Globalize Your Engineering Globalize Your Engineering Education at Penn State: Education at Penn State: Semester Study Abroad Semester Study Abroad

OpportunitiesOpportunities

Can Engineers Can Engineers Study Abroad?Study Abroad?

YES! YES! And here’s why you should…And here’s why you should…

Professional• Broaden your

understanding of the world

• Gain a global perspective of engineering

• Take one more step to becoming a World-Class Engineer

What did you like best about your experience?“The people. I got to live and work with some of the most diverse, fun, and interesting students and professors I’ve ever known. The course was fantastic, but the people made the experience.”

-S.M., Study Abroad, Singapore“During my trip, I got a chance to make great friends from both Turkey and the US, which we are still in touch.”

-K.S., Study Abroad, Turkey“I really enjoyed not knowing anyone going to Australia, but leaving with 27 very close friends.”

-C.W., Study Abroad, Australia

What was the most important thing you learned?“Being in a country that is so different culturally, with a remarkably difficult language for strangers was a truly great experience. I learned Chinese, ate Chinese food, and saw a cultural and historical aspect of China and Chinese society that I can never learn from books or through friends.”

-S.B., Study Abroad, China“I learned a great deal about myself from all of the new experiences, people, and places that I visited.”

-Z.K., Study Abroad, Ireland

What did you like best about your experience?“The way each country has its own identity, history, and style is unlike anything I have experienced in the United States. All of the buildings and culture are unique in each country I visited. Italy is full of breathtaking cathedrals and sculptures created by brilliant engineers, Prague is possibly the most beautiful city I have ever visited in my life. It has amazing architecture, an incredible night life, and tons of things to see during the daytime as well as watching the sunset over the St. Charles Bridge.”

-G.H., Study Abroad, Italy

Why Participate in an International Experience?Why Participate in an International Experience?

Personal• Make friends from

around the world• Learn more about

yourself and another culture

• See a foreign country

Why would you recommend this experience?“You see differences among group members as a really beneficial tool when working on any kind of project. It gives everyone the opportunity to teach, learn, and create something innovative by pulling together everyone’s diverse experiences, talents, and knowledge.”

-H.S., Study Abroad, Singapore“It really prepares you for a future in a global industry and to work with people from all over the world.”

-Z.K., Study Abroad, Ireland“You gain experience working with people with different cultural backgrounds.”

-K.S., Study Abroad, Turkey

What was the most important thing you learned?“Knowing about different cultures is something that comes in handy in all parts of life. The only way to achieve that is to live with that culture and this is one of the great things that can be gained from studying abroad.”

-G.H., Study Abroad, Italy“…to be accepting of a different county’s lifestyle. There are many things that countries do differently than the U.S. but you just have to learn to accept it and learn from it. A slogan we were taught while in Australia was ‘It’s not wrong, it’s just different’.”

-C.W., Study Abroad, Australia

What was the most important thing you learned?“Both our similarities and our differences are huge benefits to engineering, learning, and life in general.”

-S.M., Study Abroad, Singapore“I got to live near and study where all of the ideas and influence came from that shaped what engineering in America is today.”

-G.H., Study Abroad, Italy“Having an engineering experience abroad gives you opportunities that simply cannot be found in a typical classroom. …It’s amazing to see how engineering connects people all over the world.”

-H.S., Study Abroad, Singapore

Global Opportunities for Engineering StudentsGlobal Opportunities for Engineering Students• Opportunities to Travel Abroad– Study Abroad• Semester ProgramsSemester Programs• Summer and Short-Term Programs• Courses with an International Travel Component• Service Learning

– Work/Research Abroad• On-Campus Opportunities– Academic and Extra-curricular

Where Do I Start?Where Do I Start?• Do you wish to travel?• What type of experience do you want? Study, work/research, volunteer/service?• When do you want to go abroad? First year through senior year options available• How long do you want to be abroad? One week, a few weeks, a semester, a year?• What is your major/intended major or minor?• Will you fulfill major or minor requirements abroad, or take general education

courses? • Do you possess any skills in a foreign language? Would you like to improve or learn

a language?• What budget do you have for your travel abroad?• Do you prefer living with a host family, in an apartment, in a hotel, or in a dorm?• Where do you want to go? Do you have a specific country in mind? Would you

prefer living in a busy city or quiet town?

