CBS learning abroad profiles

Microbiology

Summer in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Challenging, Amazing, Immersive, Adventure, Unforgettable

I learned so many different and unexpected things from my time abroad in addition to what was taught in my classes. Some of the key things I learned were about living in a different culture, adapting to another culture/ city/language (and how difficult that can be) and how other countries view the United States. I think that each of these areas gave me new perspectives on life in the U.S. and views on the world in ways that I would never have been able to understand without this experience.

I think that the best thing that you can do when you are starting this process is to really jump in and commit. Have ideas in mind for what experience you want and find a program that fits the major things that you are trying to accomplish! There are so many programs out there that it can be hard to pick, so be sure you talk with people and use your resources to help find the best fit for you.

Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior

Engaging, surreal, exotic, challenging, breathtaking

Going abroad gives you more perspective on the world around you and what’s important to other people. It opens your mind up to whole new careers that you could pursue. Additionally, as CBS students, research is heavily emphasized, and certain learning abroad experiences (like mine) can provide valuable research experience in the field.

My most memorable experience was snorkeling out in the Caribbean, next to a new friend, as our professor guided us towards a further part of the coral reef. As I was snorkeling, I looked down to my left and saw a sea turtle, gracefully propelling itself through the water parallel to me, just living its life. It was so much larger than I thought it would be– that was the moment when I realized that I was coexisting among creatures that I’d only ever seen at zoos before. I knew that I’d picked the right learning abroad trip.

Biology and Global Studies

All students, including CBS students should study abroad because the experience is unlike anything you can experience in the United States. From trying new foods, to hearing new languages, to visiting historic sites like the Mayan Ruins, you are able to learn more about life outside what you know.

While I was in Belize, I got the opportunity to stay on an island, and do a mini research project on coral reefs. I wanted to learn more about field research, while also building new connections with more freshmen, which is why I chose to take the Coral Reef Management in Belize class. I was able to learn a lot more information firsthand, rather than through a textbook, which was highly appealing for me.

My experience abroad inspired me and changed what I wanted to study. Before going to Belize I was on the edge of adding a major, but the class affirmed the feelings I had to pursue a second degree in Global Studies. I knew that I wanted to learn more about the world, other cultures, and other people, and I loved every moment of my trip. Through my conversations with local people, I was reminded that just because we have different cultures and different traditions doesn’t mean that one is better than the other. As I continue to pursue my future goals, I want to always be able to remember that.

Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior

I had fried barracuda with some sauce with a Dutch name that I can’t pronounce, but it was absolutely delicious!

I was most interested in the CIEE Bonaire STEM Intensive program because of the STEM intensive portion. I was able to complete 10 credits of marine-related course work in 8 weeks, something that really made the course valuable, in my opinion. I was also able to receive higher scuba certifications as well as training in marine ecological field research methods, which really made me excited about the program. The most important aspect of the program was that I was able to work on a research project while I was there; all the way from designing the experiment to writing a full manuscript to submit to a journal.

My most memorable experience was the weekend we actually left Bonaire and traveled on the 16 minute plane ride over to the island of Curacao. The weekend was so much fun; we didn’t have any tests or homework to worry about and we were able to do so much! I went down 551 ft. in a research submarine, had the best snorkel of my life, and went cliff jumping for the first time, into clear turquoise waters with beautiful corals below. That was definitely the least expected but most exciting experience I was able to take part in.

Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior

I learned some techniques of doing research in the field, along with information about the ecology of the area and how sustainability is ingrained in their society. I gained an amazing experience learning in another country that I would not have gotten otherwise.

My most memorable experience was doing hummingbird research in the mountains of Costa Rica. Literally the coolest thing I have ever done and gave me experience doing mist netting. I have never seen such beautiful birds, there was so much variety of species, it took me by surprise every day out in the field.

Lizano sauce from Costa Rica, I had never tried it before but it is the most amazing sauce in the world. I brought back two bottles and I put it on everything.

Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development

Every student deserves the chance to study abroad! Don’t let a difficult major or busy schedule hold you back from experiencing an international adventure! By studying abroad, CBS students can learn more about this world and be able to better answer the questions of “why?” they want to enter the medical field or scientific world.

