Study Abroad in Speech Communication

"Studying abroad gave me the opportunity to experience first-hand what I was learning in my Speech Communication classes.  Every day I observed differences in the media, interpersonal communication, and intercultural communication, to name a few.  As we live in an increasingly global society, it is imperative we expose ourselves to new cultures.  Studying abroad was an enriching and rewarding experience -- it changed my life."
--Jill Schreck '03

Many study abroad programs are open to you. By its nature, Speech Communication takes place in a cultural context. There is much to be gained from understanding the history and traditions of cultures outside your own. Study abroad is one very exciting way to begin to discover new approaches and build your professional skills.

Study abroad can help you...

• Find great Speech Communication coursework and curriculum
• Understand the field of Speech Communication from an international perspective
• Expand your cross-cultural communication and problem-solving skills
• Prepare you to work in an increasingly diverse and international workplace
• Broaden your academic horizons
• Globalize your world view
• Improve your language skills

Set goals and plan for results

Speech Communication majors are advised to carefully examine their 4-year plans, with particular attention to their interests in international study. For many students, the best course of action would be to take advantage of Summer or May-term offerings. Others, in consultation with advisors in the major, may arrange to be abroad during Spring term of the sophomore or junior years. Travel away from campus during the first year (when the Introduction to the Theories of Speech Communication course is offered) or during the senior year (when Senior Seminar I and II need to be completed) will be more challenging.

The process of selecting a study abroad program is similar to selecting your major or minor:

• Begin at least six months in advance of your study abroad. It is never too early to start planning.
• Set some goals. There is not one program best suited for Speech Communication majors. There are many good study abroad programs, and the best one for you depends on what you want.
• Prioritize your long-term academic and professional goals, while considering your on-campus degree requirements.
• Prepare academically. You may need to take language or other prerequisite courses for your chosen program.
• Give yourself time to research and talk to advisers and students who have studied abroad.
• With proper planning study abroad can help you prepare for your professional life in today's global context.

Commonly asked questions

Can I afford to study abroad?

YES! Early planning for study abroad helps you make cost-effective program decisions, and it also helps you prepare your finances through savings, scholarships, and financial aid. Financial aid applies to study abroad and, in some cases, your eligibility will increase to cover additional expenses.

The University of Minnesota system offers more than $500,000 in scholarships for study abroad. Many programs offer special discounts for U of M students, or scholarship support. Check with the Center for International Programs (CIP) for a description of opportunities.

How do I start?

Talk with the CIP advisor (in the Community Services Building), and attend a CIP information meeting, to learn about the details of applying for a study abroad program and to pick up an Academic Planning for Study Abroad (APSA) form. Pick the college, program, or country suits your interests.

How will Study Abroad planning fit with Annual Planning?

Make an appointment to talk with the Speech Communication Study Abroad AdvisorÑthe staff at the CIP can tell you who is currently in this position.

Take your APAS and your APSA to the appointment. You and the Study Abroad Advisor can work together to figure what kind of international program will work best for you.

You will choose the courses that you want to take abroad, print descriptions for those courses, and begin filling out the APSA with your adviser in the major

Be sure to have this meeting with the Speech Communication Study Abroad adviser at least three months prior to departing for your program. You will need disciplinary approval for any major elective courses you wish to take and Registrar approval for any GenED courses you wish to take to ensure that they will be counted toward your degree requirements.

How do I find

International Program Options in Speech Communication?

The place to start looking for information about specific study abroad programs is the CIP office, located in the Community Services building. You should also visit the CIP web site as well as the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus's Learning Abroad Center site.

The Institute of International Education website has a useful search engine that allows cross-referencing by country, academic subject, and language of instruction.

Michigan State University has a well-established program in study abroad which includes many Summer and May-term offerings, including courses in Speech Communication and Media/ Journalism.

Other Programs

Arcadia

Butler

CIEE