The flexibility of the Arch offers students the opportunity to pursue international activities such as research, study abroad, volunteer service and internships (international internships coordinated in cooperation with the Center for Career and Professional Development, CCPD). Both affiliated exchanges and non-affiliated programs are available during the Semester Away. Students who participate in affiliated study abroad will pay regular Rensselaer tuition and may use one of their eight semesters of Rensselaer financial aid, subject to eligibility. The Office of International Programs (OIP) will support students in their search for a suitable opportunity during both regular semesters and the Semester Away. Please see list below for possible study abroad and international research, volunteer and funding opportunities.
International students must carefully consider the immigration implications of their semester choices. If you are an international student, please discuss your options with ISSS in coordination with the offices involved in approving your experience.
Semester Away Study Abroad
Students who wish to study abroad during the Semester Away may participate either in an affiliated exchange or a non-affiliated study abroad program. Students who participate in an affiliated exchange will pay regular Rensselaer tuition and may use one of their eight semesters of Rensselaer aid, subject to eligibility. Students are advised to discuss their plans with the Financial Aid Office.
Students may transfer credit earned through non-affiliated study abroad towards the Rensselaer degree, subject to course approval and transfer credit restrictions.
It is important to check the calendar of the study abroad or exchange program as some overlap with the Arch summer. Most affiliated exchange programs that are offered during the spring semester overlap with the start of the ARCH summer term, as do a handful of fall exchanges. Students who wish to participate in one of these programs will need to apply for an ARCH exemption. Please discuss your plans with the OIP staff.
During the spring semester prior to the Arch summer, the only available affiliated exchanges that do not overlap with the ARCH summer term are:
Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
Hanken School of Economics
Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
WHU-Otto Beisheim School of Management
All other spring exchanges have end dates that conflict with the start of the Arch summer.
During the fall semester following the Arch summer, the following programs begin while the ARCH summer term is still in session:
Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
Queensland University of Technology
Click here for a complete list of affiliated exchange programs.
Semester Away International Research - Affiliated Institutions
Research opportunities are available at the Technical University of Dresden (TUD), and may be possible at other affiliated partner instutions. These non-credit experiences will allow students to gain valuable research experience in a wide variety of scientific fields. Please click below for additional information about opportunies at TUD. For information about other possible affiliated research opportunities, please contact OIP staff.
The TUD Internship Program offers student the opportunity to gain cutting-edge research experience in a wide variety of scientific fields. Participants will work in a state of the-art laboratory under the guidance of leading TUD Scientists. A stipend is offered for this experience.
>> Apply nowSemester Away International Research & Volunteering - Non-Affiliated Institutions
Students may pursue research or volunteer opportunities at non-affiliated institutions worldwide. Please note that Rensselaer has no formal affiliation with non-affiliated universities/organizations. Students are highly encouraged to seek information about and check references for any opportunity that they wish to pursue.
Semester Away Program Approval & Application Process
All international Semester Away experiences must be approved by the Office of International Programs (or CCPD in the case of international co-ops). Students must undertake at least the equivalent of 6 credit hours of research, study, etc. over the course of the semester in order to remain enrolled at Rensselaer during the semester away.
>> Apply nowSemester Away Program Costs
Students will be responsible for all program costs related to their chosen Semester Away international experience. Non-credit research opportunities at affiliated institutions will not have a tuition charge, but students will be expected to pay for their own travel and living expenses. Students who participate in regular affiliated exchange programs will pay Rensselaer tuition and may use one of their eight semesters of financial aid, subject to eligibility. Please direct all financial aid questions to the Office of Financial Aid. Important: students should not pay deposits or program fees to any program provider until the experience has been approved by Rensselaer.
Possible Study Abroad, International Research, Volunteer and Funding Opportunities
Please click the link below to view possible study abroad and international research, volunteer and funding opportunities that may be good options for the Semester Away of the Arch.
Please note:
- Some opportunities are for U.S. citizens or permanent residents only
- Some opportunities are for summer programs – you are encouraged to contact the sponsoring organizations to inquire about possible opportunities during the academic year
- While some opportunities are funded, others require a program fee
- Carefully review the website for each program to determine eligibility criteria and financial details
