Office of Engineering International Programs

Studying abroad ranks among the most profoundly transformative experiences available to a 19- to 21-year-old undergraduate student.

Due to the Novel Coronavirus emergency, Engineering International Programs is working remotely in order to protect the health and safety of our community. To answer any education abroad questions or concerns, please feel free to reach us during normal business hours.
Contact Information
Program Director - Dana Elzey
Email: dme2j@virginia.edu 
Engineering International Programs Advisor - Maya Drake
Email: mel2j@virginia.edu 
The University of Virginia and UVA Engineering have compiled a significant number of RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS, FACULTY, STAFF AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS REGARDING THE UNIVERSITY'S RESPONSE TO COVID-19.

***

Our goal is to enable every UVA Engineering undergraduate student to obtain a significant international experience. School of Engineering International Programs offers information, advising and logistical support to engineering students interested in study, work or service learning abroad.

Here are just a few examples of the things students can do:

  • Work with an NGO partner in an underdeveloped community in Nicaragua to engineer a water filtration system providing families access to clean drinking water
  • Join a group of UVA engineering and commerce students to design a solution for an industry client in Argentina
  • Take all third-semester engineering and math courses in Valencia, Spain (in English!)
  • Spend a month during the summer exploring German engineering through site visits to Mercedes-Benz, Bosch, the Max Planck Institutes, and university research labs
  • Spend eight to ten weeks in Tokyo working on a research project under the supervision of a Japanese professor
  • International Programs

    UVA engineering students work, study and serve in more than 30 countries around the world every year. Read more to join them!

  • 2ndBottomPhoto

    Every year, the UVA Engineering Office of International Programs holds a photo contest featuring the best pictures taken by engineering students abroad.

  • International Programs

    Every year, the UVA Engineering Office of International Programs holds a photo contest featuring the best pictures taken by engineering students abroad.

  • Why study/work abroad?

    To compete in a competitive, global marketplace, students need an international perspective. Working and studying abroad not only provides exposure to different cultures, it helps students gain skills in communication, problem-solving, adaptability and resilience. Employers want to hire workers with these skills.

    Fellow UVA students understand the value: With over 460 programs & projects in 75 different counties, the UVA Education Abroad office reports that 3,122 students sought an international experience in 2018-2019. 

    The UVA Engineering Office of International Programs is dedicated to busting the myth that working and studying abroad is out of reach logistically and financially. We have steadily increased the number of engineering students participating in international experiences, from less than 3 percent a decade ago to about 25 percent now. We want ALL engineering students to have this experience.

  • Want to study/work abroad but don't know how to get started?

    UVA has a step-by-step process to get you from learning about our international programs to watching a 30-minute, online  Education Abroad Workshop and applying through the International Studies Office.

    After you complete the workshop, check out the customized UVA Engineering informational sheet. 

    If you have questions, you can also contact Professor Dana Elzey or Maya Laurinaitis Drake in the UVA Engineering Office of International Programs. They will walk you through the process and opportunities that are ideal for engineering students.

    Let us show you how achievable it is to have a life-changing international experience.

  • Who are the UVA Engineering study abroad advisors?

    Before you begin the application process and participate in the UVA Study Abroad Online Workshop, you should schedule to meet with your engineering education abroad advisor for your program of interest. This advising session is your time to discuss any questions that were not already addressed in the workshop. It is also a good idea to review the curriculum for your major before the meeting.

    Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering - Natasha Leigh Smith

    Biomedical Engineering - Shannon D Barker

    Chemical Engineering - Eric Anderson

    Civil & Environmental Engineering - Leidy Klotz

    Computer Science - Charles Reiss

    Electrical & Computer Engineering - Mircea Stan & Joanne Dugan

    Engineering Science and Materials Science & Engineering - Dana Elzey

    Engineering Systems & Environment - Reid Bailey

  • How can I find an international work and/or study program?

    The UVA Education Abroad office has a searchable database of opportunities.

    Ask your UVA Engineering study abroad advisor for other programs that are targeted for engineering students.

  • What if I have further questions?

    Contact us or consult our manual of policies and procedures if you have any further questions! 

    Engineering International Programs Policies and Procedures

Related: