Study Abroad

Study Abroad Process

CECS majors interested in study abroad are encouraged to review programs listed on this page. They are developed and vetted to ensure students can progress in their degrees and maintain their expected graduation timeline.

The below information specifically relates the CECS Exchange programs, other program types have different processes and policies.

Students should review the general information for the listed programs as found on the UCF Study Abroad website. Best fit majors are listed based on course evaluations conducted. Students are encouraged to review all possible programs of interest and cross-reference the CECS Course Equivalency Database. Program selection is based on three primary pillars:

1. Geography – Selecting the right country or region based on desired cultural experience, prior travel, and global considerations.
2. Academics – Basic availability to fulfill academic requirements as well as desired areas of specialization.
3. Budget – Best fit for current budget with consideration of unaccounted for budget items such as additional travel, entertainment, gifts, etc.

The Study Abroad lifecycle can be broken down into 4 Phases.

• Phase 1: Application

  Students must meet with the International Engineering program manager to be considered for any CECS Exchange program. There are typically three meetings that each last one hour. During these meetings the student progresses through information gathering, comparative analysis, and ultimately selection.

• Phase 2: Pre-departure and Arrival

  During this phase students will apply and be accepted by the host institution, connect with other UCF student going abroad, and finalize their logistical plans.

  Additionally, students will formalize their academic schedules prior to departure and then again during the add/drop period of the host institution once in country. Any changes must be approved by the International Engineering advisor.

• Phase 3: Study Abroad

  This phase is what all the work is for! This is when the student will be fully engaged with their academic and cultural experiences. Minimal but regular communication is done at this point, students are balancing their courses, travel, and engaging in cultural and social events. Students are encouraged to reach out as needed and ensure there is a focus on academic performance and success.

• Phase 4: Return Planning and Post-abroad Debrief

  Students will typically plan and enroll in courses for their return semester while abroad. Depending on the country and semester, the time for planning will be in the middle or end of your abroad timeline. Students will work with the International Engineering advisor to ensure that they are enrolled appropriately in their return courses.

  Once the student returns to the US there is a debriefing meeting to discuss student experience, recommendations for future students, and continued ways to support and improve the International Engineering program. Returning students are encouraged to participate in recruiting the next cohort of travelers, sharing their experience.

Program Types

Reciprocal Exchange Agreements: Generally referred to as Exchanges allow students to access their financial aid through paying only UCF Tuition while attending a university abroad. Exchange programs are developed through formal agreements and have strong curriculum offerings and are usually full semester (fall or spring).

Global Centers/Faculty-led: These short-term programs offer one or two courses, usually in the summer or during semester breaks. Because these programs are developed through UCF Abroad and are taught by UCF faculty, students can leverage their financial aid to support participation.

Third Party/Partner Programs: Found on the UCF Abroad website, these opportunities are diverse and extend to nearly all corners of the globe and during all semesters. While these programs offer the maximum coverage, their limitations are typically related to academic offering and cost. Students pursuing these are encouraged to “shop” around and find the best fit.

Minimum Eligibility Criteria

These are the general eligibility criteria for CECS Exchange programs. Faculty-led and UCF Center programs typically have different criteria, be sure to check the program pages linked below for specific program information.

• UCF GPA: 3.00 cumulative or higher.
• Must be a CECS, Data Science, or Photonics major with completed prerequisite courses (no pending status) by time of participation.
• Must be in good standing (academic, conduct and financial) with UCF.
• Must be a junior or senior at the time of participation.
• Students senior design ready will not be approved for study abroad exchanges.

CECS Exchanges

Exchange programs are added and removed based on agreement status. Majors listed are “best fit” and this can change depending on institutional offerings. Students are encouraged to utilize the majors tag as a starting point, not a guarantee.

UCF Global Centers

The UCF Global Centers provide students the ability to experience living and learning abroad and gaining multi-cultural experience, while earning credit toward your degree with other UCF students. High quality courses with geographically relevant integrated learning experiences taught by hand selected UCF Faculty.

UCF Barcelona Center – Summer 2025

Program Page: studyabroad.ucf.edu

UCF Costa Rica Center – Summer 2025

Program Page: studyabroad.ucf.edu

Information Sessions

Learn about UCF Global Centers and meet the CECS Faculty offering courses in Summer 2025.

Short Term

International Research Experiences for Students (IRES) – Summer 2025

• Various Cities, South Korea
• Program Page
• Faculty: Dr. Hyoung Jin Cho
• Application Status: Closed