Updated for 2020-2021

Are you a STEM major? Get ready to book a flight

A semester, quarter, or year abroad can open a world of opportunity for STEM majors: You can collaborate with internationally renowned professors and scientists, discover remote creatures and habitats, see architectural marvels that challenge the laws of physics, meet talented new friends, and build a killer résumé before graduation. Why not experience all of that while earning credit in your major?

If you’re studying science, technology, engineering or math, the possibilities don’t stop there.

 

STEM Research and Internships Abroad

Do a high-quality internship with an NGO or private company, conduct academic research with some of the world’s top experts, or present independent findings and maybe even get published!

Australia: Marine Biology and Terrestrial Ecology

Queensland Programs for STEM Majors Abroad

Language of instruction: English

Explore diverse marine ecosystems and conduct hands-on field study in the Great Barrier Reef and research stations throughout coastal Queensland. Enroll in two courses in either the marine biology or terrestrial ecology track. Marine biology students participate in extended field trips to the University of Queensland’s marine biology research stations. Ecology students explore ancient rainforests and investigate the evolution of plants in Australian habitats.

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Barbados: Field and Lab Research

Barbados Programs for STEM Majors Abroad

Language of instruction: English

Get a tan on the Caribbean Island of Barbados while taking advantage of field courses and lab work. Barbados, a mix of British and African influences, is a small island with a big personality. The University of the West Indies, a community of students from four islands, offers a legacy of leadership and a rich infusion of Caribbean culture. It’s a great choice as well if you’re considering taking on an independent research project.

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Costa Rica: Tropical Biology and Conservation

View of pedestrian suspension bridge in the jungle of Costa Rica.

Language of instruction: English

Research ecology and biology in the cloud forests, oceans, mountains, and volcanoes of beautiful Monteverde. Start with a two-week camping and hiking trip through national parks and protected ecological zones. Lectures, lab work, and field studies build your skills as a researcher. At the conclusion of the program, you’ll present your research findings at a biology symposium and return with a formidable research portfolio.

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Israel: Technion Israel Institute of Technology

Israel Programs for STEM Majors AbroadLanguage of instruction: English

Start your program with a 9-week internship for a complete cultural immersion experience in one of the largest cities in Israel. Haifa is a city buzzing with entrepreneurial energy, and Technion is the primary reason Israel now rivals Silicon Valley in high-tech startups.

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Italy: Field Studies in Volcanology

View overlooking terracotta hillside houses with snow-covered Mount Etna in the distance.

Language of instruction: English

Be sure to pack sunglasses, hiking boots, and a backpack–the field work on this program involves hiking Mount Etna, an active stratovolcano on the east coast of Sicily. You’ll study modern volcano monitoring equipment and techniques and complete a capstone research project with researchers from the National Institute of Volcanology and Geophysics. At the conclusion of the program, you’ll present your research findings at a symposium attended by geology experts from around the world and return with an enviable research portfolio.

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Engineering and Computer Science Majors Abroad

Expand your grasp on the necessary soft skills that will help you stand out in job interviews.

UK-England: Imperial College

view of London Bridge and Houses of Parliament across the Thames river.

Language of instruction: English

Be completely immersed in your study abroad adventure and life in London for a full academic year, taking courses open only to engineering and computer science majors. Explore all of Europe on weekends with a backpack and a student rail pass.

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UK-Scotland: University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh cityscape and skyline with Firth of Forth at sunset from Holyrood Park

Language of instruction: English

The College of Science & Engineering at the University of Edinburgh has an outstanding reputation and offers courses in a wide range of subjects from materials chemistry to geophysics to differential geometry. The School of Mathematics is excellent for the study of pure mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics.

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STEM Summer Abroad

Whether you want to knock out some pre-major or GE requirements, engage in meaningful research, or explore a new language, a summer abroad is a great way to earn a ton of unit credit in a short period of time. Choose from over 40 programs in 25 countries ranging from 4–9 weeks.

Taiwan: Research in Taipei

Sunset at the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Taipei, Taiwan

Language of instruction: English

Conduct research in ultramodern labs with a local faculty member on a topic of your choosing. While you gain research skills, you’ll learn about Taiwanese culture in a course that includes field trips to museums, temples, and a tea village. You’ll immerse in cultural activities like Taiwanese cooking and calligraphy and local National Taiwan University student volunteers will help you acclimate to living and exploring Taiwan.

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Germany: Technical University Summer

Sunrise view on the riverside with a National gallery building and cathedral in the old town of Berlin city.

Language of instruction: English

Experience a high-velocity program within Berlin’s dynamic startup and science community. At Technical University Berlin, a culture of entrepreneurship brings business and technology into the classroom. After a short course on innovation management or German language, focus on a single, month-long course in engineering, architecture, urban design, communication, or other fields. Get both theoretical and hands-on experience as you solve urban planning issues, design satellites, explore artificial intelligence, or prototype virtual reality games.

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Hong Kong: Research In Hong Kong

Hong Kong Victoria Harbour building group and abstract glass floor

Language of instruction: English

Spend the summer developing hands-on research skills and knowledge at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. An excellent starting point for graduate work or a professional career, the program is built around conducting lab and field research experience. There are no formal courses or lectures. Throughout your project, you’ll benefit from the the mentorship of a faculty supervisor experienced in international research. At the end of the summer, you’ll have a chance to present your findings and publish your final research.

