A study abroad experience provides the benefits of expanding your world view, getting out of your comfort zone, improving your problem-solving skills, getting college credit, exploring new cultures, gaining independence, and more!
LSBE faculty have offered study abroad trips to many locations. Last summer, UMD students had the choice of three:
- Amsterdam in the Netherlands and Prague in the Czech Republic to learn about women’s health policies,
- Scandinavia: Stockholm, Sweden; Copenhagen, Denmark; Oslo, Norway; and Bergen, Norway to learn about sustainability, and
- Taipei City in Taiwan to learn about Chinese business and economics.
Sydney Breyen, who went to Scandinavia, summed up a great reason for students to have a study abroad experience.
“I realized while abroad that there is so much more to life than what we’re used to. We can grow up in a bubble with certain ideas of how life should look and what is considered “right.” Studying abroad opens you up to experience so much more.”
Breyen and other students who went on these study abroad trips shared their experiences, as did the faculty who led them.
The Netherlands and Czech Republic
Who went: 15 students from majors such as health care management, public health, psychology, women and gender studies, biology, and nursing (from the U of M Twin Cities campus).
The purpose of the trip was to learn about the policies and supports in The Netherlands and Czech Republic and how they differ for women's health compared to those in the U.S.
“I learned about the vast differences of the structures of health care between the United States, The Netherlands and Czech Republic,” said Loralei Larson, a senior psychology major. “We particularly focused on women's health care, especially maternity aspects. We also compared and contrasted the structures of end-of-life care for all three countries.
“I am so thankful to have gone on this trip as it has helped me decide that I want to work with those who have little to no access to health care and other social welfare services.”
Kim Nichols Dauner, professor of Health Care Management and Director of Health Care Management, coordinated this study abroad experience in partnership with Maria Ruud, clinical associate professor, from the U of M Twin Cities campus School of Nursing.
“Students gained international perspectives into health care delivery in other countries, perhaps providing lessons learned that they can take with them into their work,” said Dauner.
“Students on the trip have different career interests. Some are future doctors or nurses, others are future health administrators, and each could use different information to inform them of what care and health care policy could be like here in the U.S.
“The trip allowed students to critically think about the role of policy in terms of how it shapes our health and wellbeing. Also, we got to see some unique cultural places like the Anne Frank house.”
At the end of the study abroad, trip students had to write a final reflections paper commenting on what they learned in light of their academic major and complete a photojournalism assignment (five-minute video or slide show) capturing the spirit of their trip.
Scandinavia
Who went: 20 students from LSBE majors as well as from the majors of communications, English, sustainability, and chemical engineering.
The purpose of the trip was to study sustainability. Students learned about sustainable business practices, community practices, country policies, and how Scandinavians can influence the world with their sustainable and green practices. Students learned about how they can become more sustainable in their personal lives and their future careers.
“One of the biggest things I learned was about all the different initiatives that each country does to create a city/country that is extremely sustainable,” said Annika Keller, a senior Marketing major.
“For example, in Sweden they have an interesting waste management system where trash gets organized and stored underground and transported that way to a biofuel plant. This allows them to use some of their trash to produce energy for the city.
“I also learned that everyone in Scandinavia views sustainability with the mindset of ‘why wouldn’t we be sustainable’ rather than with the U.S. mindset of ‘why should we be sustainable.’”
Breyen, a junior Marketing and Professional Sales double major found that “some of the most impactful activities during our trip were meeting with chief sustainability officers and representatives in each city and taking sustainability tours. In Sweden, we visited a neighborhood built as an experimental project to measure the impact of sustainable living on a community. Every aspect of the area was designed with sustainability in mind, and the residents were incredibly happy.
Breyen and Keller both noted that the experience will definitely help them in their careers.
“I added the Sustainable Businesses and Organizations minor with a clear passion in mind,” said Breyen. “I believe that by combining sustainability with my majors, I can market and sell for companies that offer sustainable products and alternatives. It’s about applying "Marketing for a Better World" in a professional setting.”
“I think any kind of experience where you can go to a place where the people and culture are different is extremely helpful in a career and in life. It teaches you to be comfortable in feeling uncomfortable. It also helps you to be more curious and open-minded about people and places, which are important in a career.
“I also learned about things to look for in a job, especially how they handle sustainability and the initiatives they are doing to reduce their mark on the environment.”
Matt Lunde, assistant professor of Marketing, organized this study abroad trip as a complement to his Marketing for a Better World class.
“Norway, Sweden, and Denmark are some of the most sustainable countries in the world!” he said. “Norway, for example, will only be selling electric cars in 2025.
“Students learned how sustainable Scandinavians actually are,” he said. “They were floored that they could go three weeks without driving since the cities are so sustainable that it is actually cheaper, faster, and easier to walk/bus/train rather than drive! Something much different than living in Minnesota!”
Students also had to complete a reflection paper and presentation at the end of the study abroad trip.
Taiwan
Who went: Nine students from Business Analytics, Economics, Management, Political Science and other majors.
The purpose of the trip was to immerse students in the unique context of Confucian society and explore how Confucian values influence business practices and culture in the region. Students visited the major cities of Taipei, Hsinchu, Chiayi, Tainan, and Kaohsiung, each offering different perspectives on the region's economy, culture, and business environment.
Through this study abroad experience, Caleb Kroeger, a junior Consumer Insight Analytics and Finance double major, was able to explore Taiwan’s complex business landscape that included lectures at the National Taiwan University from top professors and company visits that shed light on Taiwan's position in the world supply chain.
“Studying abroad in Taiwan was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done,” he said. “Having the opportunity to travel so far out of my comfort zone created an amazing life experience that permanently changed my perspective on business, the world, and myself for the better.”
Jacob Gillespie, a junior Accounting and Finance double major, was intrigued by global relations and economic interdependence.
“We gained deep insights into how Taiwan’s economy heavily relies on its semiconductor sector and learned how this industry plays a pivotal role in global trade and geopolitics.
“We also explored many of Taiwan's historical sites, such as Taipei 101—the world’s second-largest building—the National Taiwan Museum, and a multitude of national parks. Plus, we had the chance to experience Taiwan’s vibrant night markets.
“These experiences allowed us to connect theoretical knowledge from our classes in a real-world context.”
Gillespie also thought what he learned from this study abroad trip would help him in his career.
“This experience has provided me with a richer understanding of international trade and relations, which will be crucial as I pursue a career in finance, particularly in roles that involve analyzing global economic trends and managing international investments.”
Wenqing Zhang, associate professor of Management, coordinated this study abroad trip.
“Taiwan offers a unique combination of traditional Chinese culture, strongly influenced by Confucian values, and advanced industries, particularly in high-tech sectors,” said Zhang.
“Its status as a leader in technology, especially in semiconductor manufacturing, makes it a key player in the global economy. Taiwan’s strategic location in the Asia-Pacific region allows students to explore important intersections between politics, economics, and global supply chains.”
At the end of the study abroad trip, students completed a comprehensive term project focused on a specific aspect of Taiwan’s economy, business practices, or its geopolitical significance.
There are current LSBE study abroad trips scheduled for this coming May.
*Faculty-led: International Business Down Under - Australia (UMD) - May Session
*Faculty-led: Sustainability in Scandinavia (UMD) - May Session
Main Photo - Students with Dr. Matt Lunde (far right) in Scandinavia