Engineering Summer Programs
Below are summer study abroad programs designed for College of Engineering students. However, you are not limited to these options. To explore a full list of all summer study abroad programs offered through Penn State, check out the Global Programs search function.
Berlin, Germany: Engineering Design
This engineering design course offered through the Penn State School of Engineering Design and Innovation (SEDI) will offer opportunities for students to practice design alongside international collaborators in Germany for global markets and within the startup culture in Berlin. Led by Dr. Jessica Menold, this faculty-led course is 3 credits of EDSGN 270 and offered in Maymester. Please check with your department for degree requirements. This is an ideal program for Penn State engineering students as it allows students the opportunity to participate in a study abroad program while still having time to return home to complete a summer engineering internship.
Cross-Cultural Engagement and Technical Presentation, Italy/Switzerland – Faculty-Led Summer Program
Program dates: May 7-27, 2023
Participants of this program will learn how to deliver effective technical presentations in a European setting and are introduced to the Italian language, and the culture of northern Italy and Switzerland’s Italian language-speaking canton of Ticino. Students will stay in Como near the foot of the Alps in Italy’s stunning Lake District with frequent travel across the border to Switzerland. This program includes explorations of nearby villages and cities where participants will learn about local economies, products, customs, history, and traditions.
DIS: Summer in Scandinavia
Students in Computer Science, Computer Engineeirng, Biomedical, and Biological Engineering have this amazing opportunity to discover Europe and meet the unexpected. DIS summer courses are taught in English with a focus on real-life experience and feature field studies in Copenhagen and Stockholm to bring classroom discussions to life.
Sessions vary in length with differing start and end dates. You choose which are best suited to your academic goals; pick any combination of courses irrespective of discipline, length, or credits available. Sessions 2, 3, and 4 include course-integrated study tours to relevant locations in Europe that further your perspectives on course topics.
Hong Kong, China: Architectural Engineering
The Department of Architectural Engineering offers this Penn State faculty-led program in China. With its 1.3 billion people, China is currently developing its cities and infrastructure at a break-neck pace. Projects of enormous size and new construction practices are being developed daily. Architectural engineering students interested in the future of the industry can observe this development by participating in this immersive summer study abroad program. Students will enjoy a variety of experiences such as studies at the University of Hong Kong in an architectural design studio, an architectural history course, and several days in Shanghai to meet with U.S. firms and businesses involved in development projects. Additionally, students will participate in the Tsinghua University Summer School for International Construction in Beijing.
Indigenous Cultural Studies; Australia and New Zealand
This three-week faculty-led summer study abroad program will introduce students to the Indigenous cultures of New Zealand and Australia through a series of site visits and related literature. Experience first-hand spectacular environments and natural wonders that are of important cultural significance, including Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Australia’s Outback and New Zealand’s geothermal Rotorua and Bay of Islands.
Students will learn about both precolonial and postcolonial Indigenous cultures, including their ancient cultural traditions and artistic forms, the impact of colonization on Aboriginal Australians and New Zealand Maori, and the social and cultural position of Indigenous people within the contemporary context. This 3-credit inter-domain course satisfies Humanities (GH) and Arts (GA) for students in the College of Engineering.
INSA Lyon, France: European Perspectives in Engineering and Innovation
Study European perspectives in engineering and innovation at one of France’s leading engineering schools during this four-week program. Experience innovative and interactive teaching, including site visits to businesses. Course topics include connected devices and smart services or management and innovation. You will also become acquainted with French culture and study either beginning, intermediate, or advanced French. More information can be found on the program’s website.
International Research Partnerships between Penn State and Monash University in Melbourne, Australia
This partnership between Monash University in Melbourne, Australia and Penn State will provide an opportunity for students to conduct state-of-the-art field and laboratory research and learn about Australian approaches to managing water pollution in a watershed with different hydro-climatic conditions. This effort is supported by the US National Science Foundation's International Research Experiences for Students program. Approximately four-to-five total undergraduate and graduate students will be chosen each year from Penn State’s various campuses. Apply on the program's website.
