At Illinois, engineering students are encouraged to include travel abroad in their education plans. The experience of being immersed in another language and culture is transformational. Travel, work and service abroad prepares our students for leadership in an increasingly global workforce.
Students can choose from more than 50 countries, travel alone or with groups, and live in another country for a few weeks or an academic year. Each fall, the International Programs in Engineering Office hosts an International Fair to explain the options and answer questions.
Illinois was the first U.S. institution to offer an international minor in engineering as part of a regular degree program. This opportunity allows a student to concentrate coursework in the social sciences and humanities on a particular country or geographical region. On-campus coursework, combined with work or study abroad, allows students to gain a level of expertise in a particular area while receiving academic credit and a competitive credential.
An international experience takes on special meaning through Engineers Without Borders (EWB) projects. Illinois EWB student teams conduct significant water and power projects in rural villages in Africa, Guatemala, India and Mexico. Working side-by-side with local citizens and non-governmental organizations, Illinois students secure international funding, guide planning for current and future needs, and assist in building the infrastructure necessary to sustain their improvements. These are life-changing experiences, for both the villagers and the students.