Application Deadlines (Study Abroad)Application Deadlines (Study Abroad)

• Academic Year – March 1• Fall – March 1• Spring – May 1– Some programs re-open with a later deadline of September 15– Apply by the May 1 deadline to be sure to get your first choice

• Summer – February 1– Other summer program deadlines may vary for non-Penn State

programs, and may be earlier or later

Selecting a UniversitySelecting a University• Yes, you can graduate on time if you plan ahead and work with your

academic advisor • Based on your priorities and interests, decide where to go• We hope that you will take a few engineering courses, as well as a

few general education courses while you are abroad• Many universities and programs to choose from

– 10 College of Engineering partner schools– Other schools offer engineering courses– Many other options through Education Abroad to take courses towards a

second major, minor, or general education requirements

Semester Study Abroad LocationsSemester Study Abroad Locations• College of

Engineering Partners

• Other Schools offering Engineering Courses

• All Penn State Education Abroad Programs

Engineering Partners: EuropeEngineering Partners: Europe• University of Southampton– Southampton, United Kingdom– AERSP, BIO E, C E, CMPEN, CMPSC,

E E, E SC, M E

• University of Navarra – San Sebastian, Spain– BIO E, E E, I E, M E

Engineering Partners: EuropeEngineering Partners: Europe• École Centrale Paris – Paris, France– CH E, C E, CMPEN, CMPSC, E E, I E,

M E• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology– Karlsruhe, Germany– BIO E, CH E, C E, E E, I E, M E

Engineering Partners: Asia and PacificEngineering Partners: Asia and Pacific• University of Auckland

– Auckland, New Zealand– BIO E, CH E, C E, CMPEN, CMPSC, E E,

E SC, I E, M E• Shanghai Jiao Tong University

– Shanghai, China– M E, I E

• Tohoku University– Sendai, Japan– AERSP, BIO E, CH E, C E, CMPEN, CMPSC,

E E, E SC, M E

Engineering Partners: Middle EastEngineering Partners: Middle East• Middle East Technical

University – Ankara, Turkey– AERSP, B E, CH E, C E,

CMPEN, E E, E SC, I E, M E

• Technion Institute of Technology – Haifa, Israel– AERSP, BIO E, B E, CH E, C E,

E E, I E, M E

Language RequirementsLanguage Requirements• Many study abroad programs offer courses taught in

English, even in non-English speaking countries• Other programs offer language courses and/or engineering

courses taught in a language other than English• Language requirements for each program are listed on the

Education Abroad Program page• Even if your courses will be taught in English, you may want

to take some language courses to prepare for life outside the classroom

When / Where for Semester Study AbroadWhen / Where for Semester Study Abroad• Semester abroad

generally 4th, 6th, or 7th semester, depending on major– semester plans in

programs guide• Search Program

Matrix for semester study abroad programs that offer engineering courses

Program MatrixProgram Matrix• Country• University – Linked to university’s

website

• Department– Linked to

department’s website

• Program– Linked to Global

Programs page for the university

– This site contains:• APPLICATION• Housing info• Costs• Other details

• City• Program Type– Direct Enrollment– Exchange– Departmental– Third Party

• Language of Instruction

• Semester(s) Available– FA (fall)– SP (spring)– AY (academic year)– CY (calendar year)

• Course Catalogue– Linked to

university’s list of courses

• Course Evaluations– Linked to list of

courses which have already been evaluated for Penn State students at this university

• Notes– Includes any

additional notes or special information about this program• If a semester plan

has been created specifically for this university by a department, it is linked from here

Education Abroad Program PageEducation Abroad Program Page

• Walk through program page for an education abroad program

Housing Options: •Apartment•Dormitory•Homestay•Hotel•Private House•Rental Housing

This Section Varies by Program, and Includes Additional Information, such as:•Information about the program or university•Prerequisites•Other Eligibility Requirements •Academic Information•Housing and Meals•Program Costs•Financial Aid & Scholarships•Where to go for more information•Dates and Deadlines

Costs for Study AbroadCosts for Study Abroad• For ALL programs, you pay Penn State tuition, technology fee, and

Education Abroad fee (includes mandatory health insurance)• Other costs depend on program type, location, etc.• Exchange programs tend to be less expensive than Direct Enrollment

or Third Party programs – Direct Enrollment and Third Party usually have a Program Fee– May differ for out of state students