I was able to practice my Spanish skills, learned more about a different culture than my own and made some new friends! Studying abroad exposed me to a lot of new experiences and inspired me to travel more!

The fact that the trip was over spring break was really appealing to me! This enabled me to fit a study abroad experience into my busy academic schedule. Also, it was more affordable than studying abroad for an entire semester. A short trip over spring break was exactly what I was looking for!

Yes, I did have a host family! My host family was an older couple that had two daughters that were out of the house. My roommate and I were able to meet their grandson during our trip. Our host family only spoke Spanish to us even though they could understand English. This was a good opportunity to practice Spanish! My roommate and I sometimes tried to only speak in Spanish when it was just the two of us. Our host mom made delicious meals for us and they were both very kind! I enjoyed my time with our host family.

Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior

Not really one singular food, but all of the various fresh juices that we got to try was definitely one of my best culinary memories from the trip some of them were really good (soursop juice, a native fruit that tasted a little bit like banana), some were ok (naranajilla juice, basically orange juice but a little sweeter), and some were pretty awful (tomatillo juice, vaguely tomatolike but a little more unbearable). Overall though, the juices--and fresh fruits in general--are one of the things I miss most from South America.

To gain once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you’ll never be able to get back in Minnesota. Going to class and learning about all of the amazing things in the world is pretty near, but to actually be able to go out and see them is unforgettable. On top of that, you’ll make great connections with others on the trip and I think that observing and immersing oneself in foreign cultures is crucial to becoming a good global citizen.

Do it. Speaking from experience, it can be a little nervewracking to sign up to travel halfway across the world into a completely foreign environment with a bunch of strangers, but I guarantee you that it’ll be one of your best experiences in college.

Without out a doubt it was getting to swim with penguins. We did two snorkels everyday while in the Galápagos, and on (I believe) our third snorkel we had a group of penguins swim right past our group. Having a wild penguin swimming ten inches from my face is definitely one of the coolest moments of my life, and one that will be very hard to top.

Biology

Connecting with my host mom and roommate. My host mom did not know English so it was always very rewarding when I was able to have a very good conversation with her because it meant my Spanish was improving.

I learned Spanish (close to fluent after three months in Spanish-speaking countries) through my May term (medical Spanish) and time in Ecuador (spent time in dental clinics) I learned a lot about the health systems in those countries and how they compare to the health practices in the US.

Learning another language or more about another culture is very important for someone that wants to be prehealth. In a health field one will be working with many different cultures so it’s important to be able to immerse yourself in a culture and learn how to adapt to working with different cultures.

Don’t settle! There was not a single program that had everything I wanted so I found two programs and put them together! You (usually) only study abroad once so make sure it is everything that you wanted it to be in the beginning.

Microbiology

Global citizenship, community, humbleness, leadership

CBS students are a unique community that will need to form bonds and connections with people outside of the country. There are a lot of interesting ecological sites and organismal communities that only form on an area abroad. Therefore, making connections with people from that specific area who are also studying them opens a door for us to pursue our scientific endeavor.

Care and respect are really the key to connecting with the local community. I was truly curious about their good stories, so I was willing to learn about the culture of the local community.

When we were eating our meal together before we left our volunteering site in Bocas del Toro, a wandering singer came over and performed for us. His voice was so touching that I could almost feel his joy. On that beautiful March afternoon in a small town in Panama, I started to understand and appreciate another way of living.

Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development

I thought it was cool that I would get to go to a country where very few people from the United States have been. It would be a brand new culture and very different from the United States. The program also offered my class in a three-week session which was very convenient.

My most memorable experience was getting to visit a town in Venezuela where heat lightning can be viewed every single night of the year. I got to watch the lightning while laying on a dock and talking with my tour guide and the other UMN student in Spanish about our lives.

I think CBS students should go abroad to learn what it is like to learn and study within another culture. It makes the learning very exciting and it is also cool to have foreign professors and classmates.

Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior

Spring semester in Queensland, Australia

Many CBS students worry about classes and graduating on time, but I found that the classes I took abroad fit perfectly with my studies and really augmented courses I have taken at the U.

I found my program by looking for the best universities in the world for marine biology, and James Cook University is the very top when it comes to undergraduate education outside of the U.S. Then I looked to see if the U had a program to go there and of course we did!

In addition to becoming a certified Dive Master, I learned so much about coral reefs, reef fish, marine conservation and Australians! From the practical skills and knowledge to the ability to understand and fake an Australian accent, I felt like I was learning something new every day. The best aspect of my time abroad, however, was definitely all of the friends I made from the US, Europe, Oceania, and Australia.

Biochemistry

Don’t worry about the cost or missing classes / delaying your graduation. With proper planning you can easily still graduate in 4 years. Regardless of graduating, studying abroad is an incredible experience unique to university students. In the future, looking back, you will most definitely NOT regret studying abroad. If anything, you’ll regret that you DIDN’T study abroad.

What was unique about this program was that we had the opportunity to travel and see/do SO much of New Zealand and Australia in our 5 weeks. We were driving or flying somewhere new about every 3 days – always seeing new landscapes or experience new environments. In our time abroad we experienced volcanos, geothermal areas, glaciers, tropical rainforests, the outback of Australia, surfing in Sydney, Bungee jumping in New Zealand, Scuba Diving the Great Barrier Reef, Hiking along world famous treks, backpacking, and more!

My most memorable experience was having the opportunity to go backpacking in the outback of Australia for 3 days and two nights – hiking off-trail and truly immersed in nature. We were able and encouraged to sleep alone and I set up camp about a quarter of a mile from the group and slept on the ground under the stars.

Biology

My time at the University and specifically in CBS helped me to think critically abroad. I was able to work well in groups and ask great questions due classes such as Foundations of Biology.

I learned a lot about global health, including the ethics surrounding volunteering abroad. I also gained great insights into public health and primary care. Furthermore, I was able to see my value as an introvert and learn about a culture that is different than my own.

There are so many reasons to go abroad! CBS students can explore their future careers, participate in research, learn a new language, and learn about new cultures. It’s also a great opportunity to make new friends and share great memories!

Go for it! It’s an experience that you will love and it will provide you the opportunity to grow as a student. Look into options like study abroad over winter break, during May, or in the summer if your class schedule is tight. There are also scholarships available for studying abroad!

Microbiology

No matter what aspect of biology you’re studying, study abroad has value. Whether you want to become a healthcare provider, work in the biotech industries, or do research of any kind, the problems facing biologists are global in scope and will require international cooperation to tackle. Studying abroad in college can help you understand these issues and build the skills needed to contribute to the international biology community.

It’s hard to pick just one, but Ōkunoshima was really something. Ōkunoshima is an island a few hours east of Hiroshima, and its primary attraction is a massive population of human-acclimated rabbits. There are a couple different hypotheses as to the origin of the population, but in any case, they’re all over the place and very friendly. I purchased a packet of rabbit feed before taking the ferry, which allowed me to get right up close to some of them. They’ve learned to be just curious enough to approach humans with food, but cautious enough to avoid bicycles and shuttle buses. There’s nothing quite like being surrounded by a swarm of rabbits looking for snacks.

When I was studying in Tokyo, I had many opportunities to talk with the people there. My program partnered up with local Japanese university students, and took us all on various outings to learn about Japanese history and culture, while making friends with people our age. But many of the interactions I had happened when I was exploring the city on my own. I talked with people at museums, in stores, in train stations, and at restaurants. Even when you go on a program with organized outings, it’s important to figure out what you want to do while abroad, and to make plans so you can have those experiences, and meet people with similar interests.

Biology

May session in Borneo, Malaysia

Rewarding, memorable, incredible, engaging, life-changing

I learned firsthand about tropical climate change and conservation in one of the most biodiverse regions of the world. I was able to learn by immersing myself in a rich culture while working with other university students on three collaborative projects. Through designing a personalized project and carrying out data collection we were also able to publish a paper abroad.

