Joseph Rojas learned abroad in three countries and three languages. He discusses how his experiences in Brazil, Venezuela, and France informed his career path. “Adaptability and flexibility are two of the greatest skills I learned as a result of studying abroad.”

Spring 2019 updates from the Institute for Global Studies featuring a chair letter and stories about students, faculty, and alumni.

The research will be used to aid policy recommendations for national and international governments.

Ethnomusicology is the study of music from different cultures, specifically non-western culture. Sofia Logan has studied in Ecuador, Cuba, India, and Brazil. All four times, she’s managed to pursue her passion for ethnomusicology, the crossroad of music and culture.

The Institute of Global Studies has been awarded more than $4 million during 2018-22 academic years to develop new curriculum that improves the readiness of graduates for life in a globalized world and to support students in the less commonly taught languages. Projects include the development of new courses, practica, and internships that take advantage of global-local connections in the Twin Cities, as well as connecting campus curricula to opportunities abroad.

The Institute for Global Studies is a community of students and scholars who explore today’s most pressing global issues. We make connections across boundaries— geographic boundaries, disciplinary boundaries, cultural boundaries, and boundaries across communities.

At a time of unrest in South Africa, Marna Wal had the opportunity to experience protest culture firsthand. While studying abroad at the University of Cape Town, Wal was immersed in a student movement organized around increased tuition rates. This unique social atmosphere gave her insight into the complicated political culture of post-apartheid South Africa.

How can a country’s culture and migration regulations affect an immigrant’s ability to adjust? Professor Cawo Abdi studies the diaspora of Somali people and how they’ve adjusted to their new homelands. She finds that while Somali refugees remain hopeful that they will find a sense of belonging, they face unexpected challenges when adjusting to life in a new country.

Christie Nicoson graduated in 2013 from the University of Minnesota with a global studies major. Since then she has been developing her professional skills and working toward a master’s degree in climate change, peace and conflict while studying at Uppsala University in Sweden.