Engineering Education Abroad Guide

É«½ä³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ Education Abroad offers over 400 programs in over 60 countries! You can go abroad for a semester, year, and/or 2-12 weeks in the summer. Going abroad is .ÌýThis is a general guide to planning your time abroad, connect with your academic advisor to plan your individual academics. Talk withÌýEducation Abroad advisorsÌýto get started, discuss your program options, and next steps.Ìý

Planning and When to Go

  • Start planning to study abroad!
  • Talk to your academic advisor to plan the best time to go abroad.
  • Save someÌýH/SS, free electives, and technical electiveÌýclasses to take abroad.
  • Some majors can study abroad as early as fall of sophomore year; applications are dueÌýthe prior spring term.
  • For some majors you can go abroad your sophomore year.
  • Continue saving H/SS, free electives, and technical electiveÌýclasses.
  • Closely follow your degree audit to ensure that you'llÌýhave the pre-reqs needed for the upper-division engineering classes you need upon return to É«½ä³ÉÈËÖ±²¥.
  • This is the most common year to go abroad and works well for many engineering majors.
  • Fall semesterÌýdeadlines will be in the prior spring term, spring semester in the fall.
  • Studying abroad for a semester during senior year rarely worksÌýdue to the senior projects progression. If you do go abroad:
    • Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you can get all of your requirements completed.
    • Be sure that you know , as this can delay your official graduation date.
Ìý

Explore Your Major

Aerospace Engineering (Global + Co-op Track) Applied Mathematics & Engineering Physics Biomedical Engineering Civil, Environmental, & Architectural Engineering Chemical & Biological Engineering Computer Science Creative Technology & Design Electrical, Computer & Energy Engineering Integrated Design Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Aerospace Engineering (Global + Co-op Track)

Semester study abroad programming is not available for aerospace engineering students on a four-year graduation plan. However, youÌýcanÌýdeclare theÌýfive-year Global + Co-opÌýtrack, which allows you to earn a BS in aerospace engineering sciences with a minor in computer science, engineering management, or engineering entrepreneurship. You will benefit from robust training in CS or engineering management, significant experience abroad, and in-depth career exposure before you graduate.ÌýPlus, you won't pay tuition during your Co-op semester and can expect to be paid for your work.

Global Co-op: Computer Science Track:

Study abroad options for this program are the same as those forÌýcomputer science majors (expandÌýthe CSÌýsectionÌýbelow). While abroad, you'll focus on upper-divisionÌýcoursework toward your CS minor and outstanding H&SS coursework.

  • During your first three years, you will follow the same aerospace undergraduate curriculum as your peers while also completingÌýprerequisite and foundation courses for the CS minor.
  • Early in the spring semester of your third year, you will declare the Global + Co-op trackÌýand apply toÌýstudy abroad the following fall semester. You must have a 3.0 GPA to declare this track to ensure the competitiveness of your co-op application!
  • During the fall semester of your fourth year, you will participate in a computer science-focused semester study abroad program.
  • In the spring semester of your fourth year, you will return to the U.S.Ìýto participate in a full-time, industry-based co-op. CU cannot guarantee you a co-op placement but will provide resources to guide your application.
  • You will return to CU for full-time study in your fifth yearÌýto complete any outstanding requirements for your aerospace engineering degree and computer science minor.

Global Co-op: Engineering Management/Entrepreneurship Track:

Study abroad options for this program are the same as those for engineering management majors (expand the EMEN section below); entrepreneurship students should work with their advisors on course planning. While abroad, focus on upper-division coursework toward your EMEN minor and outstanding H&SS coursework.

Complete your co-op before the fifth year, which must be taken on the É«½ä³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ campus.

Learn More About the Global + Co-op ProgramÌý

Where Can I Go?

There are 13 recommended universities in 8Ìýdifferent countries.

Europe

Asia

Africa

Oceania

  • (CIEE or exchange)
  • University of Melbourne ( or )
  • (TEAN or exchange)

​Ìý

Where Can I Go?

