Experience a world of educational possibilities, cultures and connections through Academic travel abroad!
Travel and learn while earning academic credits at Normandale. You’ll experience adventure, new cultures and personal growth. We offer one of the top two-year academic travel programs in the state.
Students who have completed study abroad courses:
Students at Normandale can participate in two types of travel programs:
Check out the travel and learn opportunities offered through Normandale!
Senegal once served as the gate through which millions of Africans were forcibly transported to the New World and the base of West African colonial occupation by France and its European rivals. Today, it is a regional center of culture and art.
Spend two weeks in the land of Teranga (hospitality), learning Wolof, discovering the role of women history, politics, and current Senegalese society. encountering Senegal's rich history and contemporary culture.
This elective course is being offered in collaboration with the University of Minnesota, Morris. Must be 18 years old at time of departure. Scholarships are available.
Sino-Summer is an affordable, authentic and focused short-term-study-in-China experience, led by experienced faculty and offered through Bemidji State University. Normandale students have the opportunity to study in Nanjing, China, while earning BSU credits that will transfer back to Normandale. Session 1 runs May 13-June 7, 2024 and focuses on Global Health Perspectives at Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine. The course takes a cross-cultural and multi-disciplinary approach to examining Chinese and Western health beliefs and practices related to health promotion, maintenance, and restoration. Students will visit a traditional medicine hospital, community clinics, and attend class with their Chinese faculty and peers. They will learn about a variety of cultural and professional similarities, differences, and issues between traditional medicine and more modern health practices. From the term before your departure until your return, BSU will provide support and guidance all the way through. During the Spring semester, you will attend an online pre-trip orientation class before flying out to China in May. Meets MnTC Goals 6 and 8
Sino-Summer is an affordable, authentic and focused short-term-study-in-China experience, led by experienced faculty and offered through Bemidji State University. Normandale students have the opportunity to study in Guiyang, China, while earning BSU credits that will transfer back to Normandale. Session 2 runs June 10-July 12, 2024 and focuses on Comparative Economic Development at Guizhou University. The courses offered provide an immersion in a different kind of economic society. Students will explore the question of how human societies in different parts of the world organized themselves for social provisioning. From the term before your departure until your return, BSU will provide support and guidance all the way through. During the Spring semester, you will attend an online pre-trip orientation class before flying out to China in May. Meets MnTC Goals 5 and 8.
Imagine living and taking your classes in a palace in Scotland! Housed in the unique and historic setting of Newbattle Abbey, the Experience Scotland program is an amazing experience with virtually limitless opportunities for educational and personal growth.
Normandale partners with the University of Wisconsin River Falls and its program in Dalkeith (a suburb of Edinburgh). Students who choose the Experience Scotland program take a full semester of course work in Scotland through the University of River Falls. While there, you’ll have ample opportunity to explore the region and travel throughout Europe during semester breaks.
Most Normandale students that study abroad for a full semester choose this option. You'll even sometimes find Normandale faculty teaching there. Normandale's Global Studies Coordinator works with UWRF to identify which courses best transfer back to Normandale and will guide you through the application and course selection process.
For more information or to apply, visit Experience Scotland or contact the Global Studies Coordinator.
Normandale students can live and take classes inside of one of Britain's most iconic castles (and a Harry Potter filming location) through our partner, St. Cloud State University.
A variety of programs offer students the unique opportunity to fully immerse themselves in British culture. Course offerings change each semester.
Normandale's Global Studies Coordinator works with SCSU to identify how courses will transfer back to Normandale and will guide you through the application and course selection process.
For more information or to apply, visit Study in Alnwick or contact the Global Studies Coordinator
Normandale students may participate in many approved study abroad programs offered at our partner institutions listed below. Search for programs open to non-university undergraduate students and contact the Global Studies Coordinator to discuss your plans, get guidance and seek approval.
The cost of travel courses includes both tuition and travel fees and semester study abroad programs also include room and board. Costs vary according to destinations and numbers of credits. It is best to look at each travel course’s program details and each semester abroad program’s budget sheet.
The fees for travel courses vary by experience and location. Tuition and fees for the course will be paid through Normandale billing. Travel fees are either included in the course fees or paid directly to a tour provider, which usually offers a variety of payment plans for participants.
Please be aware of all payment deadlines.
Semester programs are paid directly through the University partner or through financial aid.
Normandale Community College awards multiple scholarships to assist students participating in a travel course or an approved semester study abroad program. Academic Travel Scholarships are available through the Normandale Foundation Scholarship Portal and applications are accepted every Fall and the Spring semester.
Scholarships opportunities are also available through the following organizations:
A student who qualifies for financial aid may use the aid for travel courses and approved semester study abroad programs. Before a student enrolls in a travel program, he or she should contact the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office to discuss their funding options and the steps necessary to make sure their aid will be in place prior to the program deadlines. Please note that not all expenses may be covered with financial aid. Students participating in approved semester study abroad programs must complete specific financial aid forms prior to their participation in the program.
Anyone can enroll in a travel course with the exception of the following:
Semester study abroad programs may have enrollment restrictions.
Anyone who wishes to participate in a tour that is party of a Normandale travel course must enroll in both the tour and the course. Participants are required to enroll may enroll in the course for credit or audit; the cost is the same.
Travel courses require enrollment in the course and tour. Each program is different in the process but starts by clicking the “I’M INTERESTED” button above and completing the program’s interest form. You’ll then be sent an email with instructions to enroll in the tour. The instructor can assist with any questions along the way.
Semester study abroad programs may require an application process through the partner university.
A student might be sent home at their own expense if there are violations of the Normandale Code of Conduct or Program/Provider Rules.
One of the most important aspects of academic travel programming is the safety of our students and faculty. While safety can never be guaranteed, the college employs the following safeguards while planning and conducting travel courses:
If you have any questions regarding our practices and procedures regarding keeping students and faculty safe while traveling, please contact Global Studies Coordinator.
We understand that group travel can seem intimidating if you don’t know anyone before signing up. Just know that you’ll be traveling with experienced faculty and you’ll have spent time in class with them and your fellow students prior to departure. You’ll end up having an amazing learning adventure together. Travel classes and semester programs are a great way to make friends for life.
If you do not have a passport or need to renew yours, you should apply as soon as possible once you’ve enrolled on an international tour. The average processing time varies and can take up to 16 weeks (3-4 months). For more information on how to apply for or renew a passport, visit the Travel State Government website.
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