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Introduction
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.
Discover More
Learn from Craig Millar on his experience
Programme Description
'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.
Find out more about this programme in the Summer Institute brochure.
Watch this video to find out the what the University of Minnesota Duluth has to offer.
Key Information
Programme Provider
University of Minnesota, Duluth
Dates
6 - 31 July 2026 (allow for a day or two either side for travel).
Eligibility
Open to Registered Undergraduate or Postgraduate students (part-time or full-time). Not suitable for final year students.
Programme Cost
Programme Cost: $3,300 to be paid by student to the University of Minnesota, Duluth (approx. £2650 depending on exchange rate)
Funding is available for eligible students to assist towards the project cost. Students from a *Widening Access and Participation Background will receive a higher rate of funding.
*you can check the full criteria for this higher Turing rate in the 'Widening Access and Participation' section below.
Funding amounts to be confirmed
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) is provided.
You must ensure you have the funds to pay for your flights as you do not receive this scholarship in advance.
Programme Cost Includes
- On-Campus dormitory accommodation
- Meals (except during optional excursions)
- Welcome and farewell celebrations
- Airport pick up/drop off
- In-country transportation.
Additional Costs
ESTA Visa (approx. £20) and spending money
| Application | Submit your application |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 15 March 2026 |
| 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 |
Global Stories
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.
Pre-Departure Information
If you are selected for this opportunity following successful application and interview, the following details will help you prepare for pre-departure:
You are responsible for ensuring that you meet the host country's immigration requirements. This will vary depending on the type of passport you hold. Further advice on the visa application will be provided as part of the pre-departure process, but it is your responsibility to ensure your familiarity with this.
Please note, if travelling out of Dublin airport, students without a British or Irish passport may also need an additional Irish visa.
Ensure you read through the Government Travel Guidance Advice for the United States.
You will automatically be covered for emergency travel insurance and medical emergency cover through Ulster University’s Group Personal Accident and Travel insurance policy for the duration of this programme.
Review the cover thoroughly to check it's sufficient for your needs; if it does not cover everything, you will need to take out additional cover.
Ensure you read through the recommended vaccine requirements for the country you are travelling to.
There’s lots to think about before, during and after your programme. Read the Pre-departure Guide thoroughly for advice on to how to prepare and what to expect from your experience abroad.
Once final candidates have been selected you will be invited to a series of mandatory pre-departure sessions to help you prepare for your programme. This will be an opportunity for you to meet other students who will be joining you and it is a requirement of the programme that you attend.
As part of the pre-departure preparation, you will be asked to submit a mandatory travel preparation form and a medical disclosure form. Both forms are required so we can assess that you are fully prepared for the programme and can provide you with additional support if required.
