Imagine boarding a plane and landing not only in a new country, but in a new learning opportunity, designed to offer a global perspective on classroom courses. Students in Fairfield University’s School of Engineering can do exactly that when they choose from one of two programs offered by Global Fairfield.

“Fairfield University is thrilled about offering a unique study abroad program that can lead into an articulated fiveyear international MS degree,” said Jessica Teri, assistant dean for undergraduate studies at the School of Engineering. “These learning opportunities optimize the international setting and bring an elevated, global understanding to a student’s undergraduate experience.”

Offering undergraduate students opportunities to become globally aware leaders through international travel, Global Fairfield allows engineering students to choose from specially tailored programs designed to expand their horizons in engineering education.

In the fall semester of junior year, students can study select courses in either mechanical or biomedical engineering at Fairfield’s partner institution, the prestigious National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG). Coursework in this Galway program is primarily focused on engineering courses and is accompanied by core or elective courses.

According to Assistant Dean Teri, students who complete the Galway program as undergraduates become eligible for graduate admission consideration. “Successful completion of the undergraduate semester of study in biomedical engineering will allow for assessment by NUIG for a conditional admission into their one-year master’s in biomedical engineering program — a top-ranked program,” she noted.

While the semester-long study abroad program in Galway is in its third year, engineering students also have a new option to pursue their studies in Spain. “Anticipated to launch in the academic year 2022-23, is the mechanical or electrical engineering semester abroad program with IQS School of Engineering at Universitat Ramon Llull, a Jesuit institution in Barcelona,” Teri said. “This program has been custom-built between the Fairfield University and IQS engineering schools. Students in this program will enroll in a prescribed curriculum based on their major field of study.”

Fairfield juniors who attend IQS can choose from either electrical or mechanical engineering tracks for a fall semester experience.

According to Teri, study abroad opportunities available to engineering students have real-world benefits that extend far beyond the undergraduate experience. “Many engineering students find it very difficult to study offcampus for a semester because of the rigorous and lockstep nature of their academic schedule,” she said. “The School of Engineering and Global Fairfield believe that incorporating an international study-abroad experience while an undergrad will benefit them both professionally and personally.”

In addition to the semester-long study abroad experiences, there are also short-term options available during winter or summer breaks for students to earn core or elective credit.

For more information, visit fairfield.edu/globalfairfield.