Europe

  • Carlos III University of Madrid, Spain ( or )

Asia

Oceania

  • (CIEE or exchange)
  • University of Melbourne ( or )
  • Ìý

Ìý

When Can I Go?

CVEN: The best time to study abroad as a civil engineer isÌýspring semester of yourÌýjunior year.ÌýThe fall semester of your junior year can also work with careful planning--please consult with your academic advisor.

EVEN: The best time to study abroad as an environmentalÌýengineer isÌýspring semester of yourÌýsophomore year. Either semester of juniorÌýyear can also work with careful planning.

AREN: The best time toÌýstudy abroad as an architectural engineer isÌýfallÌýsemester of your juniorÌýyear, but it will require careful planning. Please consult with your academic advisor.

Where Can I Go?

There are 22Ìýrecommended universities in 12Ìýdifferent countries.

Europe

  • Carlos III University of Madrid, Spain ( or )

Asia

Oceania

  • (TEAN or exchange)
  • Ìý(CIEE or exchange)
  • University of Melbourne ( or )

Africa​

South America

Ìý

When Can I Go?

CHEN: ÌýThe bestÌýtime to study abroad is fall semester of your sophomore yearÌý(Monash University and ISA Spain) or fall semester of your junior yearÌý(University of Canterbury and University College Dublin). Spring semster of junior year is also possible if planned carefully (University of Canterbury and University College Dublin).ÌýUNSW Sydney is aÌýsummerÌýoption between sophomore and junior years.

CBEN: The onlyÌýtime to study abroad is fall semester of your sophomore yearÌý(Monash University and ISA Spain) or fall semester of your junior yearÌý(University of Canterbury and University College Dublin).ÌýUNSW Sydney is aÌýsummerÌýoption between sophomore and junior years.

Where Can I Go?

There are 5Ìýrecommended universities in 4Ìýdifferent countries.

Europe

  • Ìý(jr fall)
  • Ìý(soph fall)

Oceania

  • (TEAN or exchange) (jr fall)
  • Ìý(soph fall)
  • Ìý(summer after soph year)


Ìý

When Can I Go?

Computer science majors have relative flexibility. Since CS courses are in high demand around the world, it's highly recommended students complete data structures, algorithms, and software designÌýbeforeÌýstudying abroad. These prerequisite courses provide access to numerous upper-division CS elective courses.

Where Can I Go?

There are 22Ìýrecommended universitiesÌýin 14Ìýdifferent countries.

Europe

  • Carlos III University of Madrid, Spain ( or )
  • (ISA or exchange)

Asia

Oceania

  • University of Melbourne ( or )
  • (TEAN or exchange)
  • Ìý (CIEE or exchange)
  • (TEAN or exchange)

Africa​

  • Ìý


Ìý

Where can I go?

There are 17Ìýrecommended universities in 12Ìýdifferent countries.

Europe

  • Carlos III University of Madrid, Spain ( or )
  • (ISA or exchange)

Asia

Oceania

Africa

Where Can I Go?

There are 15Ìýrecommended universities in 12Ìýdifferent countries.

Europe

  • Carlos III University of Madrid, Spain ( or )
  • (ISA or exchange)

Asia

Oceania

  • (TEAN or exchange)

Africa

South America

Ìý

Integrated Design Engineering (IDE)Ìýmajors can study abroad all over the world! Since each IDEÌýmajor follows a different curricular path, IDE students should explore program options based on their IDE emphasis. For example, an IDEÌýmajor with an emphasis in mechanical engineering should focus on the programs listed for mechanical engineering majors. Using theÌý, IDEÌýstudents can find IDEÌýcore courses (GEEN) taught abroad as well as courses associated with their emphasis (e.g. ECEN, EVEN, MCEN, etc.). Finally, a number of IDEÌýconcentrations also offer coursework abroad, maximizing study abroad opportunities for students.

When should I go?

Depending on your particular degree plan, either semester of your sophomore or junior year should be feasible for a study abroad semester.

