Study abroad

Virginia Tech Global Education Office (GEO)

Virginia Tech's Global Education Office offers students study abroad opportunities all over the world. They seek to connect our faculty and students to their peers abroad; inspire and contribute to the faculty’s creation and promotion of cross-cultural learning experiences; and support the development of our students into globally competent citizens.

College of Engineering study abroad programs

Engineering faculty have developed programs working directly with international colleges and universities. These are well-structured, rigorous engineering exchange programs with top-quality overseas universities.

AOE Junior Spring Semester Abroad

Apply here by September 15, 2026 for the HAW Study Abroad program.

Hamburg, Germany is the third largest centre for civil aviation in the world and home to Airbus. Since 2009 Virginia Tech has been partnered with Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg) and the exchange program allows Virginia Tech students an insight into the expertise of German aeronautical engineering.

Classes in Hamburg are taught in English and cover core aeronautical engineering classes typical of those at Virginia Tech as well as classes offering an insight into cabin architecture and systems. Aeronautical engineering students at Virginia Tech can complete their Junior Spring semester in Hamburg and be awarded credit for core classes and electives. With a certain amount of planning with regard to pre-requisites, it is possible to study abroad and not extend time to graduation. Please speak to your academic advisor.

Curriculum information: 

To complete the requirements for the Junior Spring semester, Virginia Tech students have to take four AE classes plus a technical elective (15 US credits). They have the option to complete this semester while getting an international experience studying abroad at HAW Hamburg in Germany. Knowledge of German is not required, as the Hamburg classes are in English. The program is as follows:

• AOE 3164 is completed in Hamburg
• AOE 3114 is completed in Hamburg
• AOE 3134 is completed online with Virginia Tech
• AOE 3054 must be completed in the Fall semester of senior year
• Vehicle & Systems Design Track (VASD): Students can choose from several Hamburg classes in order to complete a track elective

Virginia Tech students must take a minimum of four Hamburg classes during the study abroad semester.

Hokies in Hamburg
Read student accounts of their experience at HAW-Hamburg.
Hokies Abroad
Hokies at Zero G

Scholarships are available:
HAW-Hamburg Tuition Information and Scholarship Application ›
UAS7 Study Program travel stipends ›

Find out more:
Program information
HAW Hamburg study abroad website
HAW Hamburg Facebook page
HAW Hamburg Instagram