I’ve always loved traveling and the idea of studying abroad, but I’ve also heard that engineers can’t study abroad. I was under the impression that engineering would be too hard or credits wouldn’t transfer, but this is not true. There are many opportunities for engineering students to study abroad, and I want to share my experiences and spread the word so other engineers can take advantage of these opportunities as well. 

My first day of classes at the CEA CAPA Study Center in the heart of Prague 

I have created this photoset to share my experiences with other engineers and show that it is possible (and a great idea!) to study abroad as an engineer. If you are an engineering (or similar) major and think that it isn’t possible to study abroad, there are many options for you! Start talking to your school's study abroad office or contact CEA CAPA (there are many Alumni Ambassadors, including myself, who would love to help!) about options. I found it easiest to study abroad the summer after my freshman year and I was able to get all my credits to transfer.  

One thing I’d recommend for engineers if your engineering classes themselves won’t transfer from abroad: take elective courses or prerequisites for your major! I decided to take linear algebra and an art history class (Golden City of Prague) in Prague, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.  

Exploring new parks in my free time or on study breaks 

Most majors have requirements (like calculus or humanities classes), so I took these classes abroad so that I could still take my engineering classes at school. This even put me ahead in my schedule and gave me more room to take other classes at school! 

One of our field visits to the Prague Castle for my Golden City class 

My classmate and I loved studying at Rose Latte in Vinohrady 

The CEA CAPA staff is also very accommodating and eager to help. Linear Algebra isn’t the easiest class, and I was initially nervous about taking it abroad. However, the teachers were very kind and helpful and want you to pass. CEA CAPA provides many resources for you and the staff will always support you if you need help. 

One of the classrooms in the CEA CAPA Prague Study Center 

Another tip I have for studying abroad as an engineer is to collaborate with other students! Meeting people in my classes and doing work together was a great way to make new friends while getting our work done. I would often meet up with my friends and classmates to study at cafes, parks, or our apartment. I also recommend trying out new study spots in your host city as a way to explore the culture and city while being productive. I loved studying at a different cafe each week! 

My friends and study buddies - I met so many amazing people from studying abroad 

Finally, engineering is about balance: it is important to take breaks and enjoy your time in your host city. I would do this by hanging out with my roommates, going on walks, exploring new parks/cafes, and traveling on the weekends! A good way to multitask is doing your homework on trains/planes if you travel on weekends.  

I have found all these tips to be helpful during my eight weeks abroad, and my experience has definitely made a positive impact on me as an engineering student. 

Watching the sunset in Riegrovy Sady with locals - it’s important to take breaks and immerse yourself in the culture