Check out the below questions to learn more about studying abroad and the types of study abroad programs available to Engineering Vols.
Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs
These study abroad programs were developed by UT Tickle College of Engineering faculty to provide international experiences specifically for our engineering students. All are summer programs to maximize schedule flexibility.
What does faculty-directed mean?
Faculty-directed means UT faculty serve as program leaders as part of all programs. Courses offered are required in some curricula, or are offered as technical electives.
What about course credit?
Students receive UT credit for courses, no transfer evaluation required. Grades do count in UT GPA. Technical electives always have to be approved by your advisor, but departments have agreed to be flexible when evaluating these study abroad programs.
Why these locations?
All program locations are chosen so that the courses are “enhanced” with field trips and experiences related to the subject matter for a superior learning experience.
Will I have time for exploring on my own?
All programs include both planned cultural experiences and free time to learn about local culture. Travel before or after the program is encouraged.
What does the program fee include?
Programs charge a “Program Fee” which generally includes lodging, local transportation, field trips and excursions, and classroom rental, if applicable. Complete budget information varies with each program but is available on the Programs Abroad application website for that program.
Can I get scholarships?
Financial assistance is available from UT university sources and the Tickle College of Engineering. Many scholarships can be used for study abroad programs, but it varies with each funding source, so you need to check with the financial aid office to determine your own situation.
How do I apply?
Application deadlines for most programs are the first week of February. Visit the Programs Abroad site for a complete list of programs available to UT students or view programs led by TCE faculty.
What happens after I have filled out the online application?
Complete applications are reviewed by faculty leaders (and the university for those unpaid parking tickets) following the application deadline. Student is notified of acceptance into the program, and then has one week to commit to program. This is the financial commitment date.
Full Semester Study Abroad Programs
Engineering students can take part in UT Study Abroad programs throughout the world. There are programs in Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia, South America, and North America. You can take classes during one semester, mini-term, summer, or the whole academic year.
Who is eligible to participate?
You are eligible to apply for the Study Abroad Program after you complete your first year or after the first semester at UT, if you are a transfer student. Most programs require a minimum 2.5 to 2.75 GPA. For non-English language programs, it is required that you have minimum 4 semesters of the equivalent foreign language (faculty-led programs are exceptions).
How do I pay for a full semester study abroad program?
Many semester and year programs are similar to UT costs. In order to access their financial aid package, students have to be enrolled in the equivalent of a minimum of 12 credit hours for a semester and 6 credit hours for the summer. You can also apply for UT and national study abroad scholarship and there are more funding opportunities for programs in non-traditional countries (i.e. outside Western Europe). Students will want to talk with the office of Financial Aid for specific details.
Will I receive transfer credit?
If you plan ahead, you can receive credit for any approved program. Talk with your academic advisor and the Tickle College of Engineering Advising Office about the courses you want to take abroad. All study abroad credits transfer as Pass/Fail grades with the exception of faculty-led. In order to receive Major or Minor credit, you must petition those courses upon your return.
What type of programs are available?
UT Study Abroad programs include 5 types of programs: UT Faculty-Directed, UT Exchange, UT Direct, UT Affiliate, and UT Academic Internships.
Travel Tips
Studying abroad can be one of the highlights of your university career. In order to make preparation for the trip less stressful, use the information below as a guide to getting started.
How do I get started?
Studying abroad will be one of the highlights of your university career. You will have wonderful and challenging experiences that will allow you to grow both academically and personally and prepare you to compete in today’s globalizing world. But we know that planning for this experience can be daunting, so the Programs Abroad Office has assembled these guidelines to help get you started.
What documents do I need prior to departure?
Passports and visas are two very important types of documents that you will need when you study abroad.
What should I do when I get back?
Welcome back! Now that you have returned from a remarkable learning experience abroad, you will find yourself facing a cultural adjustment to life back in the U.S. While this adjustment is different for each student, there are many commonalities in the returned-student experience.
Will my credits transfer?
Students must arrange to have your transcript sent to the Programs Abroad Office prior to returning to the US. The Programs Abroad Office has compiled more information on this process.
What types of programs can I participate in?
The university offers students interested in studying abroad five different types of programs: faculty-directed, affiliate, exchange, direct and academic internships.
Are there any financial aid opportunities?
If you have already completed your FAFSA for the current academic year, and receive federal and/or state financial aid (including the HOPE Scholarship), you may apply it to all UT approved study abroad programs.