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Unique Destinations for STEM Majors

Most people think that in order to study in English abroad they are limited to Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. These are great places for sure, but you can take courses in English just about anywhere in the world—and that includes places where you can meet STEM degree requirements.

 

Sweden: STEM Classes and Clubs

3-minute travel guide: Lund, Sweden

Language of instruction: English

Science in Sweden is a lifestyle. The University of Lund hosts sciences competitions, activities, and field research courses that challenge even the most intellectual learners.  Lund is a lively college town and growing tech center. As the birthplace of the artificial kidney, Bluetooth, and the eco-friendly Tetra Pak carton, Lund University is an exciting place to study. To top it off, just about everyone in this affordable European city speaks English.

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Singapore: Academics plus Technopreneur

Panoramic view of Singapore skyline and Marina Bay, the centre of the economy in Singapore.

Language of instruction: English

You can design your own curriculum at the National University of Singapore. Take classes in physical science, math, engineering, or life sciences and get hands-on experience through the university’s Technopreneur programs.

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Hong Kong: Student Clubs and Organizations

Clear Water Bay beach panorama, Hong Kong

Language of instruction: English

Take courses in the Schools of Science and Engineering on a small campus overlooking Clearwater Bay. This highly international campus hosts over a thousand students from around the world and offers over one hundred clubs and organizations to suit students interested in film-making, choir, martial arts, cricket and more.

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Health and Pre-med Majors Abroad

See first-hand how the health systems of other countries work while scoring a highlight for your graduate school applications.

The Netherlands: Biological and Life Sciences

Multi-colored tulip fields in front of a Dutch windmill under a nicely clouded sky.

Language of instruction: English

Examine medical case studies at Maastricht University while taking courses spanning from human genetics to medical ethics. With Germany and Belgium just a stone’s throw away, you’ll witness cross-border differences in medical practices, giving you a comparative perspective of modern health issues.

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UK-Scotland: University of Glasgow

Glasgow University buildings, taken from Yorkhill Children's hospital.

Language of instruction: English

With world-class rankings in life sciences and an expansive biology department, the University of Glasgow is the ideal location for pre-med majors. You can take courses in physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology. The university has a long tradition of anatomy study and modern facilities for anatomical dissection and forensic research.

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Still need convincing reasons to study abroad? Check out 5 Reasons STEM Majors Should Study Abroad.

Did you get credit for your major on study abroad? Tell us about it in the comments.

View of a beach in Barbados.
View of Berlin Cathedral near the water in Berlin Germany
Ha'penny Bridge in Dublin Ireland
View of skyline in Hong Kong
Cobblestone pathway and traditional houses in Lund Sweden
View of Kelvingrove Park full of people enjoying the Scottish summer with the main building of Glasgow University on the top of the hill.
Tulip field and windmill in the Netherlands
Royal Palace of Madrid in Madrid Spain
Suspension bridge in Costa Rica
Aerial view of Munich Germany
Aerial view of Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Panoramic view of the Singapore Skyline and Marina Bay, the marina is the center of the economy in Singapore, there are here all the building of all the majors bank and insurance.
View of Mt. Fuji and Tokyo skyline at dusk.
View of Mt. Fuji and Tokyo skyline at dusk.
Panoramic view of the Singapore Skyline and Marina Bay, the marina is the centre of the economy in singapore, there are here all the building of all the majors bank and insurance.
Aerial view of Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Aerial view of Munich Germany
Suspension bridge in Costa Rica
Royal Palace of Madrid in Madrid Spain
Tulip field and windmill in the Netherlands
View of Kelvingrove Park full of people enjoying the Scottish summer with the main building of Glasgow University on the top of the hill.
Cobblestone pathway and traditional houses in Lund Sweden
View of skyline in Hong Kong
View of Berlin Cathedral near the water in Berlin Germany
View of a beach in Barbados.
View of Mt. Fuji and Tokyo skyline at dusk.
Panoramic view of the Singapore Skyline and Marina Bay, the marina is the center of the economy in Singapore, there are here all the building of all the majors bank and insurance.
Aerial view of Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Aerial view of Munich Germany
Suspension bridge in Costa Rica
Royal Palace of Madrid in Madrid Spain
Tulip field and windmill in the Netherlands
View of Kelvingrove Park full of people enjoying the Scottish summer with the main building of Glasgow University on the top of the hill.
Cobblestone pathway and traditional houses in Lund Sweden
View of skyline in Hong Kong
Ha'penny Bridge in Dublin Ireland
View of Berlin Cathedral near the water in Berlin Germany
View of a beach in Barbados.
Two UC Students holding us test tubes in a lab.
Two UC Students holding us test tubes in a lab.
Two UC Students holding us test tubes in a lab.
view of London Bridge and Houses of Parliament across the Thames river.
Clear Water Bay beach panorama, Hong Kong
Sunny view overlooking of Haifa city and blue sea, Israel.
View overlooking terracotta hillside houses with snow-covered Mount Etna in the distance.
Sunset at the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Taipei, Taiwan
Edinburgh cityscape and skyline with Firth of Forth at sunset from Holyrood Park
Glasgow University buildings, taken from Yorkhill Children's hospital.
View overlooking terracotta hillside houses with snow-covered Mount Etna in the distance.
Sunny view overlooking of Haifa city and blue sea, Israel.
view of London Bridge and Houses of Parliament across the Thames river.