The Department of Mechanical Engineering encourages its students to study
abroad through the UC Education Abroad Program. In our globalized world,
engineering is becoming an increasingly international field. Knowledge in the
discipline is being developed throughout the world, and in the course of their
careers, many engineers will find themselves working abroad or collaborating
with engineers from overseas. Many engineering firms are multinational
in character, and engineers with cross-cultural skills will be increasingly in
demand. EAP offers a way of getting a head start on this.
Opportunities for enhancing your understanding of engineering in other countries abound at UCSB, and exceptional students are encouraged to pursue this avenue for a summer, a term, or a full academic year.
Study abroad can help you:
•Take advantage of unique academic, experiential, and coursework opportunities in mechanical engineering
•Participate in a different educational system and get a new perspective on the mechanical engineering discipline
•Improve critical thinking skills
•Advance your cross-cultural and problem-solving skills
•Expand your world view by experiencing another culture firsthand
•Develop self-confidence and independence
•Prepare for a career in an internationally competitive world
•Enhance your resume and/or application for graduate school
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Most engineering students choose to study abroad in a location where they can do their coursework in English. However, students with proficient language background can find excellent ME programs in the host language.
UC Mechanical Engineering majors have successfully studied abroad in the major in many countries, particularly:
English:
- Australia - Hong Kong
- Japan - New Zealand
- Singapore - Sweden
- United Kingdom/Ireland
Foreign Language:
- France - Germany
- Japan - Sweden
Two UK-based program options focussed on engineering are at Imperial College London and the University of Edinburgh. Additionally, EAP offers a specialized engineering program in English at Tohoku University in Japan.
UCSB students can choose from a variety of short-term and long-term study abroad programs all over the world. Some students spend just a summer abroad while many others go for the entire year. To help decide which program would be best for you, go to the UCSB EAP website: www.eap.ucsb.edu.
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While it is possible for ME majors to go abroad at almost any point in the academic careers, in most cases either the junior year (or a portion thereof) or
the summer before or after the junior year fits best with the structure of the
major. Regardless of when you plan to go, start the planning process NOW!
All students should consult with the ME Undergraduate Advisor to discuss timely completion of major requirements.
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EAP students automatically earn UCSB credit for the work they complete abroad. However, application of credit to major requirements is subject to the discretion of the department.
A study plan consisting of the equivalents of UCSB’s junior year ME courses, or, alternatively, one for the summer covering the engineering general education requirements has proven to be a successful strategy for our students. Use the EAP Course Catalog to search for courses EAP students have taken by major, location and/or keyword. For example, you could search for courses taught in English with “thermo” in the keyword. You should also navigate to the host countries websites to learn more about their departments and course offerings.
Studying abroad as an engineering major may seem challenging, but meeting challenges is what engineers do best. This is a challenge that will produce positive results. Consult with the College EAP advisor to create a program customized to fit your degree requirement needs. You can build a four-year schedule to fulfill your degree requirements, study abroad, gain the experience of a lifetime, and still graduate on time.
Engineering students MUST meet with the College EAP advisor prior to studying abroad. Email: EAP@engineering.ucsb.edu to make an
appointment.
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Consult the EAP webpages to see what programs best suit you. Using the EAP Course Catalog and the host university’s website, develop a study plan outlining what requirements you plan to fulfill abroad.
Visit the UCSB EAP office, 2431 South Hall, to speak to a student peer advisor who has recently returned from studying abroad.
Make an appointment to meet with the College EAP advisor: EAP@ engineering.ucsb.edu. Ask the EAP advisor for the names of mechanical engineeringmajors who have studied abroad that you could contact.
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Department of Mechanical Engineering
Engineering II, Room 2355
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5070
Phone: (805) 893-2430
www.me.ucsb.edu
