Psych Scoop 2/11/25 - Learning Abroad Edition

Learning Abroad in Psychology 

Psychology students who pursue a learning abroad program in psychology will learn about human behavior and consider psychological theories both within and outside the classroom. Learn more about the study abroad process, common program definitions, psychology programs, and more in this issue of the Psych Scoop.

If You're New to Study Abroad

Attend a First Step Session

Online First Step Sessions give basic information about programs, services, and resources available through the Learning Abroad Center.

Complete an Interest Form

Fill out a Learning Abroad Interest Form to help us better understand your interests and questions, and keep you notified about relevant programs and events.

Meet with a Learning Abroad Center Advisor

Schedule a Program Selection Advising appointment to discuss your options with an advisor and get help choosing a program or visit the LAC office. 

Common Program Models and Types

Learning Abroad Center Programs

These study-abroad experiences are developed, administered, and evaluated by the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities Learning Abroad Center. Non-University of Minnesota students may also apply to most of these programs.

Global Seminars

A type of U-led program where a UofM faculty member or staff leads a group of students abroad for a winter break or May session. Global Seminars consist of one 3-credit class and are approximately 3 weeks in length. Locations and coursework vary each year.

Exchange

A type of study abroad program where you trade places and attend the other institution. Exchange programs often demand a high level of independence, and you must be able to deal with a high level of ambiguity at times. Deadlines are earlier than other program types, often a year before departure. Bilateral exchanges are where the Learning Abroad Center has specific agreements with an overseas institution. Departmental exchanges are opportunities that are organized and managed by specific University of Minnesota departments of colleges.

Instructor-Led

University of Minnesota faculty and staff led programs, including Global Seminars, Freshman Seminars Abroad, and College/Departmental programs.

Psychology Programs of Interest

Psychology & Research in Madrid, Spain

• Offered: Summer 2025 & Fall 2025 
• Application Deadline: April 15, 2025

If you're a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) psychology major or minor, this program is geared toward you. During the six-week summer program, choose either a 6-credit research track or a 6-credit non-research track. Courses in both tracks fulfill psychology B.A./B.S. requirements, and research placements are available in English or Spanish. During the semester program, take up to 18 credits of psychology along with other English-taught courses and Spanish language courses. All psychology courses fulfill psychology B.A./B.S. requirements. Both the summer and semester programs allow you to gain an international perspective on psychology and hands-on research experience. Review psychology course offerings and program details online.

Youth Development & Psychology in France

• Offered: Fall 2025 
• Application Deadline: April 15, 2025

Live and study in Montpellier, one of France’s fastest-growing cities and an emerging cultural and educational center. Within easy reach of both mountains and the Mediterranean, and home to 100,000 university students, it is a young, vibrant city with a centuries-old history of intellectual advances and social tolerance. Montpellier is the ideal place for you to experience French culture. This program provides an exceptional opportunity to study resilience in young populations through a course co-created by a University of Minnesota Developmental Psychology professor and a French psychologist, who will teach the core course focused on resilience. You will participate in a cohort program based at the program center while engaging with the local community through community engagement work. By the end of the program, you will have gained a deep, intercultural perspective on trauma, immigration, and other global issues that affect children and youth. Review psychology course offerings and program details online.

Study Abroad in Denmark

• Offered: Fall 2025 
• Application Deadline: March 15, 2025

Copenhagen founded more than 800 years ago, combines the old-world charm of its Medieval origins with the vibrant life of a modern European capital. Enroll in a wide variety of courses taught in English and enjoy exciting study tours to other sites in Europe. Take courses in a wide variety of disciplines, from neuroscience to gender studies to design, with beautiful Copenhagen as your classroom. Choose from several housing options, including a homestay, and join the locals in biking to class in this bike-friendly city. Visit the DIS website for a full list of offerings and note any prerequisites that may be required for admission. Review program details online. 

Learning Abroad Center Events

Review additional upcoming events on the Learning Abroad Center Website.

May & Summer Instructor-led Programs Online Info Session

• Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 
• Time: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm CT
• Location: Online

Join LAC staff for an information session about May & Summer 2025 Instructor-led Programs. Hear from staff and program leaders about all options available, academic planning, scholarships, and more. Check out programs online. Registering in advance is required to receive virtual event login details. Registering also lets us know you're interested, even if you're unable to attend.

You Can Afford to Study Abroad Virtual Info Session

• Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025 
• Time: 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm CT
• Location: Online

Do you want to study abroad but aren’t sure how to afford it? Attend the information session to learn about a variety of scholarships and strategies for applying; financial aid options; and cost considerations that will help you choose a program that fits your budget. Registering in advance is required to receive virtual event login details. Registering also lets us know you're interested, even if you're unable to attend.

Learning Abroad Scholarships

There are many scholarships available specifically for students planning to study abroad. You can also use most general scholarships to fund your study abroad experience. In many cases, you do not need to have applied for your study abroad program to be eligible to apply for study abroad scholarships. Start researching scholarship opportunities early so you don't miss any application deadlines.

Study Abroad Scholarship

The Learning Abroad Center’s Study Abroad Scholarship provides awards for University of Minnesota undergraduate students participating in credit-bearing programs. The Study Abroad Scholarship has the broadest eligibility requirements of all our scholarships. This scholarship is not need or merit-based, and awards are granted on the strength of a student’s essay. Apply now for Summer and Fall 2025 programs.

Scholarships for LAC Programs in Madrid & Toledo

• Qualifying programs: Study & Intern in Toledo, Cross-Cultural Health in Spain, Study & Intern in Madrid, Computer Science in Madrid, and Psychology & Research in Madrid
• Award Amounts: $500 (May/Summer), $1,000 (Fall/Spring), $2,000 (Academic Year)

If you study in any program hosted by the Fundacion Ortega-Maranon (Madrid and Toledo), you can apply for additional scholarship opportunities through a FOM and UofM partnership. This scholarship offers aid ranging from $500–$2,000 depending on the program duration. Financial need (qualifying for subsidized loans) is a consideration, but not a requirement. Applications can be found in your LAC application portal. As part of the award agreement, you may be expected to complete up to 2 program evaluation questionnaires during or after your study abroad program. 

Scholarships for Study Abroad in Denmark, Study Abroad in Sweden, and Summer in Denmark & Sweden (DIS) Programs

If you participate in any program offered by DIS, you are eligible to apply for scholarships offered by DIS.