Study Computer Science Abroad

If you're a STEM or computer science major, you may think that studying abroad isn't an option for you. Think again!

Fortunately, there's a number of computer science study abroad programs in countries around the world. From popular study abroad countries like Germany and the U.K., to emerging destinations like Singapore and Hong Kong, computer science majors are absolutely able to spend a summer, semester, or year studying computer science abroad.

Additionally, there are programs specifically designed for non-CS majors to get hands-on experience in this increasingly popular field as well.

You have quite a few diverse locations if you’re searching to study abroad in one of the world’s best computer science universities.

Europe

University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University College London, and University of Edinburgh, all in the U.K., are in the top 100 universities for computer science on U.S. News’ rankings. Joining them on the list are Switzerland’s ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology), plus Aalto University in Finland.

Asia

If Asia is the “Apple” of your eye, the following universities are also top-notch: University of Tokyo and Tokyo Institute of Technology in Japan and China’s Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, University of Hong Kong, Peking University, and Tsinghua University, plus Nanyang Technological University and National University of Singapore, as well as Seoul National University in South Korea.

Oceania

There are several higher education institutions in Australia that are worth considering for computer science studies abroad. The University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, University of Adelaide, University of Melbourne, and Australia National University all rank in the top 50 universities for computer science.

How to Choose a Computer Science Study Abroad Program

Location is a pretty important factor in deciding where you want to study abroad. Not only for the fun outside the classroom but also for the academic credit. It's important to make sure the computer science, coding, and IT courses you're taking will transfer to your home university.

When you go is also important. You might choose to go earlier (think Sophomore year or beginning of Junior year) so that you can take the upper-division, more difficult courses at home.

Remember, you don’t necessarily have to get course credit for your major while abroad! If you plan in advance, you can do most of your CS requirements at your home college and use time abroad to fulfill more general education requirements. Another potential idea is to utilize all of those online CS course offerings, too, which you might like to take on the side while you are abroad. A summer session is also a great option if you want to get abroad without worrying about your requirements.

But keep in mind your other interests as well--study abroad is the perfect time to investigate your non-tech interests. If you have a passion for art, Roman history, or Chinese food, study abroad is a great opportunity to do something a little different. When choosing your study abroad destination, listen to your heart, not just your course catalog! This is your chance to see where the adventure leads you! Even for computer science majors, the best lessons come from outside the classroom.

Study abroad doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg, or even just your pinky toe! There are tons of funding opportunities to help you get abroad. Your home institution might offer major-specific scholarships as well, so be sure to check with the CS or IT department at your school!

• ESA Foundation offers a scholarship to women and minority students interested in pursuing careers in the video game industry.
• If you are studying Computer Science or IT, take a look at The Google's Technology Scholarships.
• Find over 40 Study Abroad Grants and Scholarships compiled on this list.

Contributed by Emma Cramer