International Experiences at KU School of Engineering

* 65 undergraduate and 3 graduate students from the School of Engineering participated in credit-bearing international study and research programs in academic year 2018-19 (the last full year unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic).  In addition, 14 undergraduate and 1 graduate student from the School of Engineering registered university-affiliated international travel activities (non-credit bearing research, service, etc.) with KU Study Abroad.

School of Engineering Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program

Optimization and the Cold War in Berlin, Germany: 

The history of divided Berlin between the years of 1945-1989, is a fascinating story of a “political island”: a city surrounded by a wall, maintained by Allied forces, and constrained by the Soviet Empire. Students will learn the mathematics behind optimal supply chains, scheduling and planning strategies, and constrained logistics which military and civilian planners used to keep the population of Berlin supported and independent of East Germany. The program will include visits to many Berlin-area sites connected to the Cold War period, including Checkpoint Charlie, Potsdam and the “Bridge of Spies”, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and Gatow airport, used in the famous Berlin Airlift. Kyle Camarda, associate professor of chemical and petroleum engineering, leads the program.

SELF & BLP in Slovenia: 

A joint program between the SELF Engineering Leadership Fellows Program and the Business Leadership Program, the study abroad experience offers students a unique opportunity to study the business and engineering practices of Slovenia, a key location in Eastern Europe. Students will experience the local culture and learn about Slovenia’s most important business, engineering, and governmental practices through guided tours, site visits, and guest lectures. The program will explore the ways in which Slovenia has embraced its strategic location, unique history, and diverse geography to position itself as an important player in Europe.

School of Engineering Research Abroad Programs

Chemical Engineering Research Abroad

Supported through faculty research connections, students spend eight to 12 weeks during the summer term researching current topics in chemical and petroleum engineering in Christchurch, New Zealand; Limerick, Ireland; or Łódź,Poland.

TU Graz Summer Research

KU Engineering students have the opportunity to collaborate with international researchers at the Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) on a variety of on-going research projects. TU Graz is known for its cutting-edge scientific research, innovative use of technology, and high-quality academics. Students will gain valuable research experience and deepen their knowledge in a specific scientific area, while enjoying the beautiful and vibrant city of Graz, Austria.

Universidad Pontificia Comillas SAPIENS Summer 

Through the Universidad Pontificia Comillas, a long-standing partner of KU, engineering students can take part in a one-month or two-month summer study abroad program that includes classes and participating on a research project.

Semester Study Abroad Opportunities for Engineering Majors

Study abroad experiences provide engineers with the cultural competency, technical skills, and life experience needed to thrive in a global economy. KU offers engineering students a wide variety of high-impact study abroad programs during the semester or summer term. Engineering students take part in a diverse portfolio of semester study abroad programs, including (but not limited to):

·       Graz University of Technology, Austria

·       Pontificia Universidad Comillas, Spain

·       University of Newcastle, Australia

·       Swansea University, Wales

International Partnerships

Von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics, Belgium, Agreement of Cooperation, sponsored by the Departments of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanical Engineering

Qingdao University of Technology, China, Agreement of Cooperation and Articulation Agreement, sponsored by the Department of Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering.

Xi'an Shiyou University, China, Agreement of Cooperation, sponsored by the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering.

University of Copenhagen, Denmark, Agreement of Cooperation, sponsored by the School of Engineering

University of Aquila, Italy, Agreement of Cooperation, sponsored by the Department of Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering

Delft University of Technology, Netherlands, Student Exchange, sponsored by the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Study Abroad & Global Engagement

Technical University of Lodz, Poland, Agreement of Cooperation and Studend Exchange, sponsored by School of Engineering and Study Abroad & Global Engagement

Technical University of Cluj Napoca, Romania, Agreement of Cooperation, sponsored by the Department of Mechanical Engineering

University of Danang University of Science & Technology, Vietnam, Agreement of Cooperation, sponsored by the Department of Mechanical Engineering

Recent Fulbright U.S. Student Award Winners and Alternates

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is a cultural exchange program that provides grants to enable recent graduates and graduate students the opportunity to spend an academic year teaching or carrying out research, independent study, creative projects, or graduate study worldwide.

Matthew Santoyo – Alternate to Germany

Matthew Santoyo, Ventura, California, is a 2021 graduate with bachelor’s degrees in aerospace engineering and German studies. He was an alternate for a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship for Germany.