A unique independent research opportunity.

SPAN offers students a chance to travel to intriguing destinations. More importantly, the program gives students the opportunity to map out their own, unique research and study abroad experience.

How? With help from qualified academic advisors, students select a topic of their choosing to explore and research in-depth and ultimately write extensively about.

Before departure, students decide what subject they want to pursue. SPAN students gather background information, initiate professional and personal contacts within his/her host country and arrange in advance to meet and visit with experts in the chosen research area. At regular scheduled meetings throughout Fall and Spring semester, SPANners get-together with other would-be travel-mates and their SPAN academic advisor. Together the students and advisor further prepare for their summer abroad by examining the history, culture, language, and current events of the prospective host countries. Students make their own arrangements for travel and accommodations.

During the summer students spend eight to ten weeks carrying out their individual research projects. Students conduct interviews, visit with in-country experts, uncover new research avenues and document their findings. Of course, the opportunity for sightseeing, recreation, relaxation and cross-cultural exchange abounds.

After spending approximately two months in the host country, students return home and during Fall semester to organize and compile their findings. By mid-December, participants draft an initial version of their SPAN paper which is not unlike a thesis and tends to be 50-pages in length. The paper is due for completion mid-Spring semester.

Earn eight undergraduate/graduate credits.

Successful SPAN participants earn four credits for their preparatory work. The second grade is based solely on the paper and is assigned after two outside readers and the individual student's academic advisor review the paper. (University of Minnesota FSSP 5960 and FSSP 5970)

Minnesota's oldest, one-of-a-kind study abroad program

The Student Project for Amity among Nation's is open to students from all Minnesota colleges and universities and was Minnesota's first study abroad program. It was founded after WWII by a group of students who decided the need for international understanding and amity was greater than ever. Since its inception in l947 more than 3,000 SPANners have visited 76 countries on six continents.

Reasonably priced; scholarships available

Every SPAN participant is eligible for a scholarship. What's more, because students arrange their own itineraries and living accommodations, this study abroad program can be more economically priced than other programs to similar destinations.

A student-run, non-profit organization

For more than fifty years, students have kept the SPAN organization alive by getting involved in day-to-day office or outreach activities, interacting with former SPANners and alumni, or speaking-up on behalf of the Student Project for Amity among Nations.

Go places

The SPAN experience has been described as "eye-opening," and "transforming." It can have a lasting impact on the student's education and profoundly influence the participant's career path.

Apply now

Student applications are available on a rolling basis throughout fall semester. We will accept applications until enrollment is full.