Study Overseas

Increasing numbers of international students are choosing Minnesota as their study destination, as they discover the state's rich academic offerings, its cultural attractions and natural splendor.

Minnesota is known as the land of 10,000 lakes, with more shoreline than California, Florida and Hawaii combined. It is home to Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world, and has developed a premier system of state and national parks and trails that offer unmatched recreational opportunities.

Regardless of where you choose to study in Minnesota, from the majestic Mississippi River bluffs to the land of Pipestone quarries, to the urban excitement of Minneapolis and St. Paul to the pristine lakes of the Northland, the state's natural surroundings are bound to inspire you.

Minnesota prides itself on academic excellence and innovation. The state has the highest high school graduation rate in the United States, and scores on college entrance exam consistently rank among the top five. Minnesota is home to the nation's first charter school, and today hosts dozens of unique magnet schools that provide young people with expanded or specialized opportunities in such areas as language, science, technology or the arts. Progressive state policies offer families their choice of public school, provide educational tax benefits, and allow high school juniors and seniors to take college courses at no cost.

College opportunities abound in Minnesota. With 12 public universities and 29 community and technical colleges, opportunities for undergraduate and graduate degree programs are practically limitless. Campuses range in size from 30,000 students to 400, and are located in every corner of the state, in farming communities, urban and suburban settings, and perched on the shores of Minnesota's lakes and rivers. In addition to the public institutions of higher learning, Minnesota has a wide array of private colleges as well.

Because Minnesota is the headquarters for one of the world's largest airlines, flights into the Twin Cities and to communities across the state are very frequent and often very affordable.

Minnesotans have invested substantial dollars in making their public universities and colleges stand out as centers of excellence. Its public colleges and universities are always highly ranked nationally.

The state's 29 public two-year colleges offer students a special kind of experience. For example, St. Cloud Technical College gives students the specific skills they need to get a good job fast in a range of careers, including computer technology and precision manufacturing. Vermilion Community College specializes in careers in natural resources management, and is located at the edge of the national Boundary Waters Canoe Area; Fergus Falls Community College offers all the activities of a full university, complete with a national championship men's basketball team.

More than half of the state's higher education institutions are located in or near the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. This bustling metropolis area offers cultural opportunities, sporting events, shopping and entertainment beyond compare. A typical weekend in the city offers dozens of lively theater productions, professional sporting events, community celebrations that are 'uniquely Minnesota' and many daily attractions including a world-class zoo, the Science Museum, and of course, the Mall of America with its 520 stores and indoor amusement park. Minneapolis and St. Paul blend cosmopolitan energy and sophistication with small town security and comfort. Nearly everything you want or need will be cleaner, closer, safer and less crowded than most other urban areas.

Minnesota's public education system is supported by a strong and diverse business community. During the 1990s, the state experienced unprecedented growth. Goldman Sachs, the international financial services company, calls Minnesota's economy one of the most diverse in the nation; it ranks seventh in the nation in the number of Fortune 500 company headquarters per million residents. While Minnesota offers the opportunity to work for one of the largest companies in the world, it also offers the chance to join small innovative firms.

Minnesota and its communities have been cited repeatedly as one of the most livable places to be. It's natural beauty, record low unemployment, recreational opportunities and academic excellence have drawn thousands of international students here each year.

For more information about Minnesota's economy and quality of life, visit the Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development website at http://www.deed.state.mn.us/

For more information about the Minnesota state colleges and universities (mnscu) system, call 888-667-2848 in the United States, or visit the mnscu website at www.mnscu.edu

Authors
Linda Kohl & Barb Shlafer
Minnesota State Colleges & University