Studies Abroad Engineering
The number of engineers that study abroad varies by the size of each department and other factors, but every engineering student can go abroad if they plan properly. On average, approximately 20 engineers go abroad each semester. Together, we can help more students take advantage of this opportunity.
The best time to go abroad varies based on your department. Please keep in mind that going abroad is much more difficult if your goal is to study abroad two (2) semesters.
If you are following the suggested schedule (found in the engineering advising booklet), this table will help you identify courses you could take abroad. Note that this list does NOT replace or override your transfer advisor’s recommendations.
Why should I study abroad?
Every single major can benefit from a more worldly perspective of its discipline. While the concepts of science and engineering are universal, different cultures may have a different way of approaching them. You may learn to approach an engineering problem from a perspective you had never considered. Additionally, each country has its own strengths in different areas of research, so studying abroad may give you greater access to that country’s “specialty.”
Where do I start?
The first thing to do is to familiarize yourself with your major requirements. Here are the links to some documents that can help:
- Graduation Requirements
- Suggested 4-year plan
- Engineering Undergraduate Advising Booklet
Meet with your Major Advisor to discuss your four-year plan, keeping in mind:
- Some courses are offered only once per year
- Prerequisite structure
Remember that if you push back a class for a year without checking the prerequisites, you might end up having to stay a 5th year to graduate.
Additional tips:
- Plan early
- Meet with the Study Abroad Office and your major and transfer advisors
- Look for technical/specialization elective courses in addition to required courses
Where should I go?
What other things should I consider?
- Cost – Some engineering schools will have a supplemental tuition. Look out for this when you are planning your budget and talk to the Study Abroad office about your needs.
- Get connected – Most will say that the most helpful thing they did was talk to someone that went through a similar program and/or had the same major. Find this person and ask them questions, because it will save you a lot of time. If no one has done what you plan to do, then make sure you do a lot of research on your own.