The length and location of the global seminar is what appealed most to me. I was unsure if I wanted to do a full semester abroad but I also knew wanted my experience to be more than a week long. Also, I didn’t think when I was older that I would never go on vacation to a place like Borneo so being able to experience a place like this on other side of the planet really appealed to me. This was truly a once in a life time experience.

Biology

Can't wait to go back!

The course really opened my eyes to the impacts that one single action can cause. I gained an invaluable experience from doing this study abroad program. I learned about human trafficking, families, ways of life, education, and so much more.

I was awarded with the Suzanne Ashmore Nelson Memorial Scholarship funded by Dr. Lolly Schiffman through the College of Biological Sciences. This generous contribution to CBS was used toward my study abroad making it all possible to go to Thailand. I was also a part of the Dean’s Scholars Program within CBS, and all the lessons I’ve learned from it have prepared me to try achieving something I wouldn’t have thought was possible.

Biology

Throughout my time abroad, I developed a more open-minded worldview by experiencing things that I had only read about previously. I gained lasting relationships with professors, peers, and host families as we challenged and supported each other. Additionally, I learned an immense amount regarding my own interests, strengths, and areas for growth.

I found MSID (Minnesota Studies in International Development) very enticing because of the two-phase structure. I spent the first half of the semester, known as the classroom phase, in Nairobi taking classes with private instructors. The largest class I was in had nine students, which allowed me to engage directly with the instructors regularly. For the second phase, I was placed in an internship in which I worked directly with Kenyans every day in Ahero, a rural area of western Kenya. This structure allowed me to learn in different settings and to live in two completely different regions of the country.

Make it happen. Explore the options on the Learning Abroad Center website, and find something that interests you. Talk to your advisor as soon as possible, and adjust your plan to allow you to study abroad. Having a slightly higher credit load for a semester or taking a summer class is well worth the time abroad, and I don’t know anyone who regrets it.

Microbiology

I’m really interested in the intersection between development and public health, so this program was exactly what I wanted to learn. I also really liked the internship/ research aspect of the program. MSID is sort of like a “mini Peace Corps.” Kenya has a fascinating history that has shaped the status of healthcare in the country today, so I was excited to study the forces of post-colonialism and structural adjustment and their relationships to health in an immersive way.

I think that CBS students should go abroad to gain new perspectives on the way that science is both conducted and experienced in different contexts. We learn to think very objectively about biology, but the process of science is always influenced by the personal history and lived experiences of the scientists. The questions of where biological research happens, who is in charge and who is vulnerable, and what research benefits happen where are questions we don’t talk about in class, but are crucially important to the field. Especially for CBS students who want to go into healthcare professions, I think it’s so important to examine health systems in developing nations. For Microbiology students, I think it’s so important to go to regions of the world where the pathogens that we study are actually prevalent.

I would urge all my CBS peers to have a date with GradPlanner and try and negotiate a way to fit a semester, or even a May session, into their schedules. Being in CBS makes it more difficult to find the time to go abroad, but it’s not impossible and I think it’s really important.

 Neuroscience

Life-changing, unforgettable, precious, irreplaceable

Surprisingly the food there was very similar to the food that I ate at home (rice, fish, tomatoe based dishes) so I was able to adjust comfortable to the meals, which was something that caused many a dilemma early on in the trip to those who weren’t as fortunate to adjust as fast.

My time abroad was something that will stay with me for the rest of my life, it opened my eyes to just how little of the world I’ve seen and has given me the desire to go out and try to explore more of it and connect with different people from different places to learn about their life, lifestyles and just get to know them on a personal level!

I think that CBS students should go abroad because it gives you the chance to see and experience something in a way that a textbook or video just cannot capture. It not only helps you grow as a global citizen but also opens your eyes to the possibility of things. The different perspectives you learn about, really help you affirm what values you hold and can help shape new values within you.

The most appealing thing about this program was the amount of ambiguity regarding just what we would do. It wasn’t due to the lack of information but simply due to the sheer amount of the program that was shaped by those who composed it. I was also interested in the dynamic of the program that allowed for interaction with individuals from Australia National University (ANU).

