Study Abroad for ECE Students

General Information

There are many locations around the world that students can go to gain an international academic experience. These experiences can vary in length from a few days to as much as a full academic year. Please note, however, that not all of these locations are approved for electrical and computer engineering. If you have a potential interest in Study Abroad, you should begin making plans as soon as possible. For general questions about Study Abroad, see your Academic Advisor. To explore the various options, please visit the following:

Choosing a Study Abroad Term

Summer Study Abroad is a way to gain an international experience without affecting course selection during the regular fall and spring semesters. One such Maymester program, Introduction to Machine Learning & Pattern Recognition - Italy,  is directed by the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Students who successfully complete the program will receive credit in ECE 30010. There are several other programs available and they need not offer ECE credit since they will not interfere with the normal 8 semester plan.

For a longer and more immersive experience, a semester or even full academic year exchange program can be considered. The most convenient term for a semester exchange program is spring semester of the third (nominally junior) year. At this point, students will have progressed far enough to allow for some flexibility in the choice of courses, especially those in electrical and computer engineering, to take while abroad. It is important to work closely with Cindy Quillen (she will be assigned as your Academic Advisor) and the ECE Study Abroad Liaison (Prof. Scott Sudhoff) in the scheduling of courses both prior to and during the exchange program.  Having AP credit, CLEP credit, and credit by exam allows for greater flexibility when planning for a semester abroad. It is desirable to take a light load while abroad (12 credit hours is recommended, 2 technical courses and 2 non-technical courses) so that students have sufficient personal time to immerse themselves in the local culture. 

Student Experiences

Destinations

Below is a partial list of institutions that ECE students have gone to in the past. There is no guarantee that any particular course on the course equivalencies list will be offered in the future.  ECE will review new course offerings for students as needed.

A full list of destinations can be found via Purdue Study Abroad.

SAIL and ECE Study Abroad Scholarships

Any Purdue student is eligible to apply for a SAIL Scholarship for a semester abroad (so long as you will have at least one more semester at Purdue afterwards), and you are strongly encouraged to do so. ECE also offers a scholarship for a semester (or full year) study abroad experience if the student successfully completes the Sentio Global Competence Certificate program. See Cindy Quillen or Prof. Ziaie for details.

In general, short-term study abroad participants are not eligible for ECE Study Abroad Scholarships. However, certain ECE sponsored short-term programs, such as Introduction to Machine Learning & Pattern Recognition may be eligible for a scholarship.

Scholarships range in value depending on duration of program and available funds. Once the ECE Scholarship Coordinator receives the list of students who plan to study abroad from the Office of Programs for Study Abroad, they will receive an email inviting them to apply for departmental funds.

Any ECE Study Abroad Scholarship would be in addition to the grants awarded by the Purdue Study Abroad Office. Students should work with the Office of Programs for Study Abroad regarding any additional funding.