Study abroad
Information is a global field that benefits from diverse perspectives and collaboration across borders. UMSI offers many opportunities for you to develop and apply your information expertise in a global context. Whether you study abroad for a few weeks or a full semester, you’ll deepen your problem-solving skills, grow your professional network and gain cultural awareness.
Undergraduate opportunities
Bachelor of Science in Information students have the opportunity to participate in semester-long or short-term study abroad opportunities through UMSI. The BSI Study Abroad Guide provides a comprehensive overview of the study abroad process, including steps to take before, during and after your study abroad experience.
Semester-long study abroad programs
UMSI hosts eight study abroad programs in partnership with universities around the world. Each partner university offers information courses taught in English that are directly applicable to the BSI degree.
Study in one of Europe’s most creative, design-driven cities. At the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, you’ll choose a thematic focus for your coursework — from urban interaction design to virtual reality to big data — and collaborate with local organizations to solve real challenges. Between classes, stroll broad canals, take advantage of epic bike lanes, explore world-class museums and enjoy stroopwafel warmed over a cup of coffee.
Explore the intersection of business, entrepreneurship and data analytics at ESADE, a highly-ranked private international school, while experiencing life in a vibrant Mediterranean city. Sunlit Barcelona is known for its beautiful coast, the distinctive architecture of Gaudí, energetic strolls along La Rambla and innovative cuisine.
Known as the Silicon Valley of Europe, Dublin is a cutting-edge city with a rich cultural heritage. Study data science, machine learning and computing innovation at Dublin City University, in the heart of Dublin. Enjoy all that Ireland’s capital city has to offer — from music to museums — while taking weekend trips to explore the Irish countryside, from historic castles to the Cliffs of Moher.
Immerse yourself in innovation and entrepreneurship against the backdrop of a cosmopolitan city. Located in a tower in the heart of Madrid’s financial district, IE University offers a global learning environment with state-of-the-art facilities. In your free time, stroll Madrid’s wide boulevards and expansive parks, find inspiration at the Prado Museum, and enjoy tapas or churros con chocolate.
With its Gothic towers and cobblestone streets, Prague feels like a storybook city, but this City of a Hundred Spires is home to more than 1 million people — and the Prague University of Economics and Business (VŠE) is nestled in the center of it all. Connect with students from across Europe while taking courses on data-driven policy analysis or global cybersecurity.
Balance your studies with sun and surf at one of Australia’s leading research universities, the University of New South Wales, known for nurturing startup founders. Take courses in user experience design, business analytics and virtual reality documentaries — then head out to experience Sydney’s pristine beaches, picturesque harbor and public gardens.
Explore the latest in data and technology while living in a city with a 2,300-year history. Located on the Aegean Sea, Thessaloniki boasts clear blue waters, ancient ruins, wide avenues lined with neoclassical buildings and an amazing culinary scene. You’ll study at Anatolia American University, which hosts Greek students and international students from more than 30 countries.
An important cultural center since the Viking Age, Uppsala is home to a castle, cathedral and botanical garden, cozy pubs, and the River Fyris. Take courses on social robotics or advanced interaction design at Uppsala University, founded in 1477. In your free time, enjoy saunas, cycling and frequent coffee breaks — called fikas — while joining student organizations and academic traditions as part of a student body of 40,000.
Non-UMSI programs
BSI students can also study abroad through programs sponsored by other University of Michigan (U-M) units, including the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts; the Ross School of Business; and the College of Engineering (found in M-Compass) or through non-UM programs.
Short-term programs
UMSI offers multiweek study abroad programs each summer, allowing students to take one or two courses in another country after UMSI’s academic year has concluded. Current short-term programs include:
- Design Thinking in Barcelona, Spain (3 weeks)
- Web Accessibility in Dublin, Ireland (3 weeks)
- Summer in Shanghai, China (9 weeks)
How to get started
Current and incoming BSI students can email [email protected] to set up a study abroad advising appointment. We also encourage you to schedule an academic advising appointment on the BSI Advising Site to ensure that study abroad is in alignment with your intended graduation plans. Financial aid and scholarships — including the UMSI Study Abroad Scholarship for undergraduates — are available for students who qualify.
Graduate opportunities
Master of Science in Information students have the opportunity to participate in semester-long study abroad opportunities — a relatively rare offering among graduate schools. The MSI Study Abroad Guide provides a comprehensive overview of the study abroad process, including steps to take before, during and after your study abroad experience.
Semester-long study abroad programs
UMSI partners with universities around the world offering information courses taught in English that are directly applicable to the MSI degree. You can study abroad for a semester in one of the following locations:
Uppsala, Sweden (Fall or winter term)
An important cultural center since the Viking Age, Uppsala is home to a castle, cathedral and botanical garden, cozy pubs, and the River Fyris. Choose from more than 50 approved courses — from machine learning to data ethics — at Uppsala University, founded in 1477. In your free time, enjoy saunas, cycling and frequent coffee breaks — called fikas — while joining student organizations and academic traditions as part of a student body of 40,000.
Tsukuba, Japan (Fall term; summer for research only)
Reach new heights in Tsukuba, Japan, home to Japan’s national space center and the stunning Mount Tsukuba. You will pursue research or take courses — from data visualization to the cultural history of libraries and media — at the University of Tsukuba, a STEM-focused research university that hosts thousands of international students each year. In your free time, immerse yourself in your natural surroundings or take a two-hour train ride to Tokyo for urban adventures.
How to get started
Current MSI students can email [email protected] to set up an appointment to learn more about studying abroad as a graduate student. We also encourage you to schedule an academic advising appointment on the MSI Advising Site to ensure that study abroad is in alignment with your intended graduation plans.
Student-initiated international activities
Are you interested in pursuing an international internship, research or project? Make an appointment with the Engaged Learning Office for guidance by emailing [email protected].