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Office of Education Abroad

Major Advising Page - Mechanical Engineering

The Department of Mechanical Engineering supports study abroad and encourages it for all interested students. Often, students find some of the softer skills of engineering more easily found overseas: communication, ethics, problem solving--along with research opportunities for more hands on experience. 

Any Mechanical Engineering major interested in studying abroad should discuss this with their academic advisor as soon as possible. In addition to your academic advisor, you should discuss with the study abroad advisor in ME, Prof. James O’Brien, who is familiar with the ME curriculum and can help you make an informed decision for your time abroad. 

Specific things to consider: 

  • Mechanical Engineers are encouraged to study abroad during the spring of junior year. 

Search the OEA Course Approval History database to select from more than 3,000 study abroad courses that have already been pre-approved for liberal education requirements and a growing list of technical courses.

The Course Approval History database is not all-inclusive and students can work with an OEA advisor to submit additional courses for review.

Don't forget - CLAS has a list of policies and limitations specifically focused on study abroad. Make sure you're aware of these as you plan your overseas experience.

Timing
This image shows when students can study abroad for their specific major.

Students are encouraged to study abroad during a semester that fits them best academically. In the past, this has typically been the Spring semester of Junior year, however we encourage you to talk to Prof. O’Brien and your academic advisor to make sure this timeframe fits your needs. If you wish to go abroad in the Summer, please consult with your academic advisor the best coursework for you to take. 

Study abroad opportunities are not limited to formal instruction. Consider taking advantage of the unique research, internship, and fieldwork opportunities available in different regions of the world. This not only expands your personal and professional network, but gives you critical intercultural skills as well as direct hands-on experience.

  • MEEN20070 Materials Science and Eng. I = VU ME 3300

University of Manchester

  • MACE12002 - Materials 1 = Villanova  ME 3300 - Materials Science I
  • MACE11012 - Manufacturing Engineering 1 = ME 3333 - Manufacturing Engineering

University of New South Wales

  • MATS3001 Mechanical Behavior of Metals = VU ME3300

Trinity College Dublin
*Students must have above a 3.3 GPA to apply 

  • ME4B05 Manufacturing Technology = VU ME 3333
  • ST1252 Introduction to Statistics II = MAT 4310

IES Abroad: Engineering, Math and Science at Universidad de Carlos III, Madrid

  • 221-14200 Statistics = VU MAT 5700
  • 257-15541 Materials Science and Engineering = VU ME 3300
  • 221-14763 Production and Manufacturing = VU ME3333
  • Students who enroll in both the Materials and the Manufacturing course also receive 1 credit for ME3900

Looking for more? 

If a program is not listed above, it does not limit your eligibility to study abroad. Perhaps you're looking for something different, something non-chemistry? Visit Passport Villanova to discover other programs. 

Course Approval Database 
Students should consult with the OEA Course Approval Database to view a full list of pre-approved courses for most programs. The Course Approval Database may not contain updated/new courses and students may need to submit additional courses for review and approval. Programs and universities are continually updating course offerings so and the program’s website will list most accurate course offerings for the planned term abroad.  

 

Non-VU partner programs under 6-weeks long must require a petition in order to be approved. Contact your OEA advisor for petition information.

Looking for more? 

If a program is not listed above, it does not limit your eligibility to study abroad. Perhaps you're looking for an internship opportunity or something non-chemistry related. Visit Passport Villanova and explore other opportunities.

Course Approval Database 
Students should consult with the OEA Course Approval Database to view a full list of pre-approved courses for most programs. The Course Approval Database may not contain updated/new courses and students may need to submit additional courses for review and approval. Programs and universities are continually updating course offerings so and the program’s website will list most accurate course offerings for the planned term abroad.  

 

It is important to plan ahead as it is not uncommon for scholarship deadlines to occur much earlier than a Villanova or program application deadlines.

There are many scholarships available for students through Villanova University, our partner programs and other external sources, like the US Government. The OEA can help students with the scholarship search and application process. If a scholarship is found outside of the OEA scholarship page, students should have it reviewed by the OEA to determine if it is a viable option. 

Browse the scholarships opportunities found on the OEA website.

Why study engineering abroad?
 

• Explore technical subjects from a different perspective

• Gain cross-cultural skills by learning and living in a new environment

• Develop personal relationships and improve communication skills

• Complete graduation requirements while gaining international experience