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 new programs (such as RISE and NSEP) 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 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 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). 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)
Chile: Santiago (IES)
Ecuador: Quito (IES)
Egypt: The American University in Cairo
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)
Morocco: Rabat (IES) Beginning Fall, 2009
Netherlands: Amsterdam (IES)
New Zealand: Auckland (IES), Christchurch (IES)
Peru: Lima (PUCP)
South Africa: Cape Town (IES)
Spain: Barcelona (IES), Granada (IES), Salamanca (IES)
Sweden: Uppsala University
United Kingdom: London (IES); University of Sussex Exchange (for majors in Brain and Cognitive Sciences)
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 School for Engineering & Applied Sciences.