INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Expand your global horizons
Gain firsthand experience with current engineering globalization issues.
Participate in an exchange program for an excellent opportunity for you to learn from peers and faculty in other countries.
Fall Semester Exchange
Spring Semester Exchange
USC application available
December 1
August 1
USC application due
February 28
September 10
Decisions from USC
Mid- March
Early to mid-September
Applications to partner schools due
Mid- to late March
Mid- to late September
Decisions from partner schools
NUS: Mid-June
HKUST: Mid-April
NUS: Mid-November
HKUST: Mid-October
Benefits of Exchange Programs
- Study at top universities around the world
- A full semester living & studying abroad
- Pursue academic work that compliments your major
- Gain a deeper understanding of a new culture
- Become fully-integrated into the culture and lifestyle of the host institution
Eligibility Requirements
To participate in this undergraduate program, you must:
2.8
GPA
Viterbi
Student in
Good
Academic
Standing
Completed
at least
2+
Semesters at
USC
*Viterbi students are not eligible to apply to study abroad for their last semester
Academic
Integrity
Violations
The program is based on an even exchange of students between USC and the partner school, therefore openings to all sites are contingent upon the partner school sending students to USC. Some sites may not be available during certain semesters.
Supporting Materials
A copy of your current resume. (PDFs are preferred.)
Name and email address of your recommender, preferably a Viterbi faculty or staff member.
Answers to application questions
Recommendations
Recommendation letter are due no later than one day after the application deadline.
Your recommender will receive an email with directions on submitting a recommendation electronically. Be certain to confirm that they will serve as your recommender before submitting their contact information.
Important Note:
The University is currently reviewing how it will proceed with international programs for spring 2022 given the current situation with COVID-19. This trip is dependent on USC, Viterbi and partner university guidelines. The Viterbi School of Engineering and the University of Southern California both reserve the right to postpone or cancel this program at any time.
Application Questions
You will need to submit answers the following questions in the application. Answers should be no more than 250 words in length.
- Why are you interested in the International Exchange Program? How have you prepared for this experience, and how will it contribute to your personal and professional goals?
- Explain why you chose the exchange university that you did. How did you arrive at your decision?
- What are your expectations for your experience as an exchange student? What opportunities are you looking forward to, and what challenges are you anticipating? How will you take full advantage of those opportunities? How will you address the challenges you face?
- Why do you feel that you are an ideal candidate for this program?
Tips on Answering Application Questions
Keep in mind that we are looking for students with a clearly demonstrated interest in studying abroad.
Keep your answers concise.
Write your answers in advance and then copy/paste them into the application.
Welcome international exchange students! Please follow the links below for important information regarding your studies at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering.
About USC
USC is one of the leading private research universities in the U.S. and the world. An anchor institution in Los Angeles, a global center for arts, technology and international trade, USC enrolls more international students than any other U.S. university and offers extensive opportunities for internships and study abroad. With a strong tradition of integrating liberal and professional education, USC fosters a vibrant culture of public service and encourages students to cross academic as well as geographic boundaries in their pursuit of knowledge. Our alumni are the leaders of industry and commerce, pioneers in engineering and medicine, and producers of fine art, great music, and many of the most popular films ever produced.
About the Viterbi School of Engineering
The USC Viterbi School of Engineering is comprised of eight academic departments and several programs serving approximately 2700 undergraduate and 4200 graduate students. Viterbi students enjoy state-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms, and live Internet broadcast systems. Of its 185 tenured and tenure-track faculty, 37 are members of the National Academy of Engineering and many have won National Science Foundation CAREER Grants.
The school’s unique undergraduate and graduate programs lead to the bachelor of science, master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees in engineering; extend the frontiers of engineering knowledge; stimulate and encourage in students qualities of scholarship, leadership, and character; serve the city, the state, the nation and the world by providing for the continuing education of engineers; and offer professional engineering leadership training toward the solution of community, regional, national and global problems.
