CHEMICAL ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥
The Department of Chemical 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, intercultural competence, and problem-solving–along with research opportunities for more hands-on experience.
Any Chemical 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 Chemical Engineering, Dr. Dorothy Skaf, who is familiar with the curriculum and can help you make an informed decision for your time abroad.
- 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 Dr. Skaf and your academic advisor to ensure this timeframe fits your academic needs.
If you want 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.
Junior Year - Spring Semester
Note: Semester 1 in Australia runs from early February to mid-June.
You will enroll in four courses:
Chemical Engineering Modelling and Analysis (VU credit for ChE Applied Mathematics, CHE 3301)
Laboratory and Industrial Practice (VU credit for Unit Operations Lab 2, CHE 3402)
You will have the option to take Reaction Engineering (VU credit for Reactor Design, CHE 3202) if not already taken (typically Junior Fall).
Any other courses will fulfill elective requirements, including Ethics, Philosophy, Science, Humanities and CBE options. See Course Approval History Database for options (double check course availability with host university).
Changes to your schedule:
You will take Physical Chemistry for Engineers (CHM 3416) and Physical Chemistry Lab II (CHM 3402) during the Spring of your Senior year.
You can replace Reactor Design (CHE 3202) during your Junior Fall with an elective course and take Reaction Engineering in Sydney if you choose.
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-engineering-related. Visit and explore other opportunities.
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. 
It is important to plan ahead as it is not uncommon for scholarship deadlines to occur much earlier than a ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ or program application deadlines.
There are many scholarships available for students through ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ University, 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.