Faculty-Led Study Abroad

Faculty members in The Grainger College of Engineering lead short term study abroad programs over winter, spring, and summer breaks. Explore our full listing in the button below or view program offerings by break. Scroll further to see some of IPENG's highlighted programs.

Photo Credit: G. Avellar, Engineering Physics, DTU

ENG FACULTY-LED PROGRAM SEARCH

Important things to consider for faculty-led programming:

  • Faculty-led programs have a class that meets during the second 8 weeks of the semester prior to travel.
  • Costs mentioned could fluctuate depending on the number of students who commit and other economic factors.
  • Scholarships can be applied to faculty-led programs and some departments may offer additional funding.
  • Be sure to explore your options! Always feel free to reach out to an advisor for any questions or concerns, we are here to help!

Don't feel limited to faculty-led programs run by engineering faculty and IPENG. Other study abroad units may have a program that better fits your interests and career goals.

*Note: some programs are not available to all majors, so pay attention to the eligibility requirements of each program.*

Winter Break Programs

Photo Credit: UIUC Puerto Rico Disaster Relief Program Facebook Page, 2019

ACES/ENG Faculty-Led: ABE 452: ENGR Disaster Resiliency

  • Travel Dates: Winter Break AND Summer
  • Course: ABE 498 (3 credits)
  • Estimated program fees: $2,300-$3,500 (varies on enrollment)

Program Overview: The course is designed to engage students in the development of pathways towards sustainable and resilient designs for food, energy, and water supply chains suited for such disaster-prone regions. Students will investigate background cultural, political, and social factors that provide context for specific disaster-prone regions. Students will work with local communities, aid organizations, and peer institutions in the identification and implementation of sustainable and resilient responses.

Photo Credit: S. Weiss, Systems Engineering and Design, GFX Service Learning

Engineering Faculty-Led: ENG 177 - GFX Service Learning

  • Travel Dates: Winter Break - TBD
  • Course: ENG 177 (1 credit)
  • Estimated program fees: $3,500

Program Overview: ImagininGUATEmala is a Non-Profit Organization headquartered in beautiful and historic Antigua, Guatemala. The organization is dedicated to bettering the lives of the less-fortunate in Guatemala; particularly in the areas of Safe and Affordable Housing, Food and Nutrition Needs, and Education. Students will build a house onsite, and participate in cultural activities that will expose engineering students to international projects, equip them with cross-cultural skills and develop the capability to analyze issues on a global level.

Photo Credit: https://glcm.cee.illinois.edu/

Engineering Faculty-Led: ENG 498 - Global Leaders in Construction Management (GLCM)

  • Travel Dates: Winter Break - TBD
  • Course: ENG 498 (1 credit)
  • Estimated program fees: $1,500

Program Overview: Global Leaders in Construction Management (GLCM) is designed to introduce and educate students on the different construction methods, techniques, and issues found in construction sites abroad. Students research the construction environment of the destination including politics, project financing, construction culture, regulations, safety, and local development. This culminates with a ten-day trip over winter break to visit international construction sites to study the key differences between US and international construction techniques.

Summer Short Term Programs

Photo Credit: N. Mehta, ECE, BUS Faculty-Led CHINA T&M

ACES/ENG Faculty-Led: Summer Research and Cultural Immersion Program in China

  • Travel Dates: Summer
  • Course: ACES 298 (1 credit), ABE 397 (3 credits) and/or TSM 295 or 397 (3 credits) - TBD
  • Estimated program fees: $5,300

Program Overview: Students will spend six weeks researching in a laboratory in Zhejiang University, and stay in a dormitory on campus. Weekly field trips will occur, giving students the opportunity to visit several companies and cultural destinations.

Photo Credit: B. Woodard, Faculty Leader

Engineering Faculty-Led: AE 298 - Brazil ENGR Experience

  • Travel Dates: Summer - TBD
  • Course: AE 298 (2 credit)
  • Estimated program fees: $4,400

Program Overview: Brazil boasts gorgeous coastlines, a vibrant culture, and amazing historical sites. Through this program, students will have the opportunity to experience the local culture and industry of S├úo Paulo and Brasília, while working closely with local students on an exciting project. Travel into the heart of South America for an unforgettable experience.

Engineering Faculty-Led: ENG 398 - Global Leadership Training

  • Travel Dates: Summer
  • Course: ENG 398 (1 credit)
  • Estimated program fees: $3,300

Program Overview: Students will participate in a 2nd 8 weeks pre-departure course, and then travel to Brazil for 2 weeks following the end of the semester. Students will receive letter grades for the course, ENG 398. Upon arrival in Brazil, students will participate in a team-based project with Brazilian university students.

Photo Credit: S. Luo, CompEng, Engineering in Sweden - Stockholm

Engineering Faculty-Led: NPRE 498 - Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage in Bedrock

  • Travel Dates: Summer
  • Course: NPRE 498 (4 credits)
  • Estimated program fees: TBD

Program Overview: During two weeks in June, international students will have an opportunity first to learn about the key issue of nuclear spent fuel storage in Precambrian geological formations and then to perform field studies deep underground at a very unique location: the Äspà Hard Rock Laboratory near Oskarshamn. Moreover study visits to encapsulation laboratory: The Canister Laboratory and the Interim Storage Facility for Spent Nuclear Fuel - CLAB are foreseen. Students will also visit reactor simulator laboratory.

Engineering Faculty-Led: ENG 177/198: The Art of the Renaissance Engineer

  • Travel Dates: Summer - TBD
  • Course: ENG 177/198 (1-3 credits)
  • Estimated program fees: $4,000

Program Overview: As you are about to embark upon a career in engineering, a discipline so closely associated with mathematics, science, and analysis, it is important to recognize that the practice of engineering historically emerged in 15th century Italy, first as a craft and then as an art. In this course we will learn about these first "artist-engineers" of Florence and Siena.

Engineering: Summer in Italy-Pisa (5 weeks)

  • Travel Dates: Summer
  • Course: NPRE 201 (2 credits) HUM (3 credits)
  • Estimated program fees: $9,500

Program Overview: The Pisa summer program is a faculty-led program with planned weekend excursions to other Italian cities. Students will take NPRE 201, a technical course taught by a University of Illinois faculty member and learn about Italian culture. No prior Italian language is required.

Remember that if you are interested in any of these programs to make sure you apply AND enroll in the course (if applicable). If you have any questions, want more information regarding each program (eligibility, travel dates, etc.), and to apply click the button below and select the program you are interested in.