“Computer science is becoming an increasingly global field and international experience is a definite plus for computer science majors."
Phillip Barry, Instructor and Education Specialist, Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Academic Planning
Fulfill Requirements
Review your program requirements from the Department of Computer Science & Engineering before beginning your study abroad program research. Be sure to work with your Computer Science department adviser to make sure that your courses integrate well into the computer science major. Schedule an appointment with your adviser(s) to discuss courses you plan to take abroad and your degree plan.
Best Time to Go Abroad
There is no “best” time for everyone, although computer science majors often find that studying abroad during their second-semester junior year is a good time to go. Second-semester sophomore year and first-semester senior year are also good options.
Major Requirements
- Meet with your computer science adviser as soon as you begin exploring study abroad. Once you have narrowed your program choices, bring your Academic Planning Form and the course descriptions to discuss how to fulfill your program requirements.
- You will most likely focus your search on universities with STEM/CSCI departments that offer coursework in English (whether the locally spoken language is English). You are not required to take technical coursework in English. However, if you are eligible and comfortable taking coursework in another language, you certainly can.
- To have new courses reviewed for equivalencies, start by talking with your computer science departmental adviser.
- The Department of Computer Science has started using the U-Credit Abroad Search to store major/minor requirements. You may search for equivalencies approved for your requirements.
Liberal Education Requirements
It is strongly encouraged that students diversify their courses taken abroad by integrating liberal education courses into their experience. You can fulfill many liberal education requirements while abroad. Consult the U-Credit Abroad database for more information.
CLA Liberal Arts Requirements
- Courses taken abroad for the CLA Language Requirement must be at least 4 credits. CLA college advisers can approve courses that are clearly identified in a syllabus or online course description as first-, second-, third-, or fourth-semester language courses. If the course level is not explicitly stated, you must work with your CLA adviser to have the course evaluated by the appropriate language department. Computer science advisers cannot approve these courses.
- This is an opportunity to take upper-level coursework outside of your major, as required by your degree.
Scholarship Opportunities
CLA students can apply for CLA Study Abroad Scholarships in addition to other Learning Abroad Center scholarships.
Programs
Africa and the Middle East
South Africa
University of Cape Town (available through IES South Africa)
- Experience South African culture firsthand while learning alongside South African students. The University of Cape Town is South Africa’s oldest university and is one of Africa’s leading teaching and research institutions.
- A wide variety of courses available in English through the Department of Computer Science.
- Semester, academic year, and calendar year terms available.
United Arab Emirates
American University of Sharjah (available through ISEP United Arab Emirates)
- Sharjah is the third-largest emirate of the seven that comprise the country and has been deemed the cultural capital of the UAE
- The total student enrollment is approximately 6,000 students, with a total of 372 full-time faculty. 26% of the student population is Emirati, with over 100 nationalities represented among the student population
- AUS has opportunities to learn artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, data science, virtual reality, cloud computing, cyber physical systems, cybersecurity, Internet of Things and mobile computing. AUS’s program and course offerings in computer science prepare students to meet the challenges of the future
Asia and Oceania
Australia
James Cook University (available through IFSA Australia)
- James Cook University’s location in tropical northern Queensland offers proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, rainforest, and the outback.
- You can take a wide variety of computer science courses such as programming and database modelling.
- Semester, academic year, and calendar year terms available.
University Study in Australia: University of Sydney
- Study at the University of Sydney—one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Modern laboratories and internship opportunities available.
- Enroll in a wide variety of computer science electives including “Programming Languages and Paradigms” and “Analysis and Design of Web Info Systems.”
- Semester, academic year, calendar year and summer terms available.
New Zealand
University Study in New Zealand: University of Auckland
- Study at a diverse, urban university with a reputation for excellence in the sciences and research in Auckland—New Zealand's largest city.
- You can enroll in a wide range of computer science courses.
- Semester, academic year, and calendar year terms available.
South Korea
University Study in South Korea: Korea University
- Korea University offers the opportunity to study alongside Korean and international students in the rising metropolis of Seoul.
- KU has several courses taught in English in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.
- No language prerequisite; Semester, academic year, calendar year, and summer terms available.
Europe
Czechia
IFSA Tech Accelerator (available through IFSA Czechia)
- Designed to take advantage of Prague’s vibrant tech ecosystem and help students develop key professional skills.
- Academics include database management, AI, data security, machine learning, and software engineering.
- Computer science courses that devote time to the understanding and application of tools and languages companies are using today, such as SQL, Git, Python, UML, and more.
- Opportunities for company visits, panel discussions, expert talks, and networking events.
- Optional internships to provide ;students with hands-on experience in the tech sector.