Navarra, Spain: Engineering Design
The Penn State School of Engineering Design and Innovation (SEDI) offers this Penn State faculty-led study abroad program. Students will experience practicing design with international collaborators in international environments and conducting design for global markets. In addition, students will learn to function in cross-cultural engineering design teams, partnering with students from the U.S., Spain, and other global institutions. This study abroad program takes place at Tecnun (Universidad de Navarra) over a two-week period at the end of May. Participants will also experience many cultural activities, such as surfing in the Bay of Biscay or visiting the Guggenheim Museum in Bilboa, Spain. This is an ideal program for Penn State engineering students as it allows students the opportunity to participate in a study abroad program while still having time to return home to complete a summer engineering internship!
A Penn State-Freiburg Paid Research Internship Opportunity - International Partnership for Responsive Infrastructure using Sustainable Multifunctional Materials (iPRISM)
iPRISM is an international research experience open to undergraduate students in the College of Engineering, College of Earth and Mineral Science, and College of Agricultural Science. The program builds on the strong partnership between the Penn State Center for Living Multifunctional Materials Systems (LiMC2) and the University of Freiburg livMatS Center of Excellence (livMatS) in Germany. The University of Freiburg has one of a few centers worldwide in living materials, making the iPRISM well suited for an international research experience in the area of cutting-edge materials. The students will be guided in their research by world-renowned experts and will have access to unique facilities, including full-scale built structures that incorporate novel and nature-inspired composites. There are opportunities to leverage the unique geographic location of Freiburg, which is easily accessible to France
Application link and deadline:
Applications now open through January 31, 2023: Apply Here »
Program dates:
May 2023: Four weeks of remote on-boarding sessions.
June-July 2023: Eight weeks of in-person research in Freiburg, Germany.
August 2023: A final week of presentations, reflections and debriefing at Penn State.
Why you should apply:
This international research internship is an opportunity to elevate your academic experience by:
- Acquiring valuable experiencing as part of a global community of researchers that supports equity, inclusivity, collaborations and innovations
- Attaining confidence in international and intercultural environments
- Expanding your science and engineering abilities
- Enhancing your personal growth and professional development skills
- Gaining skills necessary to be a successful researcher
- Enriching your verbal and written scientific communications
- Strengthening your problem-solving skills
Who should apply:
You should consider applying if you are a student who is:
- Interested in developing appreciation for innovative materials research
- In your third or fourth year of a B.S. degree in the College of Engineering, College of Earth and Mineral Science, College of Ag. Science
Cost:
The iPRISM program will cover all costs associated with travel and lodging. In addition, student participants will receive a stipend.
Other information:
We are particularly committed to recruiting and mentoring students from underrepresented groups.
Pforzheim, Germany: Engineers Made in Germany
The Summer School at Hochschule Phorzheim University, Engineers Made in Germany, combines technical coursework, language study, and cultural excursions to provide engineering students with a unique learning experience. Students will take three courses: a German-language course; Production Management and Supply Chain Management; and Lecture Series Engineering in Manufacturing. The two technical courses have a focus on the German automotive industry. Many site visits are included in the program such as the Mercedes-Benz plant; Porsche Museum and plant; SAP; Daimler Museum; European Patent Office; or HUGO BOSS. City visits include Heidelberg, Strasbourg, Munich, and Berlin.
Rome, Italy: Architectural Engineering
The Department of Architectural Engineering offers this Penn State faculty-led program in Italy. Students will take courses led by a Penn State faculty member in conjunction with IES Abroad in Rome. IES Abroad is a study abroad organization that hosts incoming students from the United States in a variety of academic disciplines. For this program, IES Abroad Rome will facilitate the teaching of two architecture courses and affiliated site visits within Rome and to several other Italian cities. These courses will explore what we know or can find out about this topic through investigation of artifacts and review of texts. Although the courses will require thoughtful reading, looking at buildings, and investigations, the material will be presented at an elementary level, requiring no more than a first semester of statics as preparation (E MCH 211 or A E 210). Italian 140, offered at Penn State each fall semester, is highly recommended for students who enroll in this program.
Sendai, Tohoku University STEM Summer Program
This 4-week summer program in Tohoku, Japan is designed specifically for students majoring in science and engineering. Students will take one 4cr course called, Exploring the Frontier of Science & Technology where students will gain insight on advanced science and technology in the future and how they can contribute to society through research, and they will offer cutting-edge classes in advanced sciences and engineering. The program includes experiments, lectures, facility/ laboratory visits, presentations, and field trips. Students in several engineering fields such as CMSPC, CMPEN, DS, and BME can use these credits toward satisfying major requirements.
