The Department of American Studies encourages its majors and minors to take advantage of study abroad. The Learning Abroad Center offers hundreds of programs to meet your academic and personal interests. You can take American Studies courses at a university in Germany, Great Britain, Australia, Brazil, or New Zealand, accelerate your language skills in Mexico, France, or Italy, view the world from a Japanese perspective in Tokyo or study world cultures in Italy, Venezuela, or Ireland. Study abroad programs offer an array of American studies and related courses as well intensive language study and internships. Students are invited to incorporate study abroad into their major program and will receive appropriate credit on review of courses taken.

For help in selecting a study abroad opportunity, and for the advice concerning the academic aspects of study abroad (such as credit transfer), contact the Learning Abroad Center (612-626-9000). They are located in 230 Heller Hall.

After attending a First Step Meeting at the Learning Abroad Center and using their resources to find a program that fits your goals, you should then consult with the Director of Undergraduate Studies in American Studies about courses that may count toward your American Studies major.

The department can provide you with an American Studies Study Abroad advising sheet which gives more details on programs, courses, and educational institutions abroad. Contact the department at amstdy@umn.edu or 612-624-4190 to request a copy or to schedule an appointment with the Director of Undergraduate Studies regarding questions about whether specific courses abroad will apply to your American Studies major as well as area studies abroad and language immersion programs.

Black Paris: African Diaspora in the City of Lights

About the Program

Paris is considered one of the most beautiful, exciting places in the world, and for nearly three centuries, African Americans have immigrated to this "City of Light" and other regions of France. In so doing, they become inserted into a broader narrative of international migration and immigrant upward mobility. France has, however, reserved a very different reception for other African diaspora peoples. In this course, students examine this complex site and the representation of Paris as a color-blind utopia for African Americans. Check here for the American Studies department web site for this program.

Excursions

Students take field trips to different parts of the city to get a sense of the lived experience of blacks in Paris. A two-day excursion is included to Josephine Baker's Chateau des Milandes in the Dordogne region. Additional activities include: "Black Paris Tours;" visits to museums including: Musée Quai Branley, Musée Daper and l'Histoire de l'Immigration; workshops on jazz, hip hop and cuisine; and many guest lectures.

Housing & Meals

Students live in shared apartments with other program participants. A few lunches are included in the program fee. Additional meals can be taken in the apartments or at local eateries.

On-Site Support

On-site support is provided by a local learning abroad center. Students may have access to a computer lab, a classroom space, and a library. On-site staff provide information to students regarding cultural activities as well as ensuring 24-hour emergency support.