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MECHANICAL ENGINEERING


The Department of Mechanical Engineering supports study abroad and encourages it for all interested students. Often, students find some of the softer skills of engineering more easily found overseas: communication, ethics and problem-solving–along with research opportunities for more hands-on experience.

Any Mechanical Engineering major interested in studying abroad should discuss this with their academic advisor as soon as possible. In addition to your academic advisor, you should discuss with the study abroad advisor in ME, Prof. James O’Brien, who is familiar with the ME curriculum and can help you make an informed decision for your time abroad. 

Specific things to consider: 

  • Mechanical Engineers are encouraged to study abroad during the spring of junior year.
  •  with the Office of Education Abroad process to guide you through program selection, approval and application. 

Search the OEA Course Approval History database to select from more than 3,000 study abroad courses that have already been pre-approved for liberal education requirements and a growing list of technical courses.

The Course Approval History database is not all-inclusive and students can work with an OEA advisor to submit additional courses for review.

Don't forget - COE has a list of policies and limitations specifically focused on study abroad. Make sure you're aware of these as you plan your overseas experience.

Students are encouraged to study abroad during a semester that fits them best academically. In the past, this has typically been the Spring semester of Junior year, however, we encourage you to talk to Prof. O’Brien and your academic advisor to make sure this timeframe fits your needs. If you wish to go abroad in the Summer, please consult with your academic advisor about the best coursework for you to take.

Study abroad opportunities are not limited to formal instruction. Consider taking advantage of the unique research, internship, and fieldwork opportunities available in different regions of the world. This not only expands your personal and professional network but gives you critical intercultural skills as well as direct hands-on experience.


  • MEEN20070 Materials Science and Eng. I = VU ME 3300
  • Students can enroll in up to 5 additional classes at UCD - use the and the OEA Course Approval History Database to view other possible enrollment options. 

  • MACE12002 - Materials 1 = Villanova  ME 3300 - Materials Science I
  • MACE11012 - Manufacturing Engineering 1 = ME 3333 - Manufacturing Engineering
  • The total enrollment for the semester in Manchester is 60 credits. Students typically enroll in 2-3 additional classes during the spring semester - use the and the OEA Course Approval History Database to view other possible enrollment options. 

  • MATS3001  = VU ME3300
  • Students typically enroll in 3 additional classes during the semester. One during an intensive course period in January (SUMMER term), and two additional classes in Teaching Period 1 (Term 1). 
  • use the and the OEA Course Approval History Database to view other possible enrollment options. 


*Students must have above a 3.3 GPA to apply 

  • MEU33B07 Manufacturing Technology & Systems = VU ME 3333
  • EEU33E03 Probability and Statistics = STAT 4310
  • Students typically enroll in 3-4 additional classes at Trinity College Dublin. 
  • use the and the OEA Course Approval History Database to view other possible enrollment options. 

Students must have a 3.0 GPA to apply for this program

  • 14200/13495/13986 Statistics = VU STAT 5700 (taught at Carlos III)
  • 15541 Materials Science and Engineering = VU ME 3300 (taught at Carlos III)
  • 14763 Production and Manufacturing = VU ME 3333 (taught at Carlos III)
  •  Students who enroll in both the Materials and the Manufacturing course also receive 1 credit for ME3900 as long as both classes are passed with a 'C' or better
  • Students typically enroll in 2-3 additional classes at either IES Abroad or Carlos III, including the required Spanish language course

Looking for more? 
If a program is not listed above, it does not limit your eligibility to study abroad. Perhaps you're looking for something different, something non-chemistry? Visit  to discover other programs.

Course Approval Database 
Students should consult with the OEA Course Approval Database to view a full list of pre-approved courses for most programs.  The Course Approval Database may not contain updated/new courses and students may need to submit additional courses for review and approval. Programs and universities are continually updating course offerings so and the program’s website will list the most accurate course offerings for the planned term abroad. 

Students can apply for . If a VU program doesn't meet your academic needs or interests, students may choose to apply for a Partner Program over the summer.  Partner Programs must be at least 3 weeks long. 

Looking for more? 

If a program is not listed above, it does not limit your eligibility to study abroad. Perhaps you're looking for an internship opportunity or something non-chemistry-related. Visit and explore other opportunities.  

Course Approval Database 
Students should consult with the  OEA Course Approval Database â€¯to view a full list of pre-approved courses for most programs.  The Course Approval Database may not contain updated/new courses and students may need to submit additional courses for review and approval. Programs and universities are continually updating course offerings so and the program’s website will list the most accurate course offerings for the planned term abroad.   

It is important to plan ahead as it is not uncommon for scholarship deadlines to occur much earlier than a Villanova or program application deadlines.

There are many scholarships available for students through °ÄÃŶþ·Ö²Ê, our partner programs and other external sources, like the US Government. The OEA can help students with the scholarship search and application process. If a scholarship is found outside of the OEA scholarship page, students should have it reviewed by the OEA to determine if it is a viable option.

Browse the scholarships opportunties found on the OEA website.

Office of Education Abroad

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Top Floor, Garey Hall
800 Lancaster Avenue
Villanova, PA 19085