We thank you for your interest in STEP. Below, you will find answers to some frequently asked questions by UIC students.

What European institutions are involved?

The five EU universities are top-notch leading technical institutions in Europe.

All UIC engineering students are eligible. If you are not a UIC student, please contact the institutional coordinator in your US or EU institution.

This is variable, but a student should typically allow for one or two semesters. A summer exchange is possible.

A student leaves and returns synchronously with the UIC semesters, i.e., in the Spring, Summer, or Fall semesters.

• UIC students pay no fees to the European institution or to UIC during their stay overseas as a part of the STEP exchange.
• Students are eligible for all of the financial aid they are otherwise obtaining for the duration of the exchange program.
• STEP has limited funds (about $2,000 each) to assist with the travel and stay abroad for a few students.

• You will be eligible to obtain an International studies minor in addition to your UIC engineering degree. 
• You may yet use the EU credits towards your UIC engineering degree, for non-engineering courses after discussion with the UIC College of Engineering.
• An additional benefit of the stay abroad is the exposure to global R&D through an internship either in an industry or in the relevant institution in the EU.

First, you should narrow down the countries and institutions that you are interested in and then arrange for a meeting with Dean Uslenghi by corresponding with him using email.