Where can I go?

There are 15Ìýrecommended universities in 12Ìýdifferent countries.

Europe

Asia

  • Ìý(TEAN or exchange)

Oceania

  • (TEAN or exchange)
  • Ìý (CIEE or exchange)
  • University of Melbourne ( or )

Africa

South America

When Should I Go?

The best time to study abroad as a mechanical engineerÌýis fall semester junior year. Spring semesters of your sophomore or junior year are also good times to study abroad, if planned appropriately.

Where Can I Go?

There are 25Ìýrecommended universities in 14Ìýdifferent countries.

Europe

  • Carlos III University of Madrid, Spain ( or )
  • Arcadia Scotland:

Asia

  • Ìý(TEAN or exchange)

Africa

South America

Oceania

  • Ìý (CIEE or exchange)
  • University of Melbourne ( or )
  • (TEAN or exchange)

Multi-country


Ìý

Academics

Check the Course Approvals List to see what classes abroad are already approved to count towards your major, tech electives, and H&SS degree requirements. You can always apply to get a new course evaluatedandÌýcredit can also be awarded for an international research position or internship.

Finances

Program costs can range widely, but there are affordable options all over the world. For the most part, you can use federal, state, and institutional aid you would normally be offered for your anyÌý. There are also a number of scholarships available especially for study abroad.ÌýÌý

Finances

Deadlines

Specific deadlines vary by program, but generally fall into these ranges:

  • Spring: September 1 - October 1
  • Fall: February 1 - March 1
  • Summer: December 1 - March 1

Deadlines & How to Apply

Summer Abroad

Students can study abroad the summer after any year of study. It's recommended to study abroad the summer after your first or second year. This allows you to pursue an internship the summer after your junior year, which is a popular option among engineering majors.Ìý

You can alsoÌýstudy abroad the summer term after you've graduated. This would mean fulfilling one remaining class such as a H/SS, free elective, or technical electiveÌýclass.

Internships

CU-approved internships are facilited through IES Abroad, which manages placements, housing, and on-site support. Due to immigration restrictions, these opportunities are unpaid and require youÌýto fund yourÌýliving expenses (financial aid is avialble). However, performing an internship abroad provides you the opportunity to live overseas, gain professional experience, and earn academic credit toward your engineeringÌýmajor.

Earn six credit hours over the summer through an internship abroad combined with a foreign language course:

For English-speaking locations, only three credit hours can be earned:

The following programs offer engineering coursework during the summer. You may also choose among dozens ofÌýCU approved summer courses to fulfill free elective, H&SS, foreign language, or minor coursework credits.

  • : Shanghai, ChinaÌý(suspended)
  • : Rome, Italy
  • : Buenos Aires,ÌýArgentina
  • : Darmstadt,ÌýGermany
  • : Metz, France
  • : Madrid, Spain
  • : Barranquilla, Colombia
  • : Copenhagen,ÌýDenmark
  • : Isafjordur, Iceland
  • : Monteverde, Costa Rica

Global Seminars

Global Seminars are short-term study abroad programs led by CU faculty members. They usually take place during theÌýsummer and combine academic course content with immersion in an overseas setting.ÌýMost Global Seminars are between 2.5 and 5 weeks, and students earn 3-6 credit hours. The programs listed below are taught by faculty within the College of Engineering & Applied Science, see for the full list of program offerings.Ìý

Global Intensives

Global Intensives are short-term international programs that are an extensionÌýof a course taught onÌýcampus. These 10-12 day programsÌýintroduceÌýstudents to a new cultureÌýand give a new persepective onÌýthe course material through experiential learning.

Next Steps

  1. Meet with yourÌýdegree advisor to plan the academics of your study abroad.
  2. Visit Education Abroad's Get Started page to complete Abroad 101 and learn more about program options, pre-approved courses, financial aid and more!
  3. Connect with an Education Abroad advisor to discuss any questions and begin the application process.

Major Guide Additional Resources