Do I have to add another year to my studies if I want to study abroad?
With planning you can complete and undergraduate degree in a realistic time frame even if you spend a term or more studying, researching, or working internationally. Generally the earlier a student starts planning the more choices they have on when and where they go. Once a student is in their professional program the student will have fewer choices of locations and terms to be gone from OSU. If you don’t mind adding an extra term or year, then the world is your oyster!
Do I have to study abroad in Engineering?
No. If you want to study abroad and take a break from engineering it is by all means possible. While you are studying abroad is also a great time to work on your minor. Be aware that with the structured curriculum of Engineering this may add an extra term or year. If you don’t want to add any extra time, consider a summer term or winter break program. Be aware that if you choose to not study abroad in Engineering you are able to go on most programs OSU sponsors, you are not limited to those recommended by the College of Engineering.
Where will I be living?
While on the vast majority of COE programs students live in student housing with either host country students or a mix of host country and international students. Student housing is not necessarily like living in the residence halls here. Most of the rooms are single rooms, you may have to cook for yourself and your RA will be mostly hands off unless you come to them with a problem. Some students compare it more closely to living off campus at OSU than the residence halls. Some programs offer the opportunity to live in an apartment with other students or with a host family.
I don’t want to study Engineering in another language, can I still go abroad?
Yes! We have programs with English speaking universities in England, Ireland, Denmark, Korea, Turkey, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Other programs offer language intensive classes for the first term to catch you up to a level you will need in the classroom.
Isn’t study abroad really expensive?
The costs of programs vary from program to program. If going abroad is a priority then there is generally a way to make it affordable. We work hard to keep costs as close to equivalent to Oregon State as possible. When comparing the cost of programs abroad, be sure to look at the estimated costs of attending OSU for living and tuition. In many cases the cost of an international opportunity can be comparable or not much more than attending OSU, and the difference can be made up with scholarships or financial aid. Programs that operate on a direct student exchange often times only require students to pay OSU tuition and fees, whereas programs operated by an outside agency (through OSU) require various participation costs. EARLY PLANNING IS NECESSARY TO SECURE A DIRECT EXCHANGE. It is also recommended that students research costs of living in the country they’re most interested in. Other considerations include airfare, and extra travel expenses for various sight-seeing opportunities.
Because you earn resident credit (as though you were taking classes here) any Federal Financial Aid (grants or loans) will still be applied. All university scholarships will still apply. But check with any scholarships from other sources. In addition to any existing scholarships you might be receiving there are many scholarships available to students studying abroad. In fact, we have had several OSU students fund their international experience almost completely with scholarships. International Programs Scholarship Page
Will I be able to get the courses I need if I study abroad?
Part of the planning stage of study abroad it matching courses at your host institution with courses at Oregon State. Course approval is usually obtained before your departure. Occasionally courses are cancelled, changed or have unforeseen time conflicts. Should this occur, you choose the next best alternative for this course, and the Engineering International Programs Advisor will work with your academic advisor to obtain course approval. You should have a few alternative courses planned before your departure. If course descriptions are in a language other than English, you will be responsible for any translation.
I am planning to take a certain group of courses my department recommends for a certain term, will I be able to get these courses abroad?
Maybe. We work hard to match courses. However, we strongly recommend students start planning to study abroad early to help match courses. You might be planning to take statics spring term, but it is only offered fall term at their host university. If planning is done early then you have the flexibility to take statics another term, whereas if you wait until a term or two before to start planning your courses, that may not be an option. The earlier you plan the more flexibility you will have in selecting courses.
Can I go abroad with my friend who isn’t an engineering major?
By all means, yes. Aside from the Danish Technical University non-engineering students can apply to any of the programs available to engineering students. Having a friend at the same university can be an advantage. Knowing someone in an unfamiliar place to share difficulties, adventures and even the new friends you make, can add to your experience. It is recommended, however, that you choose separate living situations. Students who live with a friend from home make fewer friends, and experience less, often choosing to stick with what is familiar.
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