Education Abroad

Experience first-hand the Danish concept of hygge, an intangible sense of warmth and contentment.

An education abroad isn’t just a memorable part of your college experience. It is a chance to understand the world, your studies and yourself in a broader cultural context. Whether you travel to the East or head overseas to the Nordics, you’ll return to Bemidji State with a whole new perspective.

To help you consider your options and prepare for international travel, we’ve put together a few helpful resources:

BSU Around the World

  1. University Programs

The University-run SinoSummer program offers students a unique and externally funded program in China studying Chinese Traditional Medicine and culture in the old Capital Nanjing, China. (Next Run: Spring/summer 2026)

The University-run EuroSpring program offers students the chance to spend five weeks in the spring studying in Oxford, England. (Next Run: Spring 2027)

2. Departmental Programs

Departments offer faculty-led study programs of varying lengths. Please see the department or ask your advisor for current information of their offerings.

Social work department

Offers a faculty-led study abroad program every even year.

Archive:

  • The program in Spring 2026 was a human rights centered study abroad experience. Please see flyer and Itinerary. You can also find the approved student budget information here. Program Fee Payment Schedule can be found here: SOWK3930_Installment_Schedule.

3. Exchange Programs

We’ve partnered with schools around the world where you can study as an exchange student.

4. Independent Study

You may also participate in an independent study abroad program, either through a third party organization like the Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE) or another U.S. institution, or by enrolling directly at an accredited foreign institution.

How to Study Abroad?

Step 1: Explore the different options and programs we offer, and Book an appointment with the International Program to discuss your plan.

Step 2: Start working on your Study Away Agreement Packet. If you are going on a BSU faculty-led program, skip to Step 3.

The packet includes:

  1. Study Away Agreement
  2. Transfer Credit Approval Form
    • Meet with you academic advisor/department chair to determine how your study abroad credits will apply towards your degree at BSU. Fill out the Transfer Credit Form if you are going with a non-BSU program.
  3. Financial Aid Budget Approval Form (Meet with Financial Aid office if you will be using financial Aid to pay for the program)

Step 3:Pay the $150 application process fee with Cashier and keep your receipt.

(Please visit or call BSU cashier’s office at Deputy 202. (218) 755-2045.
The cashier’s window is open from 9am to 3pm Monday through Friday. However, since the register must be shut down by 3, please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to 3pm to allow sufficient time for processing.
Please inform the cashier that you are paying the Study Abroad Application Processing fee of $150. Make sure to collect the receipt for your payment so you can upload a copy to this application.)

Step 4: Fill out the Beaver Abroad Application.

  • You will need to upload your completed Study Away Agreement and receipt for your application process fee while completing the application.

Step 5: Get accepted or nominated by BSU and apply with exchange partner or provider.

Step 6: As soon as you’ve been accepted to a program, start doing your work and research to prepare for international travel. Check out our Before You Travel guide for helpful information about applying for your visa, overcoming language barriers and making foreign purchases.

Application Deadlines

Please note the application deadlines (Beavers Abroad Application must be submitted by)

  • For Spring Program: October 15
  • For Summer Program: February 15
  • For Fall program: March 7

Student Safety

Safety is vital for all of our students, especially those going abroad. All students going abroad are required to have insurance that covers them while away. Additionally, we are required to report all student hospitalizations and deaths during education abroad experiences. More information can be found here:

Minnesota Study Abroad Program Law
(Minnesota Statute chapter 312, article 1, section 5)

The “Minnesota Study Abroad Law” (August 2014) requires higher education institutions in Minnesota to report student hospitalizations and deaths abroad as well as ensure its study abroad programs comply with health and safety standards set by the Forum on Education Abroad. The Minnesota Office of Higher Education will then post the reported information in aggregate on its website annually, which institutions will provide a link to on its program information.