Seoul, Korea: Sungkyunkwan University, International Summer Semester
Sungkyunkwan University’s (SKKU) International Summer Semester (ISS) is a unique academic program dedicated to sharing and experiencing the fascinating story of Seoul, Korea’s 600-year-old capital. The program aims to develop students’ global engagement by providing opportunities to share different perspectives on global issues, make friends with various cultural backgrounds, and explore Korea's history, culture, and society. The ISS is a four-week program, offering over 60 unique courses in fields such as business and management, economics, social science, engineering and computer science, data science, and Korean language and studies. By bringing together students and faculty from Korea and around the world, the ISS not only stimulates students’ academic initiatives, but also broadens their knowledge.
Singapore, Singapore: National University of Singapore, Engineering Design
The Penn State School of Engineering Design and Innovation (SEDI) offers this Penn State faculty-led study abroad program. Students will experience practicing design with international collaborators in international environments and conducting design for global markets. In addition, students will learn to function in cross-cultural engineering design teams, partnering with students from other global institutions. This program takes place over a two-week period at the end of May at the National University of Singapore, the #12 engineering university in the world (Times Higher Education, 2012-2013). Penn State participants will join students from the U.S., China, Singapore, India, and others. In addition to attending lectures and participating in field trips, students will complete assignments and a team-based design project. This is an ideal program for Penn State engineering students as it allows students the opportunity to participate in a study abroad program while still having time to return home to complete a summer engineering internship!
Sydney, Australia: Engineering Design
This program will not be held in Summer 2022.
This engineering design course offered through the Penn State School of Engineering Design and Innovation (SEDI) provides students the opportunity to earn 3 credits in EDSGN 270 while spending two weeks in Australia in Maymester. Please check with your department for degree requirements. Led by Dr. Elizabeth Starkey, this faculty-led program will enable students to collaborate with students from Australia and other global institutions for an industry-sponsored challenge. Students will learn design thinking techniques and best practices for team design projects. Participants will enjoy exposure to Australian culture through activities such as visiting the Sydney Opera House and the Blue Mountains.
University College Dublin Organic Chemistry Program
This 8-week summer program gives students the opportunity to complete 8-credits and three major course requirements. Students will take Organic Chemistry 1 and Organic Chemistry 2 which are equivalents to CHEM 210, CHEM 212, and CHEM 213. This is a great option for our Chemical Engineering and Engineering Science Pre-Med students.
University College Dublin Physics Program*
On this 6-week program, students will take 6-credits in Dublin, Ireland earning credits for, PHYS 212 and PHYS 214, as well as a 3-credit gen ed Irish & European History of the Early 20th Century. This program is a great option for Aerospace, Engineering Science, and Nuclear Engineering majors
University of Leeds, Summer
Students in various Engineering majors have this amazing opportunity to discover the UK through experiential learning and field trips, with the opportunity to take engineering courses and general education courses. The Leeds International Summer School is a four-week program, consisting of 2 two-week sessions and students take one course per session. Students must participate in all four weeks of the program to get Penn State credit through Penn State Global.
Each module usually includes at least one field trip to support what is learned in the classroom. Previous destinations include Castle Howard in York, the BBC at Media City UK, the Brontë Parsonage in Haworth, and the cities of Manchester and Liverpool.
- Berlin, Germany: Engineering Design
- Cross-Cultural Engagement and Technical Presentation, Italy/Switzerland
- DIS: Summer in Scandinavia
- Hong Kong, China: Architectural Engineering
- Indigenous Cultural Studies; Australia and New Zealand
- INSA Lyon, France: European Perspectives in Engineering & Innovation
- International Research Partnerships between Penn State and Monash University in Melbourne, Australia
- Navarra, Spain: Engineering Design
- A Penn State-Freiburg Paid Research Internship Opportunity - International Partnership for Responsive Infrastructure using Sustainable Multifunctional Materials (iPRISM)
- Pforzheim, Germany: Engineers Made in Germany
- Rome, Italy: Architectural Engineering
- Sendai, Tohoku University STEM Summer Program
- Seoul, Korea: Sungkyunkwan University, International Summer Semester
- Singapore, Singapore: National University of Singapore, Engineering Design
- Sydney, Australia: Engineering Design
- University College Dublin Organic Chemistry Program
- University College Dublin Physics Program
- University of Leeds, Summer