- Another option: IFSA Tech Career Accelerator Plus. It’s the same specialized program, with the option to add a class at a Prague university.
Denmark
Study Abroad in Denmark and Summer in Denmark & Sweden
- Take courses in a wide variety of disciplines with Europe as your classroom. Participate in coursework, field study, and study tours taught in English.
- Choose from a range of course options to fulfill computer science electives: "Game Development: Programming and Practice" or "Artificial Neural Networks and Deep Learning", in addition to "Artificial Intelligence", "Computational Analysis of Big Data", "Game Development Lab" and other rotating courses.
- No language prerequisite; semester, academic year, and summer terms available.
Finland
University of Jyväskylä (offered through ISEP Finland)
- Known as the land of a thousand lakes, the midnight sun and the Northern Lights, Finland is famous for its natural beauty
- As a world leader in technology, Finland has one of the highest standards of living in the world and a strongly developed democracy and economy
- The University of Jyväskylä is renowned for its comprehensive computer science programs, offering courses in emerging fields such as information systems, cognitive computing, collective intelligence and cybersecurity. Students can gain exposure to the latest trends and technologies, enhancing their academic and professional skills.
- No language prerequisite; most courses in Computer Science, especially upper-level courses, are offered in English.
France
- Take STEM courses in English or French at the prestigious University of Montpellier Polytech alongside French and international students.
- You can take a wide variety of computer science courses through the Department of Computer Science and Management.
- No language prerequisite although students with four semesters of college-level French can take classes in French; semester, academic year, and summer terms available.
Greece
American College of Thessaloniki (ACT) (available through ISEP Greece)
- A lively college town, Thessaloniki is a fun learning environment with a charming waterfront, interesting neighborhoods, delicious cuisine, and great cycling.
- ACT's comprehensive business curriculum offers courses in computer science, business computing, psychology, and international business.
- While Greek is the official language, ACT is an English-speaking University, so all instruction is in English. There are no language prerequisites.
Ireland
University Study in Ireland: University of Limerick
- Located in western Ireland on the banks of the Shannon River, The University of Limerick is known for its innovation and excellence in the sciences.
- The University has extensive course offerings in computer science including pre-approved course equivalencies through the U-Credit Abroad Database to fulfill major requirements.
- Semester, academic year, and summer terms available.
Spain
- The program is offered in partnership with the prestigious Fundación Ortega–Marañón in Madrid and the University of Minnesota. The Foundation is located in a central part of Madrid, from where you can easily catch public transportation to any other part of the city.
- Four Computer Science courses are offered at the UMN center with direct equivalencies to UMN computer science courses (Introduction to AI, Program Design & Development, Algorithms & Data Structures, and Programming Interactive Computer Games & Graphics). Students may also take English-taught computer science courses at Carlos III de Madrid for an additional charge.
- Internships available in the following areas: Algorithms and Databases, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Blockchain Application Development
- Semester, academic year, and summer terms available.
Sweden
Study Abroad in Sweden and Summer in Denmark & Sweden
- Take courses in a wide variety of disciplines with Europe as your classroom. Participate in coursework, field study, and study tours taught in English.
- Choose from a range of course options to fulfill computer science electives: Choose from a range of course options to fulfill computer science electives: "App Development”, “Artificial Intelligence”, “Data Visualization”, and “Machine Learning”,
- No language prerequisite; semester, academic year, and summer terms available.
United Kingdom
University Study in the United Kingdom: University of Glasgow
- Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow consistently ranks as one of the UK's most highly-rated schools.
- You can take several classes in computing science including electives in programming and software engineering.
- Semester and academic year terms available
- The International Summer School at the University of Glasgow offers a number of different courses to choose from including mathematics and a calculus-based introductory level physics with a lab component. Note: summer courses may change from year to year. Consult Glasgow’s website for updated listings.
- A STEM research program may be available during the summer.
Additional Options to Consider
- 3-week, 3-credit programs at the 3000-level led by University of Minnesota faculty and staff over winter break or May session.
- Explore an exciting location and topic, Fulfill Liberal Education requirements, or earn major/minor credit.
- Combine on-campus instruction during the spring semester with a study abroad component during spring break, on a 3 credits, 1xxx level Seminar.
- Freshman Seminars Abroad are designed specifically for first-year students as an introduction to study abroad, an opportunity to explore an exciting location and topic, and likely fulfill a liberal education requirement.
- Check out additional LAC Instructor-led Seminars that might run over winter break, spring break, May, and summer sessions. They vary in length, dates, and content so students can find one that best fits their academic and professional goals.
- Begin your language study or work toward completing requirements for a language minor.
- Complete a semester of language on a short-term program or explore options to complete two or more semesters of language on semester-long program.