Am I Required to Take this Course?

Currently, only IRSEP program participants are required to take the course. For everyone else, this course is optional, but strongly suggested.

Do I Need to Buy a Book?

All readings for the course are online through University of Minnesota’s E-Reserve System.  There is a also a Moodle site which houses all other course documents. There is no additional cost for the readings. Due to limited internet access at some program sites, we strongly recommend that you print the readings prior to departure and take them with you.

How Much Does the Course Cost?

The cost of the course is included in the cost of all Learning Abroad Center sponsored programs, Bilateral and IRSEP exchanges. For students on cosponsored (IES, CIEE, Arcadia, etc.), ISEP-direct, and outside programs, the cost of the course is equivalent to the cost of one University of Minnesota-Twin Cities credit (2008-09 resident tuition rate), which is approximately $340. Non-resident students pay the same rate as residents.

Who is My Instructor?

An instructor from Educational Policy and Administration teaches the course. This instructor is specially trained in intercultural learning and is familiar with your experience as a study abroad student.

When will I hear from My Instructor?

Your instructor will contact you via your U of M email account approximately two weeks prior to your program start date. 

What if I Am Not Contacted by an Instructor?

If you are not contacted by your instructor by three days prior to the program start date, email Arianna Austin at the Learning Abroad Center immediately. 

How do I Register for the Course?

Registration instructions are emailed to your University of Minnesota student account. University of Minnesota students register themselves via OneStop. If you are a non-University of Minnesota student choosing to take the course, you must email Arianna Austin in the Learning Abroad Center to register. Please include your name, University of Minnesota ID (if known), and your home institution. The Learning Abroad Center will then complete the registration for you.

How do I Drop the Course?

To drop the Global Identity course, you must email your request to Arianna Austin. The Learning Abroad Center does not have the authority to cancel you from the course without your permission.  Do not attempt to drop the course yourself--this must be processed by Learning Abroad Center staff.

If you do not officially request to be dropped from the course, you will remain registered for the course and will receive a failing grade if you do not submit any coursework.

What is the Deadline for Dropping the Course?

The course follows the regular add/drop policy of the University of MInnesota. You will have two weeks from your official program start date to request that the Global Identity course be dropped. We strongly recommend that you use these two weeks to assess the level of your internet access on-site and to begin the assignments.

If you submit your request after the two-week drop/add period, the course will appear as a "W" on your University of Minnesota transcript.

If you submit your request after the final eight-week drop/add period, you will not be allowed to withdraw, and you will receive the grade that you've earned for the course (S or N).

Review the Learning Abroad Center's Academic Policies website for more details.

Can I Take the Course A-F?

A-F grading is not an option for the course.  Some non-University of Minnesota students have informed us that they cannot receive credit for courses taken S/N (pass/fail), but we encourage you to consider enrolling even if you don't receive academic credit.  The content of the course can help you beyond fulfilling academic requirements, and you can state at your job interviews, on cover letters, and on grad school applications that you chose to make the extra effort to enrich your experience abroad and integrate it into your future goals.

Last modified on December 19, 2008