The highly structured, sequential nature of engineering curricula is often the biggest obstacle to students studying abroad for a semester. The International Programs Office and the College of Engineering have been working together since 2013 on a Curriculum Integration Initiative to address barriers, making semester study abroad accessible to a greater percentage of Engineering undergraduate students while still keeping them on track towards a timely graduation. Summer and winter study abroad opportunities (including research) are also options.
The Undergraduate Program Directors for each of the engineering disciplines have identified semesters in which study abroad is best suited. They work closely with IPO to evaluate and approve engineering courses at abroad universities to ensure that content abroad is equivalent to the UMass course and offered in the targeted semester. This year, more than 30 UMass engineering students in all disciplines are studying abroad for a semester taking some of the 130 approved engineering and engineering-related courses for a semester at universities in Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand and the UK.
NOTE: You will need to sign in with your UMass NetID and password to view the list of approved courses.
Recommended semester abroad timing*
Civil & Environmental Engineering: 2nd semester sophomore year
Heriot Watt University (Edinburgh, Scotland), University College Cork (Ireland), University College Dublin (Ireland), Swansea University (Wales)
Chemical: 2nd semester sophomore year
Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Heriot Watt University (Edinburgh, Scotland), University College London (England), University of Glasgow (Scotland), CEA Paris (France)
Computer Systems & Electrical: 1st semester senior year
University of Queensland (Australia), Deakin University (Australia), University of Wollongong (Australia), University of Cape Town (South Africa), ISA Columbia, University of Auckland (New Zealand), Auckland University of Technology (New Zealand)
Industrial: 2nd semester sophomore year
Auckland University of Technology (New Zealand), University College Dublin (Ireland)
Mechanical: 2nd semester sophomore year
CEA French Riviera (France), Heriot Watt University (Edinburgh, Scotland), Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, University of Swansea (Wales), University College Dublin (Ireland)
*It may be possible for students to study during a semester other than those listed above depending on a number of factors (major, requirements completed, etc.) and would have to be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Early planning is the key to making a semester abroad happen!
Summer abroad options
During the summer, engineering students can opt to take engineering classes or minor and gen ed requirements. It is also possible to conduct research abroad.
Want to learn more? Schedule an appointment with April Stroud, Associate Director of Education Abroad, during her office hours in Engineering (126 Marston) on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2:30-5:00 via the College of Engineering Student Affairs Office’s on-line appointment booking system; or in the International Programs Office (455 Hills South) by calling 545-5247.
