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Start Your ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech Journey Abroad

The First Semester Study Abroad program is an exciting option for students who are admitted to ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech and want to begin their college experience with an immersive, supported study-abroad semester—all while staying fully enrolled at ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech.

Program Overview

First Semester Study Abroad allows a small cohort of admitted ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech first-year students to spend their first semester abroad at one of our partner institutions. Despite beginning their studies at another institution, students are considered ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech students academically and administratively.

Highlights include:

• Begin your college experience with a built-in cohort and global experience
• Stay on track academically with ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech-approved coursework
• Receive consistent support from both the visiting university and ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech
• Travel and transition abroad as a group, with staff guidance

Eligibility Requirements

To participate in First Semester Study Abroad, students must:

• Be admitted to ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech (required before participation)
• Confirm intent to participate by the program deadline (to be provided)
• Complete all required pre-departure orientation steps (virtual and in-person)
• Be academically eligible based on major/course alignment (details provided by your advisor)
• Maintain good standing with program while abroad

Please note: Because this is a cohort-based experience with coordinated travel and enrollment steps, space is limited.

Costs and Billing

Students in the First Semester Study Abroad program:

• Pay ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech tuition (as outlined for the program)
• Pay ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech housing (as outlined for the program)
• Won’t directly pay expenses for the partner institution; ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech coordinates payment with the partner institution

How It Works

Students who take part in the First Semester Study Abroad Program are considered ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech students and will take part in normal first-year student activities before traveling to their partner institution.  

• Here is what students can expect as part of the program:
• Attend ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech Orientation, Move-In, and Welcome Week in Chicago
• Participate in pre-departure programming and travel abroad together
• Study abroad for the full first semester
• Receive on-site support from an ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech staff member in visiting country
• Return to ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech’s Chicago campus for the spring semester

What to Expect

During the summer before your first semester, you’ll receive and take part in:

• Virtual pre-departure orientations
• Virtual cohort meetups and community building
• Advising and course planning
• Travel preparation and required documentation support

During the first two weeks of the fall semester in Chicago, you’ll take part in:

• ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech Move-In
• ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech Orientation
• Welcome Week
• In-person cohort connection and preparation

During the pre-departure orientation, which will last approximately two weeks, you’ll learn about:

• Cultural readiness and expectations
• Safety, health, and logistics training
• Academic overview and support resources
• Cohort travel briefing and required steps

During your travel and then arrival to your host institution abroad, you’ll experience:

• Cohort departure from ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech campus to the airport together
• Group arrival at host institution
• One to two weeks of acclimation and settling in

Throughout your semester abroad, you will receive:

• On-site ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech staff support in host country
• Ongoing coordination with host university
• Student check-ins and cohort programming

During the spring semester, you’ll:

• Return to ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech in Chicago as a cohort
• Receive transition support and continued advising

Partner Institutions

Hanyang University (Seoul, South Korea)

Hanyang University (HYU) is a top South Korean university located in Seoul, known for excellence in engineering, technology, and innovation—offering students a strong academic start in a dynamic global city.

Student Support and Safety

First Semester Study Abroad is designed to be structured and for you to be supported throughout.

The support that you will receive includes:

• An ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech staff member based in visiting country/at the host university for the duration of the semester
• Partner institution student services and orientation support
• Cohort-based travel and transition (students do not depart alone)
• Pre-departure preparation focused on success, safety, and adjustment
• Clear escalation pathways for urgent needs and emergencies

Learn More

Are you interested in First Semester Study Abroad?

1. Confirm your ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech enrollment
2. Attend a First Semester Study Abroad information session
3. Submit your intent to participate by the deadline
4. Complete required pre-departure steps