Expand your education — and your world.
RPI undergraduates can participate in semester, academic year or short-term study abroad and exchange programs at institutions worldwide. Opportunities are available for students in all majors.
Program Types
| Affiliated Exchange Programs |
Click here to view a complete list of affiliated partner institutions. For detailed information about each partner school, visit the application portal by clicking here. |
| Non-Affiliated Programs |
Click here to learn more about non-affiliated programs and the non-affiliated application process. |
Factors to Consider
Students should carefully consider a variety of factors when selecting a study abroad program. The on-line program brochure for each affiliated program includes detailed information, eligibility requirements and links to the host institutions. It is important to review the types of courses that are offered, program dates, services offered to exchange students and housing options so that you are able to select the study abroad program that meets your personal and academic interests.
International undergraduate students are also encouraged to participate in a study abroad or exchange experience, but may not participate in a program that takes place in their home country. If you wish to take classes at an institution in your home country, you should plan to do so during the Arch semester away, or may take a leave of absence in order to do so during a regular semester. The Leave of Absence process is coordinated by the Dean of Students Office (DOSO), and details can be found here.
Please consider the following when making a decision about which international experience is most suitable for you:
3. 0 minimum GPA (3.3 for UCL and DTU); Second-semester sophomore status is required for most semester programs; some require junior standing. Short-term programs vary.
International students may not return to their home country for a study abroad experience.
With the exception of the Technical University of Dresden, the working language at all partner universities is English, though the language of the host country will also be spoken. It is important to consider if you will be comfortable living in an environment where English may not be the primary language spoken.
Some fall programs end in January, with final exams taking place after the holidays. Southern Hemisphere programs typically run February through June (southern hemisphere semester 1) and July through November (southern hemisphere semester 2). Make sure that the dates of the program that you select do not interfere with internships or summer plans. Students are expected to remain at the host institution for all regularly scheduled exams and should not plan to leave early for another commitment.
Some programs offer more support than others, and it is important to assess how much support you will need to be comfortable while abroad. All programs offer an arrival orientation program, and some sponsor activities for international students throughout the semester. The academic climate at some universities is similar to that in the U.S., but at many partner schools, students are expected to behave independently and take full responsibility for their own academic success
While most affiliated programs guarantee university housing, some do not. Students may need to consider homestays or other private accommodations. Many programs do not offer a meal plan, and students are expected to eat out and/or cook on their own.
Make sure to check the course catalogue/timetable of the host institution to make sure that the classes that you need to remain on track for graduation will be offered during the semester that you choose to spend abroad. Faculty approval of a course for the transfer of credit to RPI does not guarantee that it will be available at the host institution during your semester abroad.
Students pay regular RPI tuition for semester and full year exchanges and are eligible for all of their financial aid. Faculty-led programs carry an additional program fee based on the length of the program, the destination and what is included. Non-affiliated program participation will not pay regular RPI tuition, but instead will pay the tuition and fees of the host institution/program. Estimated expenses are available on the brochure for each affiliated program.