Biology

Fall semester in Copenhagen, Denmark (DIS)

Learning in the different country allows you to not only learn about the specific subjects you are studying, but also about the culture and how it affects the community. You get an experience you won’t be able to get on campus because every country has a different way of teaching.

The core course I chose to study was Medical Practice and Policy. I was able to learn about Denmark’s healthcare system and how each one is advantageous and disadvantageous.

Getting to travel to Germany and Poland and shadow at the hospitals was one of the most enriching experiences I have had.

Everything that I have learned about the healthcare system is something I can use during medical school and as a doctor. Through this program I also learned how to conduct check-ups, the basics of emergency medical care and about some of the medical devices being used and how to use them.

Neuroscience

Spring semester at Queen Mary University in London

Spontaneous, eye-opening, delicious, self-discovering, unforgettable

Do it to for the night life in London, the good beer in Scotland, the art in France, the romance in Italy, the islands in Greece… Do it to break the stereotype that CBS students cannot study abroad, have good grades and graduate on time. Do it to encourage other CBS students like you. Trust me, you will not regret it.

You’ve probably heard this from students that study abroad, but I’ll say it once more: studying abroad was undoubtedly one of the best decisions of my life. London is home to people from all corners of the globe. Encountering such immense diversity of people and cultures made me realize how incomprehensibly huge our world is. I have learned to appreciate things that I don’t completely understand and the unseen depth. Underneath what we see first– underneath all the art, the cities, and the landscape, underneath the good and the bad– there is still so much more that I can learn. Witnessing all of this has helped me gain a greater appreciation for other cultures as well as my own.

Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development

I improved my French immensely and traveled outside of the country for the first time! I went to about 20 cities in total and felt I experienced many different cultures in the same region.

Everyone should go abroad! There are too many programs offered through the U to not take advantage of that. Plus, with summer terms there’s a time for everyone.

If you don’t think there’s time- make time. So you graduate a semester late? So what! So you’ll have to take out some loans? So what! You’re only young once and you may never get another opportunity like this so do it.

Besides actually learning another language, every person should go to another country for an extended period of time at least once. I learned so much about the French way of life and how Americanized it can be. I had no idea how big America was until I left and how fortunate I was to have such an opportunistic place to call home. Don’t get me wrong- I loved France, but it made me more appreciative of what I have here.

Biochemistry

I learned how to interact with people from another culture. I also learned about the culture of Berlin, and how the 20th century shaped how the city lives today.

CBS students should go abroad so they can experience different cultures! I think that the value of learning in a new and unfamiliar environment cannot be overstated, because we get so used to being in the same style of classes with the same people for such a long period of time. Learning to step outside of one’s comfort zone is important for personal and academic growth.

Find something that interests you, even if it isn’t necessarily science-related. You can get a lot of liberal education requirements completed abroad. You also don’t have to study abroad for a full semester. I was not able to plan a full semester abroad, so I took time during the summer to experience what I believe is an integral part of the college experience.

My most memorable experience was sitting on the river Spree with my sister. We went to that spot a lot and were able to soak up the environment and culture. There were always musicians playing, and we could see the Berlin Cathedral across the river

Biology

From my time abroad, I was able to experience Irish culture and an education system that was very different than the U, or anything I had experienced before. I think I also gained an appreciation for differences in people, and how even the most different people can find things in common.

At the University of Limerick, there were these events called International Nights, which happened at Stables Club, a campus pub. Every Friday they had a big party for all of the international students that came for the semester. It was awesome that there were both international and Irish students attending these events; it brought everyone together and was really fun! I also really enjoyed all of the sight-seeing around Ireland- honestly, it was all just really memorable.

I would definitely suggest planning early even if you’re not 100% sure about studying abroad. It is worth it to talk to an advisor about it early and make a plan for it, even if it seems like a big process.

I was actually able to connect with my family that lives in Ireland. It turned out that my distant cousins lived about a half hour away from UL and my uncle was able to connect us on Facebook before I left the states, and we were able to meet up. It was a really cool experience to be able to go to their house and talk about Ireland and family history.

