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Undergraduates

Study Abroad

Many UW ChemE students study abroad, gaining international perspectives on engineering. ChemE is proud to offer students a range of opportunities to study and research in other countries. These are the most common programs that students participate in, but students aren’t limited to these!

SUMMER CHEMICAL ENGINEERING LAB at the TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF DENMARK

SUMMER A-TERM, 6 CREDITS,   CHEM E 436 and CHEM E 437

This summer program gives students the chance to participate in a specially designed, experimental course in chemical engineering and process technology. The course takes place on up-to-date pilot plant facilities and combines detailed theoretical and practical engineering experiences with a social and international student atmosphere and an opportunity to discover the wonders of Copenhagen and the beautiful Danish countryside.  This intensive lab program is designed for students who have completed their 3rd year of study in ChemE at UW. 

Students in this program are often supported by the Scan Design Fellowship Program. 

Create Your Own

Our current exchange options are possible because past students wanted to go somewhere and were able to set it up to work. If you want to go in a quarter or to a location that isn't currently available, it may be possible with some effort and time. 

  1. Identify a university or college exchange that you're interested in.
  2. Discuss your plan with your undergraduate adviser.
  3. Use the course catalog for that exchange to find courses that seem similar to the courses you would take if you were in Seattle that term. 
  4. Write to chemeadv@uw.edu to request a review of those courses. 

UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH EXCHANGE

FALL QUARTER - JUNIOR YEAR, CHEM E 325 and CHEM E 330

Study at one of Great Britain's top universities for a full academic term. With access to hundreds of student organizations and academic courses, students on this exchange fully immerse themselves in the student life and culture at this amazing Scottish university. The University of Edinburgh, founded in 1583, has earned an international reputation for excellence in teaching and research. Students should enroll in PHYS 09021 and SCEE 08003 during the program in order to stay on track to graduate with a B.S. ChemE. Students should either take CHEM 455 the spring quarter before going, or the spring quarter after returning in order to stay on track with the ChemE program. 

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON EXCHANGE or
IES ABROAD DIRECT ENROLLMENT - UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
WINTER & SPRING QUARTERs - JUNIOR YEAR, CHEM E 326, CHEM E 340, CHEM E 457

Founded in 1826, University College London (UCL) is a highly-ranked university centrally located in London. UCL is truly international in its makeup, with 34% of students coming from outside the UK, representing nearly 140 countries around the globe. London is a leading global city, with strengths in the arts, commerce, education, entertainment, fashion, finance, healthcare, media, professional services, research and development, tourism and transport. Students should enroll in CENG0004 and CENG0003 during the program in order to stay on track to graduate with a B.S. ChemE. 

ENGINEERING ROME

EARLY FALL, 6 CREDITS,  Engineering Electives

Engineering Rome is a UW Exploration Seminar that covers Roman and Italian engineering over a range of 3,000 years, from Ancient Rome to the present day. It consists of a preparatory 1-credit Spring seminar and one 5-credit course, CEE 409 Engineering Rome. First, a once-per-week orientation session meets in Spring to provide background information and program orientation. Second, an in-depth session meets in Rome, Italy, at the UW Rome Center for three weeks during the Summer-Fall quarter break. 

ENGINEERING JORDAN: WATER IN AN ARID LAND

EARLY FALL, 5 CREDITS,  Engineering Electives

Visit the ancient city of Petra, swim in the Dead Sea, and learn about how water is managed, treated, and conserved in one of the most water-scarce nations in the world. This course examines the impacts of a hot, dry climate on water engineering systems by studying the engineered water cycle in Jordan. Topics include water cycles and sources in Jordan, drinking water treatment and desalination, wastewater treatment and reuse, decentralized and on-site treatment, and ancient water engineering.

 

OTHER PROGRAMS

ENGINEERS WITHOUT BORDERS

Several UW ChemE students have participated in short-term study abroad opportunities through their involvement with Engineers without Borders.

ENGINEERING PROGRAMS

Visit the College of Engineering Study Abroad page to learn about even more opportunities and to receive tips on planning for study abroad. Some suggested programs are also listed on our Optional Specialty Areas page, based on topic. 

ALL UW PROGRAMS

ChemE students sometimes participate in programs that have nothing to do with engineering! It's easiest to do these programs during the summer or early fall terms, but for students who have finished many of the foundational courses prior to sophomore year, it's possible to study abroad before starting the ChemE core during spring of sophomore year. To learn more about all the programs available to UW students, visit UW Study Abroad.