In an age of increasing globalization, studying abroad gives you a unique opportunity to improve your resume with international experiene and gain skills that will help you compete in a global enginering workforce. ECE is a diverse discipline that combines the latest advances in many different areas of technology, often involving cooperative international design and manufacturing efforts. Engineering firms both large and small depend critically on multinational operations, and engineers with cross-cultural experiences and fluency in multiple languages are increasingly in demand. International study through Study Abroad is an excellent opportunity to develop the skill set appropriate to the new age of globalization.
The UC San Diego Study Abroad Office administers study abroad opportunities for UCSD students and has a strong history of working with ECE students!
Why study abroad?
Opportunities for enhancing your understanding of electrical and computer engineering through the world are available to you! Students are encouraged to pursue this avenue for either a term or a fully academic year, particularly in the upper division.
Study abroad can help you:
- Take advantage of unique academic, experiential, and coursework opportunities;
- Get new perspective on the discipline of engineering;
- Advance your cross-cultural and problem-solving skills;
- Prepare for a career in an internationally competitive world;
- Enhance your resume and/or applications for graduate school;
- Expand your worldview by experiencing another culture firsthand;
- Develop self-confidence and independence.
Nearly all participants say their EAP experiences were life-changing, career-enhancing, and the highlight of their time at UCSD.
When should I study abroad?
While it is possible for engineering majors to go abroad at almost any point in their academic careers, in most cases either the junior year (or a portion thereof) or the summer before or after the junior year fits best with the structure of the major. All students whould consult with their Undergraduate Advisor to discuss timely completion of major requirements.
Where should I study abroad?
Study Abroad offers a variety of short-term and year-long programs taught in English or in a foreign language that complement and enrich UC engineering degrees. Programs conducted in English generally provide coursework that integrates well in the UC San Diego engineering curriculum. However, students will sufficient language proficiency can take ECE courses in the language of the host university. You can search for exciting destinations multiple ways!
What classes should I take?
EAP students automatically earn UCSD credit for the work they complete abroad. However, application of credit to major requirements is subject to the discretion of the department. You must submit a petition 1) before you study abroad detailing which course(s) you plan to take, what UCSD course you want it to replace, whether it's a semester/quarter class, and how many units it will be and 2) after you return detailing the same information as before in addition to what grade you received in the course.
Keep in mind that just like selecting courses at UCSD, there is no guarantee that the courses you want to take abroad will be available for enrollment. Planning and flexibility are essential to success. Students are encouraged to review their course choices with the Undergraduate Advisor to maximize the number of EAP units they may apply towards their major.
How do I get started?
1. Begin by identifying your goals for study abroad and then consult the EAP web pages (linked above) to identify appropriate EAP programs. Navigate to host universities' websites on the available links to learn more about the schools and their departments.
2. Make an appointment with the Study Abroad Office to go over program details, financial aid opportunities, and travel logistics.
Study Abroad Office Advising Services
3. See one of the ECE Undergraduate Advisors to create a long-term academic plan that incorporates study abroad, discuss previously approved (though not guaranteed) courses, and begin the petition process.
Online and In person Advising Hours
Virtual Advising Center
Previously Taken Courses
COURSE EQUIVALENCIES/ELECTIVE CREDIT (Courses must be 4 or more units each and taken for a letter grade):
| ECE Course | EAP Course | University | Date Approved |
| Elective Credit | CISC 181 Artificial Intelligence Indus | University of Bologna, Italy | August, 4 2022 |
| Elective Credit | CISC 183 Image Processing & Vision | University of Bologna, Italy | August, 4 2022 |
| ECE 121B | ELEC3206: Electrical Energy Conversion Systems | University of Sydney, Australia | Fall 2023 |
| ECE 171A | ELEC3304: Control | University of Sydney, Australia | Fall 2023 |
| Elective Credit | ELEC 3506: Communication Network | University of Sydney, Austrailia | Fall 2023 |
| ECE 107 | ELEC50007 Electromagnetism | Imperial College London | Fall 2023 |
| ECE 175A | ELEC60019 Machine Learning | Imperial College London |
Fall 2023 |
| ECE 191 | ELEC50008 Engineering Design Project II | Imperial College London | Fall 2023 |
| ECE 111 | EITF35: Introduction to Structured VLSI Design | Lund University, Sweden | Fall 2023 |
| ECE 165 | EITN20: Digital IC Design | Lund University, Sweden | Fall 2023 |
| EE Elective Credit | EDAN15: Design Embedded Systems | Lund University, Sweden | Fall 2024 |
| EE Elective Credit | ENGR 102: Satellite Design | Technical University, Germany | Summer 2024 |
For more information, visit the UCSD Programs Abroad website: http://studyabroad.ucsd.edu/