Biology

Fall semester in Trondheim, Norway

Find a location you are excited about and do everything you can to make it work. This might include determining which classes will transfer or extra time working to afford the time abroad, [but] all the difficulty in setting up study abroad is completely worth it.

I had wanted to visit Norway since I was young and found out I had family in Norway. I also had many places I wanted to see in Norway, and I wanted to see the Northern Lights. I got to visit multiple Norwegian cities including Tromso which is in the Arctic Circle. I also saw the Northern Lights multiple times; they are one of the most beautiful and incredible sights I have ever seen.

My most memorable experience was meeting my distant family who live in Norway. I was able to contact and find a time to meet my grandmother’s cousin and his entire family. I spent a weekend with his family where they showed me where my family lived a hundred years ago.

I gained an experience that I will never forget. This experience gave me confidence connecting with new people and stepping out of my comfort zone.

Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development

Drizzly, charming, dingy, mysterious, brooding

There were events happening every weekend ranging from music concerts, farmers markets, free events happening at the museums and art festivals. People in Scotland are very easy to chat with and are welcoming of you into their community!

My most memorable experience from my time abroad was a Friday night in which the host university held a ceilidh, which is a traditional Celtic dance party. Here there was a bunch of great food, plenty of kilts (always a plus) and some ridiculous dancing. After that a few of the people from my class went down to a local pub but had to leave before 11 so we could hit up the best ice cream Scotland has to offer (it was easily the best ice cream I’ve ever had)!

Biology and Spanish

Don’t be afraid to explore whether it is alone or with a group. I had some of the best experiences of my life when I was doing my solo backpacking trip around the Mediterranean. Don’t underestimate yourself

I think CBS students should go abroad because it will expand their horizons. Many times, CBS students get stuck in a bubble due to the strenuous course loads. Studying abroad will allow you to grow as a person because it gives you more freedom. Also, it will put you out of your comfort zone. Being outside the comfort zone is where you and other people around you will see the most growth.

One of the biggest things I gained from studying abroad was confidence. I backpacked alone for two weeks and I had to meet a lot of new people and play things by ear.

Watching the sunset over the skyline of Florence in Michelangelo’s Garden.

Microbiology and Spanish

I think the most interesting food that I tried during my time in Spain was a “bocadillo de calamares” or a fried squid sandwich. It looked like a roll of bread stuffed with what looked like union rings, but each ring was actually squid, or calamari. Calamari has an interesting chewy texture and a slightly fishy taste, but I love seafood, so I thought it was delicious.

I found out about the program in Toledo by checking out the study abroad center’s website and searching for different programs. Their website has a ton of information on every program that the U of M offers, and it helped me to plan and find the right program for me. I also heard a lot about my program by talking to some of my friends who had studied in Toledo in the past and loved it.

During my study abroad experience, I learned what it is like to experience a different culture, and I also learned a lot about myself. It was really interesting to be thrown in a new schedule and be introduced to different ways of doing things, and I think as a result of my experience in Spain, I am more confidant, patient, creative, and outgoing than I was before. It was a great experience to be pushed outside of my comfort zone and be a foreigner in another country, try new foods, explore places I have never been to before, and learn about Spanish culture from my professors, friends, and my host family. During my time in Spain I also greatly improved my Spanish speaking skills, and was even able to complete an internship at one of the local hospitals in Toledo.

Ireland, Belize, Bahamas

Biology

Life-changing, challenging, unforgettable, inspiring, stunning

I had always wanted to study abroad so I found out about the Ireland programs from the study abroad website. The other two programs I went on to Belize and Bahamas I found out about in my classes as my professors were coordinating them.

I learned about my culture, heritage, and history while studying in Ireland. While in Belize I studied wildlife medicine. This experience convinced me to pursue a veterinarian degree. The Bahamas allowed me to expand my knowledge of marine biology as I have always been passionate about it. Overall, studying abroad gave me opportunities to expand my knowledge in many ways and I have loved every moment of it.

[In the Bahamas] we went longlining for sharks. This is a way to capture sharks, tag them, and take DNA samples before releasing them. This allows researchers to track the sharks throughout their lives.