Students International

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start the study abroad process?

Every student at the University of Pittsburgh must sign up for and complete an Essentials meeting at the main Study Abroad Office in Room 802, William Pitt Union. Students can sign up for these meetings online by going to the Essentials website.

In addition to signing up for an Essentials meeting, students should begin thinking about certain priorties that they may have in regards to studying abroad, such as where they'd like to go and for how long, as well as taking classes that they need for graduation, language requirements, etc.

When should I start planning to study abroad?

The earlier the better! This way you can plan your schedule in a way that provides opportunities to take courses abroad either in your major, fulfilling technical electives or general electives. The earlier you start the process, the better off you will be. 

Where can I get help?

You can get assistance with your search from the Engineering International Programs Office – located in room 4178 Posvar Hall.  The Office is open from 8:30 AM to 5 PM weekdays.   The staff will help you identify suitable programs, assist you with making plans for receiving course approvals from your department, and will guide you through the entire process from start to finish.

What kinds of international programs are there for engineering students?

There are many!  Not only can you study abroad for either a semester, a summer, or for an even shorter amount of time (four weeks or less), you can also apply for international internships, co-ops, or research experiences abroad.   Additionally, in the Swanson School of Engineering we have student organizations that do service learning projects in other countries. 

Why should I participate in an international experience?

As an engineer, you will most likely be working with colleagues, clients, and customers from around the world.  It is vital to learn how to effectively interact in a global environment in order to succeed as an engineer. Having international experience before you graduate will give you a competitive edge when you apply for full time employment or for graduate schools.   Engineering students with international experience frequently receive more job offers and graduate school acceptances than their peers without international experience.

Will it cost me a lot of money to have an international experience?

The answer is, not usually!  When you take into account that you have to pay for tuition, room, and board while at the University of Pittsburgh, oftentimes going abroad will end up costing you LESS than if you remained in Pittsburgh!   Specifically, many of our short-term programs that carry three Pitt ENGR academic credits will cost only marginally more than if you were to take the same or similar course on campus in Pittsburgh.  Scholarships are available for many programs, and with good planning, an international experience can be the best investment you can make for your future.