Undergraduate Education Abroad Program Application Instructions

We are currently operating on two different application systems. Please carefully review the term information below to ensure you are submitting your application to the correct system.

Apply Online

When you're ready, complete the online application. The first portion of the application must be completed in one session, but you may upload your essay and resume at a later time.

Please note if you are applying for a Minnesota Studies in International Development (MSID) or Study & Intern program you must apply through the Learning Abroad Center. You cannot apply through Carlson Global Institute for these programs.

Application Instructions

To apply for an Education Abroad program, complete the following steps.

Step One:

Start the online application. The first portion of the online application must be completed in one session. You will be charged a $50 application fee for each academic term you apply for. The fee will be charged automatically when you submit your application.

Each program requires a separate application and essay. 

Step Two:

Rank your programs based on your preference.

  • Global Enrichment short-term programs: rank up to THREE programs per application cycle.
  • Global Immersion semester or summer programs: rank up to THREE programs for consideration. We encourage you to select multiple programs, as space at some partner schools is very limited.

Step Three:

After completing the previous section, you will be assigned an application checklist of required application materials (essay/statement of interest and resume). All required items must be uploaded by the application deadline.  Check the program website for the specific deadline time (most CGI programs have a noon Central time deadline for priority consideration). 

Your application will be considered complete after receiving your essay & resume, though you may complete as many of the checklist items as are applicable to you (scholarship essays, for example). Please note that scholarships are reviewed on the same cycle as the program application, so it is in your best interest to complete your scholarship essay at the same time as the program application!

Step Four:

Upload an essay for each program to your application checklist. The essay questions are as follows:

 

Education Abroad Program Essay Types and Instructions
Undergraduate Global Enrichment Short-Term Programs Undergraduate Global Immersion Semester or Summer Programs

 

Write an essay of no more than two pages, double spaced, addressing the following two prompts. You must answer both prompts; citations are expected for question 2:

  1. How do Carlson's guiding principles, “We before I, Work before Reward, and Why before How” apply to study abroad? How will you personally embody these concepts throughout your International Experience?
  2. Identify two cultural norms based on values, beliefs, and/or attitudes that are different between the U.S. and your destination country(ies) and describe what impact those differences might have on your program's academic topic (i.e. Accounting, Communications, Equity, Finance, Human Resources, Leadership, Marketing, Sustainability, etc.) in a business setting.

For more insight into what we’re looking for in the essay, please review our Scoring Rubric.


Please Note: Priority in GE programs is given to Carlson students. Non-Carlson student applications will be considered only if there is space in the program.

Write an essay of no more than two pages, double spaced, that answers both prompts:

  1. Why is this particular semester exchange/summer program and host university a good fit for you? Please list 2 examples specific to your host institution. It can relate to your academics, personal goals, or professional goals. Additionally, how do you plan to engage in the communities in your host school?
  2. Semester exchange/summer programs require students to demonstrate a great deal of flexibility and adaptability. Many Carlson students find the adjustment to a new academic environment to be challenging. Please share a personal example of a time you demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in a challenging academic situation when you did not agree with the outcome. What did you learn from this experience and how will it help you be successful on a semester exchange/summer program?

Your application will be considered complete after receiving your essay & resume, though you may complete as many of the checklist items as are applicable to you (scholarship essays, for example). 

Scholarship/Fellowship Instructions:

Please visit the Scholarships/Fellowships information page for details on deadlines and application instructions.

 

Apply Online

When you're ready, complete the online application. 

 

Application Instructions

 

Step One:

Start the online application. You will be charged a $50 application fee for each completed application form. The fee will be charged to your student account. 

 

Step Two:

After completing the previous section, you will be assigned an application checklist of required application materials. All required items must be uploaded by the application deadline.  Check the program website for the specific deadline time (most CGI programs have a noon Central time deadline for priority consideration). 

 

CGI will only accept one application per student per application deadline.  You will need to apply to your first  choice education abroad program.  You will then have the opportunity to identify up to 2 back-up programs that you would like to be considered for if you are not placed in your first choice education abroad program. This can be found in the Application Checklist under "Apply for a Back-up Program"  When applying for a back-up program, you will also submit an essay for that program.  Please note you will only be considered for CGI programs from the same application cycle/term.

 

See a step-by-step guide here on how to identify your 2 back-up programs.


Your application will be considered complete once all required items are submitted. Please note that scholarships are reviewed on the same cycle as the program application, so it is in your best interest to complete your scholarship essay at the same time as the program application!

 

Essay Information (GI Semester & Summer only):

 
Undergraduate Global Immersion Semester or Summer Programs

Write an essay of no more than 500 words that answers the following questions:

 

  1. Why is this particular semester exchange/summer program and host university a good fit for you? Please list 2 examples specific to your host institution. It can relate to your academics, personal goals, or professional goals. Additionally, how do you plan to engage in the communities in your host school?
  2. Semester exchange/summer programs require students to demonstrate a great deal of flexibility and adaptability. Many Carlson students find the adjustment to a new academic environment to be challenging. Please share a personal example of a time you demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in a challenging academic situation when you did not agree with the outcome. What did you learn from this experience and how will it help you be successful on a semester exchange/summer program?

 

For more insight into what we're looking for in the essay, please refer to our Partner University Business Exchange Rubric.

Lottery Information (GE Instructor-led only):

 
Undergraduate Global Enrichment Instructor-led Programs

Applications for competitive programs will be selected via lottery. Some weight will be given to those students closest to graduation.  Students will likely be informed of their application decision approximately 7-10 days after the priority deadline. 

Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis after the priority deadline if there is still space in the program.

Scholarship/Fellowship Instructions:

Please visit the Scholarship/Fellowship information page for details on deadlines and application instructions.


 

Contact Carlson Global Institute

Phone: 612-625-9361