School of Neuroscience Study Abroad
Have you ever thought about how neurological diseases might be perceived and treated differently in other countries? Or what neuroscience technology research is being done abroad? Studying abroad is a great opportunity for you to learn about the world and your field of study while earning credit toward your degree. You can learn new skills and strengthen competencies (for example, learning how to communicate effectively in another culture and how to handle ambiguous situations). This valuable development can help you with your professional, academic, and personal goals.
Resources:
- Neuroscience study abroad course equivalencies: See how courses may be applicable to your degree.
- Sample plans of study with a semester abroad (CNEU, CBNU, CSNU, EXPN): See how study abroad can fit into your graduation plan.
- Study abroad planning worksheet: Compare programs and access curricular resources.
Program highlights
There are many programs available to Neuroscience students. Visit the Global Education Office for opportunities and details. Below are a few recommended programs to get you started.
VT Faculty-Led: Global Perspectives in Neuroscience and Medicine
Term: Summer I
Location: Riva San Vitale, Switzerland
VT Partner Program: DIS Study Abroad in Copenhagen
Term: Year, Fall, Spring, Summer
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen consistently tops surveys of the world’s best places to live, and hits the sweet spot between a relaxed, village-like atmosphere and a vibrant big city vibe. DIS has several neuroscience course options. The curriculum is enriched by experiential learning components, including faculty-led study tours and research opportunities. Students can participate in cultural engagement opportunities like homestays, joining local clubs, and attending seminars.
VT Partner Program: DIS Study Abroad in Stockholm
Term: Year, Fall, Spring, Summer
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Famous for its progressive stance on equality and human rights, Stockholm offers you the perfect balance of history and modern living in serene surroundings. DIS has several neuroscience course options. The curriculum is enriched by experiential learning components, including faculty-led study tours and research opportunities. Students can participate in cultural engagement opportunities like homestays, joining local clubs, and attending seminars.
Study biological, social, and medical sciences in a friendly and vibrant location with the support of an on-site resident director. The program offers volunteer opportunities in fields like marketing, counseling, medicine, psychology, and more.
VT Exchange or Direct Enroll: University of New South Wales
Term: Year, Fall, Spring
Location: Sydney, Australia
UNSW is one of Australia's leading research and teaching universities with a focus on the scientific, technological and professional disciplines. The campus is located near beaches, downtown, and public transportation, allowing students to take advantage of everything Sydney has to offer.
Young and research intensive, NTU Singapore is ranked among the world’s top universities. The beautiful and sustainable campus is not far from the center of Singapore, which is one of the busiest ports in the world and a hub for exploring Southeast Asia.
University of Dundee offers some of the most cutting-edge advancements in teaching technology, world-leading research, state-of-the-art gym facilities, and an environmentally-friendly green campus. The university offers coursework in neuroscience, biological and biomedical sciences, psychology, and more.
VT Exchange: TUM PREP (Practical Research Experience Program)
Term: Summer
Location: Munich, Germany
Students will gain valuable insights into research work and enhance their technical and methodological qualifications. Together with TUM scientists, students work in small research teams on a previously defined research project. Prior research topics include human robotics, neurophysiology of leadership, and brain stimulation.
Students will explore hypothesis-driven research, investigate the role of literature exploration in the development of the research hypothesis and research plan, learn to work collaboratively with other group members, and present and write about their research. Prior research topics include disease-causing proteins in motor function, neuroprotective strategies, and exploring neurodiversity.
Some general recommendations:
- Start planning for your study abroad experience at least a year in advance. Contact your academic advisor to understand program requirements and plan which courses to take before/during/after your program. You can also use the plans of study and planning worksheet found above.
- If you're pre-health, consider that prerequisites should be taken in the U.S. (see Health Professions Advising for further details).
- Not sure about when to study abroad? Most students study abroad during their junior year, but that’s not required. It depends on your program of interest, completed/intended coursework, and personal/academic/professional commitments. Discuss this with your academic advisor. Refer to the plans of study above for your major for a starting point when planning.
- Don't limit yourself to one program or one destination! Consider multiple options to choose the best program for you.
Academic credit:
If you're participating in a program that is NOT VT faculty-led, you will transfer your credit back to VT.
- If you are on academic suspension, you may not take courses for transfer.
- Credit hours transfer; grades do not (a grade of C or higher is required to earn transfer credit).
- A limited number of credit hours may be transferred (see the undergraduate catalog for details).
- The Global Education Office requires that students complete the Authorization to Take Courses Abroad form.
- Start this process early so that you can research classes, request syllabi evaluation at VT, receive approval, and understand how your credit will transfer.
- Following your program, request that your official transcript be sent to the Global Education Office.
Student Spotlight
Spruha Rami
TUM PREP (Practical Research Experience Program), Germany
Summer 2023
I studied abroad because it gave me a chance to explore academia in a completely different country and allowed me to forge lifelong international relationships that I wouldn't have gotten otherwise. I was also able to try out clinical research to see if it is something I wanted to pursue in the future.
I always thought I wouldn't be able to afford going abroad, but not only was the program affordable, the Global Education Office is especially accommodating when it came to securing finances and even obtaining scholarships.
I met some of the most driven people during my time doing research. The way they approached and thought about science really opened my eyes and changed the way I thought about the research I've done so far. Neuroscience really is a growing field right now, and there is so much that we just don't know yet. To me, it is both daunting and really exciting! The frustration of trying out different solutions to a problem is a pretty universal one, especially in research. But being able to provide a new perspective to a problem that your lab colleagues are having was really the greatest feeling to me and it made me appreciate scientific collaboration even more.
Taylor Paterniti
University of Kent Exchange Program, United Kingdom
Spring 2023
I enjoyed that every weekend I was seeing new things. Even if that meant I was discovering a new section of my town square, exploring castles, or hopping on a bus at 5am to go to a new city. Every week I had a new adventure, met new people, and learned something new.
I learned that traveling for me isn't about the places I go, the castles I see, or the food I eat. I learned very quickly that traveling is all about the people you go with and the people you meet along the way. The laughs you share, the intense debates you have, and the wisdom you obtain. It doesn't matter where you are because all that counts is who you get to experience it with.
Mariana Pava
Global Perspectives in Neuroscience and Medicine, Switzerland, Netherlands, Italy
Summer 2023
While abroad, I learned just how powerful curiosity is. Neuroscience is rooted in stubborn curiosity. A question becomes years of research and experimentation in search for not just one answer but many. I learned that I need to tap into my curiosity more often instead of less. Thinking creatively with a child-like imagination can lead to a great discovery.
The main challenge I faced while abroad was maintaining self-efficacy. The projects and assignments required mental work and academic skills I was not certain I had. It was through talking with the other students and the professors that I gained a sense of confidence. Other students faced the same insecurities, though we perceived each other as amazing and intelligent individuals. Our group managed to lift each other up through recognition and appreciation for each other's academic talents.
The most memorable thing that happened was making lifelong friends. I met other students who care so much about neuroscience. The deep discussions that sounded like work but felt like fun made the trip more magical than it already was.
