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FAQs
Study Abroad Frequently Asked Questions
Do engineers really study abroad?
Do I have to get courses approved before I leave?
Will my credits from study abroad transfer?
Do I have to take all engineering classes while abroad?
Once I turn my application in, how long do I have to wait before I find out if I am accepted?
When is the best time to study abroad?
Can I go abroad during my senior year?
Can graduate students go abroad?
What if the overseas institution that I wish to attend does not have a program with UM?
Will financial aid and scholarships apply to study abroad programs?
How long does it take to get a passport/visa?
What can I do to get the most out of my study abroad experience?
- Do engineers really study abroad?
Yes, there are plenty of opportunities to study abroad at institutions all over the world, in all fields of study. Many engineering students recognize the importance of overseas experience and take advantage of our programs each year. Students may elect to take engineering, humanities, social science or other classes that fit into their academic schedule. The important thing is plan early! Make a visit to the International Programs in Engineering Office 6-9 months before you plan to go. Students are encouraged to stop by during their first year at UM to get a head start in planning.
- Do I have to get courses approved before I leave?
Yes. Engineering students are required to have courses approved prior to their departure. Students participating in a UM-sponsored study abroad program through IPE or OIP will submit a Study Abroad Course Evaluation Form to the IPE. Students going on a Non-UM study abroad program will submit a Transfer Credit Approval Form for transfer credits online to the Office of Recruitment and Admissions. These evaluation forms take time, so plan early! Students will be provided with information regarding the credit that could be earned for each course. It is then the student's responsibility to meet with the department program advisor to determine how each course may be applied toward degree requirements.
- Will my credits from study abroad transfer?
What about my foreign grades? Credits earned through study abroad are considered transfer credit. Engineering students are required to have courses pre-approved to ensure that the credit will transfer (see #2). Letter grades for courses taken abroad will not appear on the UM transcript. Students must earn the equivalent of a C or better in order to receive transfer credit for each course.
- Do I have to take all engineering classes while abroad?
Not at all. We encourage students to balance their course load. An important point of studying abroad is to learn about a different culture and students are encouraged to take history classes or other studies of their host country. We encourage students to take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill some social science/humanities/free and technical elective credits too.
- Once I turn my application in, how long do I have to wait before I find out if I am accepted?
It depends upon the host institution. Applications are done on an individual basis. Not all programs have the same turn-around-time. Our advice is to turn your application in as soon as possible and to adhere to all application deadlines, in order to receive the quickest possible response. On average, you can expect a 4-8 week response time.
- When is the best time to study abroad?
Most engineering students study abroad during their sophomore or junior year. This allows students to choose from a larger selection of classes, including engineering core requirements, technical electives and humanities/social sciences. However, students are permitted to go overseas anytime after they have completed at least 2 semesters in the College of Engineering.
- Can I go abroad during my senior year?
Absolutely! Students may choose to study abroad during their senior year, but are strongly encouraged to meet with their academic advisor and an IPE advisor to make sure that all requirements will be met in time for graduation. It is even possible to delay graduation in order to use that extra term to participate in a study abroad program.
- Can graduate students go abroad?
Most definitely! We recommend that graduate students speak with their advisor regarding which overseas opportunities would be the best fit. Many graduate students pursue an independent study/research project or complete cognate courses overseas.
- What if the overseas institution that I wish to attend does not have a program with UM?
Our office provides resources to assist students in finding a Non-UM program to fit their needs. However, students who choose a non-UM program will have to invest more personal time in the course approval and application process. All students who apply for a non-UM program are required to submit a Statement of Intent to Study Abroad form.
- Will financial aid and scholarships apply to study abroad programs?
Yes, financial aid and scholarships can be applied to UM programs. However, if a student decides to participate in a non-UM program, the financial aid may NOT apply. MET funds are also applicable towards UM programs, but may not be applied to Non-UM programs (unless the program sponsor is a State of Michigan MET institution). We encourage students to visit a financial aid advisor with expertise in study abroad. Additionally, our office provides information regarding scholarship opportunities for study abroad.
- How long does it take to get a passport/visa?
It's never too early to apply for a passport. Any student considering going overseas should apply for a passport today! Usually processing takes 4-6 weeks, but delays do happen. The visa process can take as long as 8 weeks, so plan ahead. Usually, students cannot apply for a visa until they have been accepted to a particular program. However, finding out the visa requirements ahead of time can save you a lot of hassle in the long run.
- What can I do to get the most out of my study abroad experience?
We encourage students to plan early and take advantage of pre-departure programs. Students should also consider participating in an academic program. The Program in Global Engineering and Engineering Global Leadership Honors Program offer students the opportunity to enhance their overseas experience and gain expertise in a particular region of the world, based on their interests.
