In today’s global marketplace, there is an increasing need for broadly educated engineering graduates with cross-cultural skills, international understanding and proficiency in more than one language. The College of Engineering is committed to providing international opportunities that will assist engineering students in obtaining these important skills.
Engineering students can go abroad on programs through the College of Engineering, International Academic Programs or any others for which they meet the eligibility requirements. Students are awarded P/F grades for programs through the College of Engineering, whereas they will earn A-F grades on programs through other advising locations.
Engineering Physics (Nuclear, Engineering Mechanics & Engineering Mechanics-Astronautics) Course Considerations Abroad
- Most departments have very structured curriculums. It may work best to study abroad in the spring of your sophomore year or your junior year, depending on your major and degree progress. This will give you flexibility to find courses and programs that will work for you.
College of Engineering Course Considerations Abroad
- If you are hoping to take specific courses abroad that haven’t already been equated, it is strongly recommended that you equate them before applying to go abroad. You can do so by sending a request with the host institution’s course info and the proposed UW equivalent course to the program’s Enrollment Specialist Advisor (ESA), which you can find listed here.
- All majors have engineering electives as part of the degree requirements. It is recommended to save these courses for your time abroad. Having this added flexibility will ensure continued progress towards your degree and also provide you access to unique courses.
- Physics 202: Plan to take this course in Madison. The fact that it’s five credits and requires a lab makes it complicated to find an equivalent course abroad.
- InterEGR 397: Plan to take the required InterEGR 397 (Technical Communication) course in Madison. It is rare to find an equivalent course or department abroad.
Mapping Your Study Abroad Experience as an Engineering Physics Major
First Year
- Not recommended to study abroad unless it’s in the summer after your first year! You must complete your first year at UW in order to apply for progression and be admitted to your department and going abroad can delay your progress and jeopardize your progression status. Programs through the College of Engineering require that you meet progression before applying.
Second Year
- Studying abroad during the spring semester of sophomore year often works well for Engineering Physics majors. If going abroad your sophomore year, you’ll probably be looking for courses that fulfill specific requirements in order to continue to make progress in your degree. Deadlines for the spring term come up quickly, so plan accordingly!
Third Year
- Studying abroad during junior year may work for some Engineering Physics majors. Please consult with your advisor to see if doing so will impact progress in your degree. There are additional opportunities over the winter intersession or the summer that could be considered.
Fourth Year
- Most engineering programs have a senior design requirement in their last year. It is not likely this design requirement can be met abroad, and students should check with their advisor when considering studying abroad in their second-to-last semester. Please note that engineering students cannot study abroad in their last semester.
- Due to the College’s residency requirement, engineering students must complete their last two semesters in Madison. It is possible to request a waiver to study abroad in your second to last semester (contact international@engr.wisc.edu for more information on this possibility), or in your first senior year if you will have more than one!
Questions to Ask
Your Academic Advisor
- What classes must I complete for my degree (breadth/depth, major requirements, etc.)?
- Do I need to be on UW-Madison’s campus for any courses in my major?
- Are there any courses required for my degree that are only offered in a specific semester at UW?
- Are there any courses required for my degree that I must take in a specific sequence?
- How many engineering electives are required for my degree?
- Does my department have a preference that I take certain courses in Madison or abroad?
Your Study Abroad Advisor
- What classes can I take abroad on a particular program?
- How and when do I select courses for my program?
- Can I establish new course equivalents for my program?
- What is the class structure like abroad?
Certificate in International Engineering
The Certificate in International Engineering provides recognition for your efforts to prepare for an international career by learning about one or region outside the United States. An undergraduate student in the College of Engineering or the Department of Biological Systems Engineering can earn the certificate by completing at least 16 credits worth of courses with a primary focus on the language, culture, history, geography, society or institutions of a particular country or region of the world. Students are encouraged to submit applications as soon as they have met progression requirements. The one-credit capstone seminar required for this certificate is offered in the fall only, and must be completed after one’s international experience.
Identifying Programs That are Right for You
Courses offered as part of these programs may not be guaranteed to be the best fit for you depending on where you are in the major. Make sure to verify in which semester courses are offered, as many courses are offered in one semester or the other but not both, or may no longer be offered by the host institution.
Asia
China, Hangzhou: UW Summer Engineering in China
Hong Kong, Hong Kong: University of Hong Kong Exchange
Hong Kong, Hong Kong: Hong Kong University of Science & Technology Exchange
Singapore, Singapore: Nanyang Technological University GE3 Exchange
Singapore, Singapore: National University of Singapore Exchange
Europe
Denmark, Lyngby: Danish Technical University Engineering Exchange
England, Lancaster: Lancaster University Exchange
England, Sheffield: University of Sheffield Engineering Exchange
Germany, Hamburg: Hamburg University of Applied Sciences GE3 Exchange
Germany, Munich: Munich University of Applied Sciences GE3 Exchange
Hungary, Budapest: Budapest University of Technology & Economics
Ireland, Limerick: University of Limerick
Spain, Valencia: Universidad Politecnica de Valencia Engineering Exchange
Wales, Cardiff: Cardiff University
Oceania
Search All Programs
Research all programs using the Program Search page. The above is not an exhaustive list of all programs that offer Engineering courses. There may be other programs that are a better fit for your individual needs or interests.