Feasible Study Abroad Program for Engineer/Physics major?

Applying to College
1

<p>Hello all. Not a current issue, but I've always wanted to study abroad at some point in my college life. I still have plenty of time to see whether it is a possibility or not. </p>

<p>The issue is that by the time I plan to study abroad, in my 3rd or 4th year (I will be staying in undergrad for 5 years), I will most likely be (if all goes well) an engineer and physics double major. So far, I haven't heard about any engineers or physicists who have studied abroad in any of classes/meetings/etc. I'm beginning to think that the amount of coursework usually prevents them from studying abroad, since I have been told that you must usually take language classes as well as some of the electives at overseas programs. If that is the case, they will not be able to keep on track with their major classes (I think). </p>

<p>So, is it even a good idea for a STEM major to study abroad? If it is, does it matter which location they choose to study at? I'd like to hear from anyone that did go ahead with it. </p>

2

<p>Studying aboard is something that every student should do if they can because you will get to learn a new culture, travel the world and meet new friends! Depending on the college you may or may not be able to study aboard so my suggestion is to call the school you are looking to apply to and ask them</p>

3

<p>@GoddessofWisdom‌ </p>

<p>Hey there. My university has their own study abroad program, it extends to many foreign countries. My main concern was just, as mentioned, whether this is a wise choice for someone in physics and/or engineering, since I know that our school’s study abroad program places emphasis on taking cultural and language classes while abroad. </p>

4

<p>I think is it important for a couple of reasons:

  1. you can put it on your resume (only 8% of all college graduates study aboard)
  2. you will be able to travel and see new places
  3. you will meet new friends
  4. you will have fun adventures
  5. you will have those memories with you for a life time
  6. you will become a more well rounded person aware of other cultures</p>
5

<p>My son is a Mechanical Engineering student and is going to New Zealand this spring in his Jr year. He was able to by switching some classes around. I suggest you plan as early as you can to get ahead on classes that are only offered at the college you go to so you can take electives or reduced load of your required classes at a the place you want to go. </p>

<p>My son is taking 2 engineering classes and 2 electives and will still graduate on time. Go to the study abroad office early and loosely plan all 8 semesters. If you go to a smaller school,certain classes will be offered in Fall or spring only so you must make sure you don’t miss them. Otherwise you have to wait a year to take them. Good luck!</p>

6

<p>Boston University has a study abroad program for engineers–it’s a program in Dresden, Germany where they partner with the Technical Institute of Dresden and most of the internships are engineering based. <a href=“http://www.bu.edu/abroad/programs/dresden-engineering-program/”>http://www.bu.edu/abroad/programs/dresden-engineering-program/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

7

My daughter, D1, is a Computer Engineering/Computer Science major who is on her way to do a study abroad at University of Cape Town, South Africa. Her home university is USC. The program is set up through CIEE. One of the first steps in the process was to meet with her academic advisor to see how her UCT classes will fit into her course of study to be sure she still graduates on time.