Discover America: Here and Now!
The University of Minnesota, Duluth, located on the shores of beautiful Lake Superior are offering Ulster University students the opportunity to join their 4-week Summer Institute and take part in their 'America: Here and Now' programme.
This experience is an opportunity to study and discuss significant American literature, films, art and music in Duluth, Minnesota amongst an international classroom of students from around the globe.
Information Sessions
Sessions below are hosted by University of Minnesota, Duluth:
- 4.15pm, Wednesday 5 February 2025
- 4.15pm, Thursday 12 March 2025
Register for an information session
| Host Organisation | University of Minnesota, Duluth |
|---|---|
| Dates | 7 July - 1 August 2025 |
| Eligibility | Open to all Undergraduate students (not suitable for final years). |
| Programme cost | Programme Cost: $3,300 to be paid by student to the University of Minnesota, Duluth (approx £2650 depending on exchange rate) Turing funding is available for eligible students to assist towards the programme cost. Students will be expected to contribute the following amounts towards the programme cost: £500 for most students or £300 if your household income is less than £25,000* *you can check the full criteria for this higher Turing rate in the 'Widening Access and Participation' section below. |
| Flights |
An additional scholarship of up to £1000 is available towards the cost of your return flights. This will be paid to students once flights are confirmed and evidence (receipts) are provided. You must ensure you have the funds to pay for your flights as you do not receive this scholarship in advance. |
| Included | On-Campus dormitory accommodation, meals (except during optional excursions), airport pick up/drop off, & other transportation. |
| Other costs | ESTA Visa (approx £20) Spending money |
| Application Form | Apply here. |
| Application Deadline | Applications close 14 March 2025 |
| Interview | You will be invited to an online interview if you are shortlisted at application stage. |
| Interview Guidance | If you require support and guidance to help you prepare for interview reach out to your Employability & Graduate Futures Team. You can request a 1:1 appointment via Handshake or contact the team via e-mail: graduatefutures@ulster.ac.uk |
Programme Details
'America: Here and Now' is an introductory level course providing students with an understanding of literature, culture, and history in contemporary America, with an emphasis on local voices and experiences. Student will be studying alongside peers from all over the world, bringing a range of perspectives and experiences to the course.
The reading selections will interlink with the field experiences that students will enjoy: the beauty of Lake Superior; the region’s forests, beaches and hiking trails; and the artistic and cultural riches of northern Minnesota. Students will study and discuss significant American literature, films, art and music. Participating faculty members will share their own creative and scholarly work with students.
Students will be expected to maintain readers’ journals during the course in response to the course readings and to aligned field trips; following the traditional US learning culture, students will participate actively in discussions of course texts; and students will compare their new understandings of American culture in Duluth to their home country.
Programme Features:
- Welcome reception & orientation
- Course instruction by UMD faculty
- Course related field trips, tours & excursions
- Afternoon & evening activities
- Optional excursions
- Farewell celebration & certificate ceremony
Please note the course is not credit-bearing and will not count as part of your course at Ulster University.
Discover more
Learn from Craig Millar on his experience at the Summer Institute Programme, University of Minnesota.
Find out more:
You can find out more about the programme in the Summer Institute brochure.
Watch this video to find out the what the University of Minnesota Duluth has to offer.
Read what our past participants Aoife, James and Craig had to say about the programme!
Widening Access and Participation
You will be eligible for a higher rate of Turing Scheme funding if you meet one of the criteria below:
- You are in receipt of an Ulster University Access Bursary
- You are from an area of low higher education participation, low household income or low socioeconomic status (including those with an annual household income of £25,000 or less)
- You receive Income Support or Universal Credit and are financially supporting yourself or financially supporting yourself and someone who is dependent on you and living with them, such as a child or partner
- You are from a background of care
- You have caring responsibilities
- You have no living parents
- Your parents cannot be found or it is not reasonably practicable to get in touch with either of them (estranged students)
- You are a refugee or asylum seeker
Proof of the above criteria will be required as part of your application.