Real-World Experience

A College of Liberal Arts experience stretches beyond the classroom. By completing a study abroad program, international internship, service-learning class, or by participating in a global research opportunity, our students can explore future careers while learning from and working within our global communities.

The Learning Abroad Center in the University's Global Programs and Strategy Alliance is a comprehensive resource for study, service-learning, research, work, intern, volunteer, and travel experiences worldwide. The University of Minnesota has more than 300 established study abroad programs, and ranks among the top 10 schools for number of students who study abroad.

Did you know? Students who study abroad:                    

• graduate in five years at almost twice the rate of students who do not participate in a program—90% for study abroad vs. 58.6 % for non-study abroad
• increase their GPAs after going overseas—mean GPA increased from 3.24 prior to going overseas to 3.30 after
• are more likely to be active members in a global setting—a study measured global leadership, global values, philanthropic giving, volunteerism, and domestic and international civic engagement, showing that study abroad experiences bring significant benefits to society at large, not only to the individuals themselves