| 10 Engineering and Science Programs Abroad |
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by Whitney
3/25/09
Since our 10 Budget Friendly Study Abroad Proams list was so popular, we decided to give you another top ten list, but this time focused on Engineering, Science and Math study abroad programs. Traditionally, science, math, and engineering majors have especially stringent graduation requirements that make study abroad all but impossible except for shorter summer programs. However, I found 10 programs, all in English, that offer top notch science, engineering, and math majors courses of study that should get credit at their home university. Check out the Global Engineering Education Exchange website for more resources about study abroad, as well as a list of university programs that are not in English across the globe.
1. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen University College of Engineering (tuition exchange with home university)
The College of Engineering accepts about 30 students from the following U.S. universities (which it has formal exchange program ties with): Eastern Illinois University, Lawrence Technological University in Michigan, Michigan Technological University, Northern Arizona University, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, University of Houston, Virginia Tech, or Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Upon acceptance, you can take English language courses in the following departments: Electronics and Computer Engineering, Engineering Design and Industrial Innovation, Information and Communications Technology, and Building and Civil Engineering. The University's excellent location, at the crossroads of northern continental Europe, not only can you expect a fantastic education experience inside the classroom, but the travel opportunities through both Eastern and Western Europe are right at your fingertips.
Sweden offers free post-secondary education to all students, regardless of nationality. Coupled with the fact that this is one of the world's leading technical universities, with nearly all classes taught in English, notable alumni and faculty, plus the beauty and travel opportunties offered from Sweden's capital throughout Europe and Russia, studying abroad for a semester or academic year at the Royal Institute of Technology would be an amazing experience for any technical minded American student.
3. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest University of Technology (3,200 Euros per semester in tuition) The university can trace its roots back to the 1700s and has a very active community of European scholars and Erasmus students who study for one or two semesters at the University. With Faculties in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, Electrical Engineering and Informatics, Mechanical Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Economic and Social Sciences, as well as the Natural Sciences, and many courses offered in English, after gaining acceptance as an Exchange student, there is no lack of a diverse and quality focused classroom experience. Also, due to the low tuition and agreeable standard of living offered in Hungary, this program is one of the cheaper options available to those thinking of studying abroad.
Located in the vibrant capital of Turkey, METU is the leading technical university in the Middle East and a well regarded and respected university throughout the world. The university has agreements with more then 40 U.S. universities for exchange programs, so check to see if your school is on the list beforethinking of applying to study abroad. Many of the faculties offer English language courses, plus there is a summer school option for those who do not wish to spend an entire semester away from their home university.
5. Leeds, United Kingdom
University of Leeds (4,600 in tuition)
The university is similar to any large state university in the United States, with extensive and respected science, math, and engineering faculties and course offerings. The university is one of the leading research institutions in the United Kingdom and annually receives the second most applications from UK students for admission. The application process for a semester or academic year study abroad is more gruleing than most, so make sure you spend the time researching the faculty and courses you are interested in.
6. Melbourne, Australia
University of Melbourne (10,450 $Australian per semester) Located on the southeastern tip of Australia, Melbourne is business and financial capital of Australia, in addition to being the most poplous city in the country. The University of Melbourne annually ranked in the top 3 universities in Australia and in the top 50 universities in the world. Similar to University of Leeds, the application for study abroad is lengthy, but the faculties are top notch. You can choose froma wide variety of courses in Business and Economics, Engineering, Science, or Computer Science, among others. Melbourne is a great city to experience Australia, it is where the Australian Open is hosted and those from Melbourne are globally noted for their sports-crazed fans.
7. Perth, Australia
University of New South Wales (9,800 $Australian per semester) Located on the southwest coast of Australia, the University of New South Wales is located close to fantastic beaches and the region is known to be a great jumping off point to explore the Outback. Similar to the University of Melbourne, you can enroll in a variety of faculties, including Business and Economics, Engineering, Science, or Computer Science, among others. However, the UNSW offers an interesting array of focused summer programs, including a six week program: Energy Tomorrow: An Engineering and Management Perspective and another six week program on International Business: Australia and South East Asia. 
8. Pohang City, South Korea
Handong Global University ($5,000 per semester in tuition)
Located on the eastern coast of South Korea, Handong Global University is a privately run and very well respected and competitive university in South Korea. In any given semester, 30-35% of courses are offered in English, so check to see if courses you are interested in are available in the Spring or Fall. Pohang City is a great jumping off point for low cost travel throughout Asia. The University also runs organized weekend and longer trips throughout the region for study abroad students at an additional cost.
9. Sendai, Tohoku Region, Japan
Tohoku University, School of Engineering ($5,500 per semester in tuition) Located about five hours north of Tokyo, on the eastern coast of Japan, Tohoku University is one of the leading technical universities in Japan. The university offers an English program as an opportunity to take science, engineering courses at the university without having to attain the Japanese language proficiency. All lectures are given in English and course credit will be given by the standards for the equivalent courses offered in Japanese. The university prefers and gives preference to students who apply to take two semesters (one-year) at Tohoku, because some classes are designed for a whole year. However, a few students can be admitted for a single semester (6 months). Students stay in residential dorms and are a part of the large international student community at the school.
10. Nanyang, Singapore
Nanyang University (tuition exchange with home university) A major research university with extensive Science, Math and Engineering faculties. The application process is very focused, so make sure you are prepared. In addition, the university has one of the largest Engineering faculties in the world, so the breadth of course offerings is great, and many courses are offered in English. The university does accept students only on exchange from colleges and unversities with pre-existing relationships, so check to see if your college is on the list before applying. A student from Germany wrote about Nanyang, "NTU has modern equipment and facilities. I can access research material on the readily available computers in the library, which opens till late hours. I would recommend NTU not only for course study but also for the Asian culture experience and traveling around this region." 10 Study Abroad Tips and Suggestions
This list is meant to provide you tips for having fun and getting the most out of your study abroad experience!
10 Budget-Friendly Study Abroad Programs Study abroad does not have to break the budget and can actually be an economical choice for some students. Check out the list of budget friendly programs we found.Lindsay's Blog: Lindsay in Cairo - Lindsay is a student from Bucknell currently studying at the American University of Cairo Lucy's Blog: Lucie en Afrique - Lucy is a Kiwi living in Senegal and documenting her travels and experiences. Why the US Senate Thinks Study Abroad Is a Good Idea - 13 reasons why the US Senate has deemed study abroad a good idea for American students. Eating in Paris on a Budget - Suggestions for eating on a budget in Paris. Student Athletes Abroad - A college athlete chooses to study abroad. To see a list of all of our Favorite Articles and Blogs, click here.
Interviews with Travelers and Others! Gary from Anywhere Everywhere website -March 19, 2009 Justin from Corporate Whore No More website -March 18, 2009 Nick from BudgetGlobeTrotting.com -March 17, 2009 Brooke from Brooke vs. the World website -March 16, 2009 Shannon, who runs the Institute of International Education's website! -March 11, 2009 |