In consultation with the Director of Undergraduate Studies, a student can create a coherent internship or service learning component of the major program. The general requirement is for the student to connect with a recognized organization or agency, to agree upon an internship experience or service opportunity for work with that organization or agency, and then write a paper describing that experience and its relevance to the study of citizenship and volunteer work in the United States and/or the world.

Community Service Learning is an approach to experiential learning, whereby students learn and develop through active participation and engage in activities that address human and community needs together. Service-learning helps foster civic responsibility, enhances the academic curriculum by connecting academic theory with real-world experience; and includes structured reflection. Through service learning you are receiving credit for what you learn in the Community and in the classroom.

Internships are community based learning through which you can gain some experience - paid or unpaid - in American studies upon graduation. An internship will help give you clarity in your direction and/or experience that will help develop your career. It is also possible to receive credit for your internship. The central source of service learning and internship services as well as career information for CLA students is the Career and Community Learning Center (CCLC). CCLC has two offices -- CLA Career Services in 135 Johnston Hall, (phone: 612/624-7577) and Community Involvement and Service-Learning Resources in 345 Fraser Hall (612/626-2044). The CCLC Resource Room is full of materials and staff to assist you in researching an internship. For more information visit their website.

The Political Science Department at the University of Minnesota also has a wealth of internships that are open to all majors. More information about applying for those can be found at the Political Science website.

Undergraduate Research Opportunity (UROP) Undergraduates who wish to conduct their own research, in partnership with a faculty member, may apply for a University of Minnesota UROP grant. UROP grants are awarded twice a year to full time students with detailed plans for research, scholarly or creative projects. The UROP website , details the application process and proposal guidelines. Or call the UROP office in 325 Johnston Hall at (612) 625-3853.

The University of Minnesota's Global Campus has resources on many study abroad programs.

The International Student Exchange & Study Abroad Resource Center has info on volunteer, intern, work and travel experiences.

CCLC has information on the National Student Exchange (NSE), a program that allows students to go to another participating U.S. university for one semester or a full academic year.