Undergraduate

Global Engineering Education Exchange (GE3) Program

GE3 Logo

Global E3 is an international exchange program designed specifically for engineering students and administered by the Institute of International Education on behalf of participating universities. The Global E3 program provides opportunities for students at member institutions to receive academic credit for courses taken at overseas institutions, and practical training in a foreign setting for a summer, semester, or academic year. Students pay regular tuition to and maintain regular student status at their home campus.

Students are able to study in any country overseas where there is a participating Global E3 university. More than 50 universities are currently participating in most world regions and new member institutions in new countries are continuing to join the program. Some universities offer courses in English and students are also able to study in French, German, Spanish, and other languages. Language and culture preparation courses are available for some countries.

Enrollment and Courses

Students may select:

    • A full academic year of study.
    • One semester of study (Fall, Spring).
    • One study semester (Fall, usually) followed by a 3-6 month internship.

At some schools, but not all, Fall Semester coincides with our Fall Quarter. The Spring Semester typically starts in the middle of our Winter Quarter and goes through June.

Descriptions of majors and courses at each institution are available on the web along with information about living arrangements, orientation and advising services for incoming participants. Visit our office for additional information.

Program Costs

Students pay their normal tuition to the UW as well as a small processing fee, and incur only minimal fees to the overseas institution. Housing, meals, health insurance, and airfare costs are the responsibility of the students for the most part, with the host school helping to locate or provide housing. Intensive foreign language instruction in French, Spanish and German is provided in Europe at a modest additional cost for students needing to increase proficiency in these languages of instruction. Some scholarships are available for students who require financial assistance to participate. Internships can sometimes be paid positions, which will help offset living costs.

How to Apply

To apply, students must meet the following eligibility requirements:

    • Minimum grade point average: 3.0.
    • Academic level: Sophomore year completed.
    • Work Experience: Some prior experience is desirable for students requesting an internship.
    • Language requirement (non-English environments): Minimum 202 College Level language study (or equivalent) before departure.

Preliminary Interview: Interested students will meet with the campus representative in a preliminary interview to determine a candidate’s eligibility and review application requirements. It is recommended that planning begin one year prior to time of program placement.

Formal Application: About nine months prior to the planned departure, applicants must provide:

    • A completed Global E3 application form.
    • A brief essay in the language of instruction describing the goals to be achieved through participation in the program.
    • Demonstration of ability to fulfill host campus language requirements.
    • Transcript of grades.
    • One faculty recommendation.
    • Program of Studies Form.

Selection Process

The selection process is designed to ensure that candidates with good academic credentials and language ability will participate. Participants will be required to submit a report describing the impact of the exchange on their academic preparation for work in their field. In order to get an application please contact Priti Mody at (206) 543-4810 or primody@u.washington.edu.

Program Benefits

    • Credit for courses taken abroad.
    • Maintain regular student status at UW.
    • Practical experience through paid internships.
    • One-semester and one-year options.
    • Choose from countries in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
    • Courses in English as well as Spanish, French, German, or other languages.
    • Language and culture courses are available.
    • Tuition paid to home campus and financial aid is available.

Again, for more information on this program, please visit the Global E3 website.

Back to Top