Study Abroad for Engineering and Technology Students

As part of our Global Internship Conference in Tallinn, Estonia, we hosted the Leading Change in Study Abroad Workshop: Creating Global Pathways for Engineering and Technology Students to increase access to study abroad among STEM students. Tallinn – Europe’s innovation engine – provided the perfect backdrop for these conversations. 

The workshop convened Deans and faculty members from engineering and technology programs across the U.S. to share their strategies in getting more STEM students to study abroad. 

CIEE Partners Share Success Models 

Over the course of the workshop, CIEE partners from University of Colorado Boulder, University of Texas Austin, and Duke University shared successful strategies for encouraging more engineering and technology students to study abroad. 

• Keith Molenaar, Dean of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Colorado Boulder presented CU’s new first-year abroad program launching in 2027 at CIEE Berlin. The program combines introductory engineering courses with engineering-focused extracurriculars and excursions. The program is expected to improve yield and retention rates by fostering a globally engaged cohort that will join the Engineering Connections community, a dedicated first-year residential community on campus.
• Josh Rucker, Senior International Program Coordinator, University of Texas at Austin shared how the school’s summer internship program with CIEE is contributing to engineering participation rates at twice the national average. The program provides industry immersion for engineering students with a course, internship, and internship seminar model. As a result of the program’s success, UT Austin aspires to have 50% of engineering students study abroad by 2030. 
• Lisa Huetell, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education, Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering noted that nearly 40% of Duke’s engineering students complete a study away experience – far above the national average. Lisa attributes this success to proactive course and curriculum identification and faculty-led programs designed specifically for engineers. 

CIEE + STEM Built on Global Perspective 

These examples demonstrate that students don’t need to choose between a study abroad experience and pursuing an engineering or technology degree. 

CIEE prepares students for STEM careers through relevant coursework, experiential learning, and internships that provide global perspective while keeping them on track academically. 

Read more about the CIEE Leading Change in Study Abroad Workshop: Creating Global Pathways for Engineering and Technology Students, on our website. We will be hosting another CIEE Leading Change in Study Abroad Workshop, focused on business, in conjunction with our 79th Annual Study Abroad Conference in Cape Town, South Africa.