediate language classes and then complement them with additional courses from a variety of academic areas. Economics course topics may include European regional economics, the political economy of the Euro-zone, and the development of Spain s economic relationship with the EU. Coursework through the prestigious business school at The Escola Superior de Comcerc Internacional includes economics, marketing, and management. Courses are taught in English. (CIEE) Denmark Denmark s International Study Program, Copenhagen Denmark s International Study program consists of classroom teaching, field studies in the Copenhagen region and business study tours in Denmark and Europe. Students develop solid knowledge of the European business environment; a focus on the world s largest single market, the European Union (EU); an understanding of the real-world interplay of politics, economics, and business; as well as hands-on insights, through business field visits and study tours, into the strategic thinking of European managers. Instruction is in English. (DIS) Japan IES Japan-Tokyo This program offers students with little or no Japanese language a unique opportunity to supplement Japanese language instruction with courses in English. Economics and business related courses may include The Contemporary Economy of Japan; Japan and International Economic Relations in Asia; and Key Features of Japanese Marketing Strategy. Students also participate in a field placement where they are participant observers with a Japanese corporation, business, or non-profit organization. (IES) Germany Business Studies in Berlin For students interested in macroeconomics, Berlin provides an excellent vantage point for observing a society in transition from communism to capitalism. This spring semester program offers the opportunity to take a variety of classes in Economics in English at the Berlin School of Economics along with courses in German language and culture. Students with sufficient German can undertake internships at the end of the spring semester. 4
Study Applied Economics at a Host-Country University Study in a university alongside students from the country in which you are studying. Study at a host-country university works especially well for students interested in experiencing a different academic system and for students who want to select classes from a wide variety of offerings, including coursework in their major or minor. While the destinations chosen here emphasize English language instruction, students with sufficient language skills can study in almost any host country-language (over 70 countries available). There are also opportunities to study in English in over 30 countries, including universities in Asia, Europe, and Africa. Visit the Learning Abroad Center to learn more about your options. Australia University of Melbourne The University of Melbourne is one of Australia s leading universities. Its commitment to excellence in teaching, research and service has been recognized by the Australian government. The University of Melbourne has extensive course offerings in agriculture and commerce. Possible areas of study include agricultural marketing, agricultural policy and international trade, and resource economics and management. In addition, students can take courses in Melbourne s economics and management departments. Course offerings include: accounting, business law, e-commerce, econometrics, economics and environmental studies, finance, human resource management, international commerce, marketing economics, operations and strategic management. New Zealand Massey University, Palmerston North Massey University is New Zealand s largest university and is located in the country s second largest inland city. It has a long tradition of academic and research excellence across a wide variety of disciplines. Massey offers many opportunities in business studies, including finance, marketing, and e-business. Possible courses include International Business, Marketing Management, and Natural Resource and Environmental Economics. (AustraLearn, Butler) United Kingdom Queen s University, Belfast, Northern Ireland Queen s University has an excellent reputation in agriculture. Through its School of Agriculture and Food Science, students can take a variety of courses in the economics and management of agribusiness. Areas of study include agribusiness economics and marketing; agricultural economics, and natural resource economics. The School of Management and Economics offers course work in accounting, economics, finance, management, and management information systems. (Arcadia, Butler) University of Aberdeen, Scotland Founded in 1495, the University of Aberdeen is one of Britain s ancient universities. Aberdeen has a large and well-respected Faculty of Agriculture with particular strength in applied economics. Students can take courses in a wide variety of areas such as agriculture and food marketing, rural business management, and rural economics. The Business School at Aberdeen offers course work in accounting, finance, economics, and management. (Arcadia) South Africa University of Natal, Durban and Pietermaritzburg The University of Natal has two campuses, one in the coastal city of Durban and the other 45 miles inland at Pietermaritzburg. Both campuses have extensive course offerings in economics, management and marketing with a particular emphasis on issues relevant to southern Africa. Possible areas of study include international trade, environment and development, and bio-resources. (interstudy) 5
Try a Short-Term Introduction Some students who have had no prior international experience feel the need for a short initial experience before they are ready for a full semester or year of study abroad. Many options are available to meet the needs of such students. Country Varies International Field Study Seminars Designed as introductory courses to explore agricultural in an international setting, these seminars provide intensive study in several countries. Students participate in pre-departure seminars on the country. The two-week country visit is organized by faculty at partner institutions in collaboration with UM faculty. Past seminars visited Russia, Morocco, China, Germany and Costa Rica. (CFANS) Language Study Study abroad is a great way to acquire second language skills. Fluency in another language can be a real asset for a career in Applied Economics. The following are a couple of examples of intensive language programs that can really speed up language learning. Many more language options are available; see the Learning Abroad Center for details. China IES China This program offers intensive introductory, second, or third-year Chinese in a single semester. It also offers an intensive summer language option. Courses are also offered on Chinese culture and contemporary issues; some internships are available. (IES) France Study Abroad in Montpellier Spend a summer studying in one of France s fastest-growing cities. Montpellier is an ideal place for an introduction to French language and culture. This UMTC program offers intensive French language study for students at beginning through advanced levels. You can choose a four or eight week term. Global Seminars Every year the University of Minnesota offers more than a dozen of these programs. Led by University faculty, they are usually scheduled for May session, none have prerequisites, and they are open to all students, including freshman. For students who would like to get their feet wet before plunging into a longer international study, Global Seminars make ideal stepping-stone experiences. If you wish to participate in a Global Seminar, try to do so as early as possible in your undergraduate experience. This gives you plenty of time to explore options for a longer study abroad experience later in your college career. Mexico Language and Culture in Mexico, Cuernavaca This UMTC sponsored Spanish-language program offers a variety of enrollment options: fall or spring semester and/or any of five three-week terms, one during the winter break and four in May and summer. You can take a full language course in a term or up to three in a semester; a semester plus an adjacent term, or the four back-to-back summer terms, can yield two full years of language credit. 6