Gain Experience Abroad

Programs

There are many different opportunities for engineering students to study, research, or intern abroad. Engineering students can go abroad during the fall and/or spring semesters, January term, and summer. Semester or year-long programs are a great way to immerse into a new culture by taking courses. January term and summer programs are typically faculty-led and focus on a specific discipline. They are a great way to learn more about a country's culture and history while taking unrestricted or humanities electives. 

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

• ​Join a group of UVA engineering and commerce students to design a solution for an industry client in Argentina during January term
• Take second or third year engineering and math courses at UVA in Valencia (one year of Spanish or equivalent is required)
• Spend a month during the summer exploring engineering in Germany through site visits to Mercedes-Benz, Bosch, the Max Planck Institutes, and university research labs 
• Study for a semester at Lund University in Sweden alongside local students
• Do a summer research internship at Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology

Each program will have different start and end dates, as well as application deadlines. There are four main types of programs you can participate in: 

• UVA programs: developed and directed by UVA
• Partner programs: administered by a partner organization, but UVA provides input on the curriculum
• Exchange programs: located at a partner university, but the student pays regular tuition and fees to UVA
• Outside programs: provided by other universities or private companies and are paid separately

Here are some steps to get you started.

1. Visit the Getting Started page on the UVA International Studies Office (ISO) website to explore the different programs and complete the Education Abroad Workshop, which outlines the programs at UVA. Make sure to review the Engineering Education Abroad Policies.
2. Identify programs of interest. The Programs Search is a great tool to filter through programs as well. 
3. Once you have identified a program (or programs) of interest, make an advising appointment with the ISO study abroad advisor for your particular program or region.
4. If you hope to transfer academic credit, make an advising appointment with your engineering faculty study abroad advisor to discuss courses.
5. Start your application!

Engineering Faculty Study Abroad Advisors

Please contact the study abroad faculty advisor in your major department to discuss your plans to study abroad, including which courses to take and the appropriate timing to go abroad. You will also need their signature on the transfer credit approval form if you are seeking transfer credit.

UVA International Studies Office (ISO) Advisors

Education abroad advisors from the ISO specialize in study abroad programs in different countries. Make an appointment here.