Study Abroad Opportunities for Science and Engineering Students
One of the common myths associated with study abroad is that you cannot participate if your major is in the sciences or engineering. While it is historically true that study abroad programs have emphasized courses in language and culture, offerings in mathematics and sciences have become increasingly available on overseas study programs over the past ten years.
Learning to work comfortably with people from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds is more important than ever and an international perspective is now regarded as an essential aspect of an undergraduate science or engineering degree. 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 need the cross-cultural skills that come from overseas study.
In an effort to develop students' international competency, the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the University of Rochester has worked with the Center for Study Abroad to broaden opportunities for engineering majors. Foremost among these opportunities is the Ort Braude Exchange, a study abroad exchange program that allows engineering students to spend the spring of the sophomore year in Karmiel, Israel. These courses are taught in English at the Ort Braude Technical 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). Many 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: Adelaide(IES); Melbourne(IES), Sydney (IES)
Chile: Santiago (IES)
Ecuador: Quito (IES)
Egypt: The American University in Cairo
England: London (IES); University of Sussex Exchange(for majors in Brain and Cognitive Sciences)
France: Nantes (IES)
Germany: Cologne Exchange; Freiburg (IES); Berlin (IES)
India: Delhi (IES)
Ireland: Dublin (IES)
Israel: ORT Braude Exchange, Karmiel Ben Gurion
University of the Negev, Beer Sheva;
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Italy: Rome (IES)
Netherlands: Amsterdam (IES)
New Zealand: Auckland (IES), Christchurch (IES)
Spain: Barcelona (IES), Granada (IES), Salamanca (IES)
Sweden: Uppsala University
Study abroad presents unique challenges for science and engineering students because their curricula are often regimented with 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 obtain course descriptions. In addition, you should meet with the undergraduate adviser in the department of your major, to identify course equivalencies and obtain written approval. You may also consult with Lisa Norwood, Assistant Dean of the School for Engineering & Applied Sciences.
While participation in study abroad programs as a science or engineering major requires careful planning, the personal and professional rewards can be tremendous. The University of Rochester encourages students in the natural and applied sciences to explore the possibilities of international study.