• Airfare, housing, meals, visa, other fees, personal expenses, etc. will vary by location

• See Budget Sheet for details about specific programs

Education Abroad Resources: “Finances”Education Abroad Resources: “Finances”• Education Abroad Scholarships, Funding Databases, and

Community Based Funding• Student Aid• Ways to Keep it Affordable• Other Things to Consider that Affect Costs:– Certain Programs have significant Program Fees– Consider Cost of Living (Meals, Housing, Airfare)– Look at Exchange Rates and make sure you are aware of the value

of the US dollar compared to local currency

College of Engineering International Travel GrantCollege of Engineering International Travel Grant• Priorities for Funding; Financial Need also considered

– Students planning to study abroad for a semester at one of the College of Engineering partners– Students who plan to study abroad for a semester through the Office of Education Abroad and to

take engineering courses while abroad. – Students planning to participate in a College of Engineering summer program, short-term program,

or course with an international travel component. – Students planning to study abroad for a semester through the Office of Education Abroad, but who

will not take engineering courses while abroad.– Students who plan to participate in a summer program, short-term program, or course with an

international travel component offered through the Office of Education Abroad but will not take engineering courses.

– Students who plan to participate in other programs abroad that are not offered through Penn State, or who will not register for Penn State credits during their experience.

• Application online

Program Application Acceptance CriteriaProgram Application Acceptance Criteria• Theses criteria are considered in evaluating each student's Education Abroad

application:– Meets minimum GPA for program– Satisfies prerequisites (if applicable)– Satisfies language requirements (if applicable)– Meets minimum semester standing, according to credit hours earned (ex. 2nd

semester sophomore)– Education Abroad application responses– Academic recommendation(s)– Program capacity

• You will not be accepted if you are on probation through the Office of Student Conduct • You are evaluated as an individual. Requests to study with a friend(s) are not considered.

Requirements to ApplyRequirements to Apply• All applications require AT LEAST:

– PSU Education Abroad application– Electronically signed Academic Release– 1 Academic Recommendation

• Some programs have additional requirements– May require additional recommendations, personal statement, passport

photos, language evaluations, and course selection forms

• Submit ALL materials by the deadline! • All applications are online through the Office of Global Programs

How to ApplyHow to Apply• On EA website, click “Apply Now” for your chosen program– You can only apply to ONE program at a time

• Log-in with your Penn State account user ID and password• Select term (fall/spring/summer)

What to Expect on the ApplicationWhat to Expect on the Application• Alternate Program Choices

– List up to 2 alternate programs

• Prerequisites and GPA– Find this information on the EA program page

• Course Information– Work with academic adviser to determine which courses are right for you

• Find course listings on homepage for the program and university• Refer to list of previously accredited courses on PSU program page

– List courses interested in taking at host institution; NOT BINDING, as you will finalize course registration after accepted to program

– These are POTENTIAL courses for you to take while abroad

What to Expect on the ApplicationWhat to Expect on the Application• Additional questions, which focus on:

– Why you plan to study abroad– Why this program is right for you– Why you are a good candidate– Future academic and career goals– 1-2 paragraph responses are acceptable

• Letter(s) of Recommendation • Make sure you read all of the materials carefully and

complete all parts of the application

RecommendationsRecommendations• Must be academic; can be from a professor or academic advisor• Allow your recommender enough time to read and complete your

recommendation before deadline• Most programs require one recommendation, but some require 2 –

online account will indicate number required• How to request:

– Log in to your Education Abroad account/application– Click the “request electronic recommendation” link– Insert recommender’s PSU ID– Select the correct recommender and click “next”– Include a message in the first section of the request

GradesGrades• All credits taken abroad will appear on your transcript

– Need to work with advisor to determine how they will be used to meet degree requirements

• Pass/Fail is NOT an option for Penn State students• All grades on your transcript will be reported• All grades will factor into your GPA• Grade/Credit conversion

– Full-time registration at host institution = full-time course load at Penn State– Grade and credit conversion tables are in your EA program manuals once you

get accepted

SchedulingScheduling• Scheduling: – Must take a full course load – based on institution abroad – EA will schedule you for 15 credits of ED AB 000 for your semester

abroad• Do NOT take a leave of absence

– When your overseas transcript is received, these credits are replaced with actual courses and grades earned

• It varies by program, but generally you schedule courses at your host institution as part of your on-site orientation program. Have several options for courses in mind!

