Study Abroad with Watson College

Learn how you can obtain experiences needed to broaden your horizons and gain a competitive edge in today's global economy. 

For more information about non-engineering coursework abroad, visit the Office of International Education and Global Initiatives (IEGI), the IEGI's Education Abroad page, or options through other SUNY campuses.

Single Semester Options

Engineering Semester in Paris (CEA) – Paris, France

  • Semester option through Binghamton
  • Best for Mechanical Engineering students in their sophomore year
  • Internship placements available in the spring semester 
  • Courses taught in English; French language and culture courses also available

ICAI-SAPIENS (Study Abroad Program for International Engineering Students) – Madrid, Spain

  • Exchange option through Binghamton 
  • Best for Mechanical Engineering students in the spring of their sophomore year
  • Designed for engineering students interested in getting international experience without missing technical courses required for graduation 
  • Courses taught in English; Spanish language and culture courses also available 

Nanyang Technological University – Singapore

  • Exchange option through Stony Brook
  • Engineering courses at English-speaking university
  • Best for second semester mechanical engineering students

Full Academic Year Options

Engineering students can also choose to spend an academic year abroad in addition to their four years at Binghamton.

Through Binghamton University

Through University of Albany

  • UAS7 – Various locations in Germany (including Munich, Bremen and Hamburg)

Students going for a year to Germany as part of UAS7 can participate in the Study and Internship program. This option includes spending one semester in classes and then the next in a compensated research internship position. Students can choose from the six universities part of the UAS7 consortium to complete their studies and finish their internship.

Search for options through other SUNY campuses

Summer Options

Summer could be a great time to participate in an education abroad program. There are many Binghamton and SUNY options available, including programs that offer engineering-related coursework.

Renewable Energy, Technology, and Resources Economics - Iceland 

  • Binghamton program focused on natural energy sources and technology’s impact on the environment and economy in Iceland
  • 7 weeks (summer), coursework covers hydroelectricity and geothermal energy, including a hands-on experience developing a renewable energy project

Engineering Study - Troyes, France 

■      Faculty-led program through University at Buffalo

■      4 weeks (summer), 6 credits (3 for Statics and 3 for World Civilization course)

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology - Hong Kong

■      International summer school with students from all over the world, offered through Stony Brook

■      8 weeks (summer), variety of coursework taught in English, including engineering related classes

Options for Computer Science Students

Due to the nature and availability of the coursework required for a computer science degree, talk with your academic adviser about how to fit a semester abroad into your schedule, or consider a summer, winter, or spring break program. To view the Binghamton education abroad programs that offer courses in Computer Science, visit IEGI’s Search Programs by Major or College page.

How to Get Started

Research Programs and Meet with an Education Abroad Advisor

  • Search for programs on IEGI's Education Abroad website and the SUNY Study Abroad website. Program applications are typically due the semester prior to when you’d be abroad and it is never too early to start planning!
  • Read through the IEGI's FAQ page to learn more about financial aid for education abroad, grade transfers from courses abroad, etc.
  • Visit Education Abroad Drop-In Advising to talk with an Education Abroad Advisor about how to get started, program options, and any other education abroad questions! To schedule an advising appointment outside of drop-in advising hours or to meet virtually, email iegi@binghamton.edu.

Meet with an Academic Advisor 

Watson students should talk with an academic advisor in the Watson College Advising Office early on, in their first year if possible, about their interest in studying abroad. Topics you could plan to discuss include:

  • Determine the best possible time(s) for you to study abroad
  • Discuss which of your degree requirements should or should not be taken abroad
  • If you’ve already found an education abroad program you’re interested in, bring course descriptions and syllabi with you, if available.

Review Financial Aid and Scholarships Information

  • Federal and New York state financial aid may be applied to the costs of Binghamton and other SUNY education abroad programs, if eligible. Visit Financial Aid for Education Abroad for more information.
  • There are many scholarships available that are specially designated for education abroad programs. Some are based purely on merit, while others consider merit but are based on financial need. Visit IEGI’s Scholarships page for more information.