Experience a world of educational possibilities, cultures and connection through Academic travel!
Academic Travel is a core feature of a Normandale Community College education, providing safe, sustainable, and equitable educational travel experiences to ensure that all students develop global competencies and 21st Century skills. Among other things, students who complete an Academic Travel program:
Students at Normandale can participate in two types of academic travel:
Check out the all the travel opportunities offered through Normandale!
Tour Dates: Spring Break March 7-14, 2026
Join this Spring 2026 travel course that includes a week-long educational tour to Cuba!
This section of COMM 1131: Intercultural Communication will develop global competency and communication skills with a blend of traditional learning and real-world experience in a country few have had the chance to visit.
Contrasting Cuba’s capital of Havana with its rural western countryside, we’ll gain insight on Cuba’s unique history and culture and the importance of the African diaspora’s cultural influence on modern Cuban society. Some of the highlights of our visit include a national park, organic farms, art museums, historic sites, beaches, AfroCuban music and dance performances, learning about the history and current practice of Santeria in Cuba, and participating in community service projects as we work closely with AfroCuban neighborhoods of Havana.
This course satisfies Minnesota Transfer Curriculum Goals 7a and 8.
Space will be limited.
Tour Dates: June 24 - 27, 2026
Do not miss your shot to participate in this Summer 2026 travel course all about the ten-dollar founding father! You’ll earn 3 credits in Economics or History during Summer Session 1 as you explore the life and legacy of Alexander Hamilton. Your learning will be enhanced with a faculty-led trip to New York City to visit the historic sites of Hamilton’s time in New York, before, during, and after the American Revolution while also identifying Hamilton’s legacy on America’s economic systems today. The experience culminates with a viewing of Broadway’s Hamilton – An American Musical!
Tour Dates: May 24-June 13, 2026
Offered through Bemidji State University, this is a focused study-abroad experience in China designed for students seeking a deep dive into Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Participants will explore ancient healthcare practices at the renowned Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine while earning 7 transferable credits to Normandale. From morning Qi Gong sessions to hands-on learning with leading TCM faculty, this immersive journey blends centuries-old wisdom with modern global health insight. You’ll build lifelong wellness habits, expand your worldview, and thrive in one of China’s most dynamic cities.
Students studying Nursing, Psychology, Community Health, or other healthcare fields are especially encouraged to participate as it allows students to gain knowledge, experience, and perspective of other cultures in relation to the care industry and medical practices. All program courses come with liberal education goal areas, so all undergraduate degree seeking students can benefit.
This program earns 7 credits satisfying MnTC Goals in several areas. See Information Guide for more information.
Application Deadline October 15th, 2025.
Imagine living and taking your classes in a palace in Scotland! Housed in the unique and historic setting of Newbattle Abbey, the Experience Scotland program is an amazing experience with virtually limitless opportunities for educational and personal growth.
Normandale partners with the University of Wisconsin River Falls and its program in Dalkeith (a suburb of Edinburgh). Students who choose the Experience Scotland program take a full semester of course work in Scotland through the University of River Falls. While there, you’ll have ample opportunity to explore the region and travel throughout Europe during semester breaks.
Most Normandale students that study abroad for a full semester choose this option. You'll even sometimes find Normandale faculty teaching there. Normandale's Global Studies Coordinator works with UWRF to identify which courses best transfer back to Normandale and will guide you through the application and course selection process.
For more information contact the Academic Travel Director.
Normandale students can live and take classes inside of one of Britain's most iconic castles (and a Harry Potter filming location) through our partner, St. Cloud State University.
A variety of programs offer students the unique opportunity to fully immerse themselves in British culture. Course offerings change each semester.
Normandale's Global Studies Coordinator works with SCSU to identify how courses will transfer back to Normandale and will guide you through the application and course selection process.
For more information or to apply, contact the Academic Travel Director
Normandale students may participate in many approved study abroad programs offered at our partner institutions listed below. Search for programs open to non-university undergraduate students and contact the Academic Travel Director to discuss your plans, get guidance and seek approval.
The cost of travel courses includes both tuition and travel fees and semester study abroad programs also include room and board. Costs vary according to destinations and numbers of credits. It is best to look at each travel course’s program details and each semester abroad program’s budget sheet.
The fees for travel courses vary by experience and location. Tuition and fees for the course will be paid through Normandale billing. Travel fees are either included in the course fees or paid directly to a tour provider, which usually offers a variety of payment plans for participants.
Please be aware of all payment deadlines.
Semester programs are paid directly through the University partner or through financial aid.
Normandale Community College awards multiple scholarships to assist students participating in a travel course or an approved semester study abroad program. Academic Travel Scholarships may be applied to at the link at the top of this page.
Scholarship opportunities are also available through the following external organizations:
Benjamin A. Gilman International ScholarshipA student who qualifies for financial aid may use the aid for travel courses and approved semester study abroad programs. Before a student enrolls in a travel program, he or she should contact the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office to discuss their funding options and the steps necessary to make sure their aid will be in place prior to the program deadlines by making an appointment at finaid@normandale.edu. Please note that not all expenses may be covered with financial aid. Students participating in approved semester study abroad programs must complete specific financial aid forms prior to their participation in the program.
Anyone can enroll in a travel course with the exception of the following:
Semester study abroad programs may have enrollment restrictions.
Anyone who wishes to participate in a tour that is party of a Normandale travel course must enroll in both the tour and the course. Participants are required to enroll may enroll in the course for credit or audit; the cost is the same.
Travel courses require enrollment in the course and tour. Each program is different in the process but starts by clicking the “I’M INTERESTED” button above and completing the program’s interest form. You’ll then be sent an email with instructions to enroll in the tour. The instructor can assist with any questions along the way.
Semester study abroad programs may require an application process through the partner university.
A student might be sent home at their own expense if there are violations of the Normandale Code of Conduct or Program/Provider Rules.
One of the most important aspects of academic travel programming is the safety of our students and faculty. While safety can never be guaranteed, the college employs the following safeguards while planning and conducting travel courses:
If you have any questions regarding our practices and procedures regarding keeping students and faculty safe while traveling, please contact Academic Travel Director.
We understand that group travel can seem intimidating if you don’t know anyone before signing up. Just know that you’ll be traveling with experienced faculty and you’ll have spent time in class with them and your fellow students prior to departure. You’ll end up having an amazing learning adventure together. Travel classes and semester programs are a great way to make friends for life.
If you do not have a passport or need to renew yours, you should apply as soon as possible once you’ve enrolled on an international tour. The average processing time varies and can take up to 16 weeks (3-4 months). For more information on how to apply for or renew a passport, visit the Travel State Government website.
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