The College of Engineering offers many exciting international opportunities for students through our Engineering Abroad programs. Learning about and experiencing a different culture, building a worldwide network of contacts, and learning a new language and skillset are just a few of the advantages of traveling and studying internationally. An added bonus of a global engineering experience is that it demonstrates to potential employers your ability to work in multicultural teams, which can be a powerful differentiator between you and others competing for a similar job.
Upcoming for 2024
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- Engineering Abroad information sessions in Fall 2024 (dates to be announced)
- September 16, 2024: AU Study Abroad Fair, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Cater Lawn
- October 25, 2024: Early-Bird Deadline to apply for Summer 2025 faculty-led programs
- November 1, 2024: Deadline to apply for Spring 2025 exchange programs
Engineering Abroad
Exchange Programs
Exchange programs are based on agreements that are established between the College of Engineering and partner universities in other countries. Auburn Engineering students can spend a semester taking classes at a partner university, while the College of Engineering hosts students from that partner to take courses here. Auburn students pay their normal tuition to Auburn University, not to the partner university, and can receive transfer credit for courses taken abroad. Current exchange partners include:
Germany
- Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt, Würzburg and Schweinfurt, Germany
- Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences, Karlsruhe, Germany
- University of Applied Sciences Offenburg, Offenburg, Germany
- Aalen University of Applied Sciences, Aalen, Germany
Italy
Faculty-Led Programs
In a faculty-led program, a group of Auburn Engineering students travel to an international location where they attend courses taught by Auburn Engineering faculty. Coursework for engineering credit can involve lectures, labs, projects, site visits, and other activities. Cultural experiences are integral parts of these programs. Faculty-led programs are typically offered during the summer and range from four to eight weeks in duration. Current faculty-led programs include:
Italy
Spain
Germany
Service Learning
Non-credit service learning opportunities are offered through the local chapter of Engineers Without Borders, and allow students to engage in public service and make difference in developing countries. Individuals must be a member of Engineers Without Borders student chapter and must participate in a planning meeting prior to being selected on the travel team. This is a great opportunity for students to apply their engineering skills toward improving the lives of people worldwide.
Engineering and German Dual Degree
The Dual Degree Program in German and Engineering allows students to pursue a bachelor’s degree in German and a bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline concurrently and receive two separate diplomas in two distinct fields of study. Students in the program will learn from expert faculty both at Auburn and a partner university in Germany while gaining real-world practical experience, developing intercultural competence, and attaining advanced German language proficiency. This exciting blend of classroom instruction, applied laboratory work, and a required international internship opens doors to excellent career opportunities at some of the most innovative and respected engineering companies in the world.
Study + Internship
Students can combine an exchange semester with an internship to create a truly immersive experience in another country and culture. A study semester at a partner university from March through July can be followed by an internship with a company in that country from August through December, combining both academics and practical work experience in a 9- or 12-month time abroad.
Birdsong Experience
This is a unique experience designed to broaden the educational experience of undergraduate engineering students. The program requires students to submit a proposal for an international experience that focuses on study and learning in a discipline or endeavor other than engineering. Proposals are evaluated on a competitive basis and those selected are funded in part by the Fred and Mary Lou Birdsong Endowed Scholarship. Birdsong scholarships have been awarded for a variety of endeavors, such as developing expertise in playing flamenco guitar in Spain, experiencing a culinary tour of Europe, investigating tropic marine ecology on the Great Barrier Reef off Australia, and a study of Italian literature in Taormina, Italy.
