These days, the question for many STEM majors may no longer be “Can I study abroad?” but “What is the best place for me to study abroad?” And these days, it’s clearer than ever that the answer is London.
Life changing moments await!
It’s no secret that students who pursue agriculture, engineering, health professions, math, computer science, or life sciences have long faced more hurdles to studying abroad than students in other areas, like foreign language or business.
But gradually, that’s been changing. Data from the 2020 Open Doors Report shows that STEM students represented 26.8 percent of all students studying abroad in 2018-2019, up from 16.2 percent in 2003-2004. In fact, STEM students have even overtaken business students, who made up 20.7 percent of the total study abroad pool in 2018-2019.
The trend is encouraging, when you consider how important it is to encourage STEM talent to fuel the global economy and solve many of the world’s most pressing problems, problems like climate change, public health, sustainable food and energy production, poverty, and access to fresh water.
But where should STEM students who want to complete their education and position themselves for a meaningful future with a study abroad experience go? It’s easy to make a strong case for London.
Why should STEM students study abroad in London?
STEM aside, the UK has long enjoyed the number one position on the list of study abroad destinations. London enjoys much of that limelight, for good reason. No other city has this unique blend of architectural icons, intriguing royal history, and a welcoming and incredibly diverse population.
With a deep and rich history marked with achievements in science and engineering, the city is also a virtual STEM treasure trove of places to explore, adding context and perspective to your study.
Large institutions like The Natural History Museum and Science Museum are just the start. The Crystal Palace, originally built in Hyde Park for the Great Exhibition of 1851, holds fascinating lessons in construction and engineering, as do the West India Docks, the city’s enclosed dock system, opened in 1802.
As a STEM student in London, you won’t be disappointed.
Then there are the homes of pioneers like Darwin and Newton. For those pursuing medicine or health, the collection at King’s College Gordon Museum of Pathology includes rare artifacts like the tissue specimen that helped Thomas Hodgkin define and identify the disease that bears his name. For mathematicians, there’s nearby Bletchley Park with its fascinating code breaking history. The list goes on and on.
Among these gems sit elite research universities: Cambridge, Oxford, and London’s Imperial College, King’s College, University College London, and the London School of Economics. In light of the extensive government funding they receive and the many significant contributions these institutions make to research, this area is often referred to as the Golden Triangle.
What’s more, the need to solve challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic should drive even more demand for physical, engineering, and life sciences, making London an easy top contender for your STEM studies abroad.
What to look for in STEM study abroad courses in the UK
It takes a special study abroad program to take full advantage of these amazing resources. In a nutshell, your STEM London program should be structured to help you explore a purpose-driven career in science, research, or medicine, add valuable resume-building experience, and stay on track for graduation.
Big Ben will make sure you don’t waste a single minute.
Here are some more specific criteria to look for as you explore STEM study abroad programs in the UK:
1. Strong academic partners
Make sure the program provider you choose has a well-established relationship with reputable academic institutions in London, a city blessed with some 40 colleges and universities. It’s ideal to be able to enroll directly at a college or university, as well as take specialized courses offered by your study abroad organization and designed to further enhance your international experience.
2. Options that fit your GPA
One challenge with STEM programs is finding one that fits your GPA and lets you explore a range of topics, like bioinformatics, epidemiology, and the political side of healthcare. Some providers offer programs for different levels of academic standing. IFSA, for example, offers life science programs in London (one of the best STEM courses in the UK) at two minimum GPA levels: 2.0 and 3.0.
READ MORE: How to Study Abroad with a Low GPA
3. Hands-on learning
Make sure there are opportunities to set aside the books and roll up your sleeves, ideally collaborating with recognized professors and scientists with field research. This gives you a chance to see theoretical knowledge come to life, as well as help you narrow your career choice as you earn credits.
4. Internships
Maybe you want to use your time abroad to try on a career with an internship in business development, digital marketing, or mental health research for example. There may be no better way to gain real-world experience that can set you apart after college and gain cultural skills by working alongside people with backgrounds that are different from yours, while you also earn credits.
5. Resume builders
Build skills and meet important people when you study STEM courses in London.
The ability to experiment by trying out a possible career while you’re abroad should be a must-have. Even better? The chance to show you’ve got the stuff employers are looking for. IFSA’s Life Science Career Accelerator and Accelerator Plus programs help students develop critical leadership skills and earn an eye-catching certificate from the life science talent development firm, The Leadership Edge. This is just the kind of extra that can give you a special edge when it’s time to find your first position.
6. Intercultural learning
Getting out of the United States and immersing yourself in a different culture is one thing. Knowing how to unpack that experience is quite another. That’s why it’s important to find a program that makes an effort to help you fully absorb and effectively distill everything you’re taking in, as well as help prepare you to communicate effectively with people from a range of backgrounds.
7. Excursions (without an extra charge)
Your STEM study abroad course in the UK should include outings, activities and events designed to help you get to know London and the surrounding area. You might get a private tour of the Houses of Parliament, catch a football game at Wembley Stadium, or explore the English countryside as many Brits do—by trekking. You should also check to see if the program offers STEM- or career-related events, like networking meet-ups or mock interview sessions.
8. Scholarships
Many STEM study abroad providers offer scholarships and grants to help U.S. students make international experience a more affordable option. Some even earmark funding or travel grants specifically for STEM students, so it certainly can pay to do your research here.
Take the next step! Our Online Advisor will match you with 5 STEM study abroad programs for FREE
Get college credit with a side of adventure
Who said STEM students can’t have a little fun abroad too?
With so many meaningful career challenges to tackle after graduation, it’s an exciting time to be a STEM student. And with so many exciting opportunities to maximize your education and give yourself a head start after graduation, there’s every reason to get your passport and head to London for STEM courses in the UK!
Explore STEM Study Abroad Programs in the UK on GoAbroad.com
- Science Study Abroad Programs
- Technology Study Abroad Programs
- Engineering Study Abroad Programs
- Math Study Abroad Programs
This article was written with help from IFSA, Institute for Study Abroad. With diverse study abroad programs offered across four continents, IFSA has been trusted to provide participants with personal, academic, and intellectual development since 1988.
Look for the Perfect Study Abroad Program Now
Start Your Search
