Abroad Opportunities

1. If a College of Engineering faculty member is coordinating the program you are interested in, contact the faculty member directly.

2. Visit Virginia Tech’s Global Education Office (GEO) website.

3. Contact the Global Education Office to schedule an appointment with a Peer Ambassador. You can call 540-231-5888 or send email to set up the appointment. The Peer Ambassador will help guide you with program options, course transfers, and scholarship information.

4. Apply for the program you’re interested in.

5. Complete all required forms requested as part of your program or your faculty leader. These forms must be submitted to GEO prior to your departure.

6. Attend the mandatory pre-departure meeting sponsored by GEO to help prepare you for your experience abroad.

Course credit transfers depend on the program. Faculty-designed programs provide direct Virginia Tech course credit.

If you wish to transfer credits back to Virginia Tech from a non-VT led program, follow these steps:

• Contact the College of Engineering’s Assistant Director for Educational Services, Ryan Wagoner.
• Complete a Transfer Credit Request Form, on which you list the courses you want to take abroad and the Virginia Tech equivalent courses. You should consult the VT Undergraduate Transfer Equivalency Database, here.
• Submit a detailed syllabus for any courses that have not previously been evaluated by Virginia Tech. Faculty members will evaluate the syllabi, and you will be informed if the courses will transfer as you requested. You should allow 2-3 months for this approval process!
• After completion of your courses, request that an official transcript from the study abroad university be sent to Virginia Tech.
• Note that credit hours for approved courses transfer, grades do not; however, students must earn a minimum C or equivalent grade for the credits to transfer.

If you accept an international internship, contact the Global Engineering office at engabroad@vt.edu and check out the CEIP Course offered by Career and Professional Development .

Although learning a foreign language is very valuable and can be an important component of an international experience, it is not a requirement for studying abroad. There are many English-language options available, both in English-speaking countries and in locations where English is not the primary language. In addition, some programs include language courses along with research or engineering courses. Don't let the fact that you don't know a foreign language stop you from having an amazing cultural and educational experience.

There are a number of variables that affect your graduation date, including how well you plan ahead, the length and timing of your study abroad program, and your particular academic situation. Work with the Global Education Office and your academic advisor to find the study abroad program that best fits your goals. Start planning as early as your freshman year!