Program Information

Choosing the right university abroad is an important step in planning to study abroad. Study-abroad options vary widely in size, geographical location, academic philosophy, language requirements, living arrangements, and opportunities for research and internships. Students must establish a set of goals for the study-abroad experience, taking into account their foreign-language skills and adaptability to new environments, as well as their research objectives and professional aspirations.

Students must visit the Office of Global Programs’ website to review the various lists of program options and then consult with the SEAS Associate Dean for Undergraduate Student Affairs for specific information or help in choosing an institution that offers the best courses in their engineering major. Early planning is crucial so that study abroad plans can be integrated into the student’s curriculum plan.

Summer study-abroad programs allow students to earn credits for language instruction and nontechnical electives. Students can either participate in Columbia-approved summer programs for transfer credit or on Columbia-sponsored programs for direct credit. The Columbia-sponsored summer programs include the Chinese Language Program in Beijing, the Business Chinese and Internship Program in Shanghai, the Italian Cultural Studies Program in Venice, the Columbia University Summer Arabic Language Program in Amman, Jordan, and the Columbia University Programs in Paris at Reid Hall.

Students who wish to have an international experience but are unable to study abroad are encouraged to consider the following options as viable alternatives to gaining such global experience and exposure.

Non-credit-bearing internships, including the CEO program in London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai, Beijing, and Amman, are coordinated by the Center for Career Education. Please visit the Center’s website for more information.

In addition, the Summer Ecosystem Experiences for Undergraduates (SEE-U) through the Center for Environmental
Research and Conservation (CERC) provides opportunities for engineering students in Brazil, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Jordan. Other internship options may be possible through Columbia Engineering international partner institutions.