Resources for Advisors—Science & Engineering
Study Abroad Opportunities for Science and Engineering Majors
The University of Rochester strongly encourages natural and applied sciences students to study abroad. A common misconception is that you cannot study abroad if your major is in the sciences or engineering. It is true that in the past, study abroad programs were more focused on languages and area studies. However, courses in mathematics and sciences are increasingly available. Overseas universities are eager to have American students in their science and engineering classes, and many programs (such as RISE summer internship and NSEP Boren scholarship) have been designed to recruit undergraduate science majors. Participation in study abroad programs for all students requires careful planning, but the personal and professional rewards are tremendous.
Learning to work comfortably with people from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds is more important than ever and an international perspective is essential for science or engineering students. In some cases, recent graduates find employment with multinational firms, and have the opportunity to work overseas. Even those who seek positions in the United States will benefit from the cross-cultural and travel skills that come from overseas study.
In an effort to develop students’ international competency, the Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the University of Rochester works closely with the Center for Study Abroad to continue to broaden opportunities for engineering majors. Foremost among these opportunities is the Braude College Exchange, a study abroad exchange program that allows mechanical engineering students to spend the spring of the sophomore year in Karmiel, Israel. These courses are taught in English at the Braude College.
Courses in the sciences or engineering are also available on a number of study abroad programs affiliated with the University of Rochester (see below). Most of these programs offer courses in English while others require proficiency in a foreign language.
(Consult Choosing a Program for program descriptions)
- Argentina: Buenos Aires (IES)
- Australia: Melbourne (IES), Sydney (IES) (in English)
- Botswana: Gaborone (in English)
- Chile: Santiago (IES)
- Ecuador: Quito (IES)
- Egypt: The American University in Cairo (in English)
- Germany: Cologne Exchange; Freiburg (IES); Berlin (IES)
- India: Delhi (IES) (in English)
- Ireland: Dublin (IES)
- Israel: Braude College Exchange in English, Karmiel; Ben Gurion, University of the Negev, Beer Sheva;The Hebrew University of Jerusalem; The Technion (in English)
- Morocco: Rabat (IES) (in English)
- New Zealand: Auckland (IES), Christchurch (IES) (in English)
- Peru: Lima (PUCP)
- South Africa: Cape Town (IES) (in English)
- Spain: Granada (IES), Madrid Engineering (in English), Salamanca (IES)
- Sweden: Uppsala University (in English)
- United Kingdom: London (IES); University of Sussex Exchange (for majors in Brain and Cognitive Sciences) in English
Study abroad presents challenges for science and engineering students due to course sequencing and technical requirements for the major. In the case of engineering students, some particular coursework may be required in order to obtain professional certification. Early planning is essential and you should consult with a study abroad adviser to find out what courses are available, and to obtain course descriptions. It is particularly important that you meet with the undergraduate adviser in the department of your major, to identify course equivalencies and obtain written approval. We also recommend that you consult Lisa Norwood, Assistant Dean of the Hajim School for Engineering & Applied Sciences.
Click here for a list of study abroad courses for which UR students have received approval to apply toward their engineering majors. Please be aware that this list is a work in progress. It is designed to be a tool for discussion with your faculty and study abroad advisers, as well as the Hajim School Dean’s Office staff.