Selecting CoursesSelecting Courses• Look at past courses that have been evaluated

– Do not schedule courses from course equivalency list as this is only a record of past courses and may change

• Look at the university’s course catalog to see what courses are offered in the semester you plan to be abroad– Be careful what semester courses are offered (Sem 1 & 2 may not be FA & SP)– May need to look at a similar semester (e.g. Spring 2012 course list to get an

idea what might be offered Spring 2013)• Compare these courses to courses you need to take at PSU• Consult with your academic advisor and discuss courses you would

like to take– It is helpful if you go to your advisor with course descriptions

Course EvaluationsCourse Evaluations• Department at Penn State that would teach the course here will

determine how that course will transfer (Dept Study Abroad Advisors)• For Engineering Courses that have NOT been evaluated, Course

Evaluation Form is linked from the Program Matrix website– Can have departments evaluate courses in advance • How course will transfer and how it can be used in your major

– Find syllabus or detailed course description online• General Education Courses (GA, GH, GS) are generally not a problem

as long as they are in the spirit of those course requirements (look at description, NOT just title of course, and compare to similar courses in the PSU course bulletin)

Course EquivalencyCourse Equivalency

• Course Equivalency process online through Education Abroad (after you’re abroad)– Will need to do this for each course

• Courses assigned Penn State course number– May be a specific course number (e.g. M E 340)– May be a generic course number (e.g. M E 499)

• May need to petition to fulfill requirements on degree audit (e-Petition)

Prepare Yourself to be a Better CandidatePrepare Yourself to be a Better Candidate• Apply for a Passport if you don’t already have one!• Learn about another culture

– Participate in student groups with international focus– International events on campus– Take International Cultures (IL) courses

• Academic Preparation– Take language courses– Take engineering courses with an international component– Perform well academically– Take ENGR 111, Introduction to Cross-Cultural Communication for Engineers,

the semester before you go abroad (self-paced, online course through ANGEL)• Gain work experience through an internship or co-op

People To Help You Through This ProcessPeople To Help You Through This Process

Countries/Regions Adviser

Italy, Greece, Croatia, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Temporary adviser for Latin America and IES programs in Spain (Barcelona, Granada, Madrid, Salamanca).

Kate Fox

Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and Eastern Europe. Whitney Longnecker

France, Belgium, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

Scott Runner

United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Middle East. Temporary adviser for Portugal and non-IES programs in Spain (Alicante, Seville, Palma de Mallorca, Navarra, Ronda, Valencia).

Whitney Strickler

• Open Office Hours (Students) – During Fall and Spring Semesters: – International Engineering Envoys – Top Floor Kunkle Lounge (see website for hours)– Education Abroad Peer Advisers – 426A Boucke (Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm)

• Appointments Needed/Preferred (Faculty/Staff):– Kim Baran – Coordinator, Global Engineering Education – 204 Hammond – Departmental Study Abroad Contacts – varies by department (see next slide)– Education Abroad Advisers – 410 Boucke

Departmental Study Abroad ContactsDepartmental Study Abroad ContactsDepartment Study Abroad Contact

Aerospace Engineering Robert Melton

Architectural Engineering Moses Ling

Agricultural and Biological Engineering Megan Marshall

Bioengineering Margaret Slattery

Chemical Engineering Themis Matsoukas

Civil Engineering Norm Folmar

Computer Science and Engineering Lee Coraor

Electrical Engineering David Salvia

Engineering Science S. Ashok

Industrial Engineering Jeya Chandra

Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Eric Marsh

www.engr.psu.edu/globalwww.engr.psu.edu/globalinternational@engr.psu.eduinternational@engr.psu.edu

International Engineering EnvoysInternational Engineering EnvoysMeet with the envoys to discuss Study Abroad, Work Meet with the envoys to discuss Study Abroad, Work Abroad, and On-Campus Globalization OpportunitiesAbroad, and On-Campus Globalization Opportunities

Office Hours in Cubicle on Top Floor of Kunkle LoungeOffice Hours in Cubicle on Top Floor of Kunkle LoungeSee website for scheduleSee website for schedule

Where Will Where Will You Go?You Go?

www.engr.psu.edu/globalwww.engr.psu.edu/global