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Engineering in London

Engineering in London ThumbnailNo other location offers more insights into the birth of our technological world. Come see and learn with us about the origin of the industrial revolution, the second industrial revolution of electrical machines, and the birth of the computer age.

Read and watch videos about the experiences of students participating in past trips. 

Program Activities and Excursions

In addition to taking classes (ECE 301 and ME 331) at a study center in the Bloomsbury district of central London Monday-Friday, you will have the opportunity to visit numerous venues associated with the industrial revolution and the development of modern engineering. These visits will provide context and enrichment opportunities to your formal studies in engineering (click here for article posted on the Center for Global Engagement website).

Program excursions include:Isambard Kingdom Brunel [in costume]

  • Michael Faraday Museum and the Royal Institute
  • London Water & Steam Museum at Kew Bridge
  • Greenwich Royal Observatory and National Maritime Museum-home of 0° Longitude and the Thames Barrier
  • Brunel Museum and the original shaft of the first underwater tunnel
  • Bletchley Park- location of the National Museum of Computing and the hut where Alan Turing and colleagues cracked the German (naval) Enigma code during WWII
  • British Science Museum – Energy Hall with rotative engines built by James Watt and the original Difference Engine 1 designed by Charles Babbage in 1832
  • London Eye

New for 2025:  Final week of EIL at The Diamond, University of Sheffield

Learn more about the program and apply.

Program Dates: May 30 – June 29 (Tentative, First Summer Session, 2025)

Current Flyer: 2025

Application Deadlines: CGE Scholarships (Apr 2025), EIL  Applications (Mid Feb 2025), EIL Decisions (Late February 2025)

Current EIL Alumni Count (through 2024): 239

Student Blog Posts : 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

Comments from EIL Alumni:

“On the last day of this program, I was asked for one word that described this 4-week Engineering in London study abroad program. The word that immediately came to mind was surreal.  During this 4-week program in London, there were many things I got to see because I was studying abroad that I otherwise wouldn’t have. We got to see several real-life applications of thermodynamics and circuits that we were learning in class each day which helped reinforce the material.”

“The EIL trip was just a wonderful experience overall! I felt like I learned more in  month over there than I could have in several semesters of traditional school, there’s just something about getting out of the classroom and seeing these things in action. I really think studying abroad and getting out of my Tennessee bubble allowed me to be more open-minded and think about what is important to me and what would actually make me happy. ”

“One of the most exciting and unique parts of this trip is visiting Bletchley Park. Bletchley Park is the site where computing innovator Alan Turing helped develop the World War II code-breaking machine depicted in the film “The Imitation Game.” “You get an incredible perspective on the foundations of computer science that no other study abroad trip could match.”

“Between the Science Museum and the London Museum of Water and Steam, we got to experience the world’s oldest and most complete collection of antique steam engines. A few of these were operational, and we were fascinated watching the engine cycles we studied in class. We compared the enormous engines, noting many creative improvements since the original development by Thomas Newcome in year 1712. It was here that we learned how engineering as we know it began! We are called “engineers” because the first in our field designed and made improvements to early steam engines. This gave me a sense of identity and better appreciation for my career.”

“This program was the perfect length of time. We were able to complete two classes as well as gaining a great cultural experience by living in downtown London. I loved each field trip as it only enhanced what we were learning in class. I made memories and met people in London who I will never forget!”

“The program allowed me to work with those outside of the Computer Science discipline which I rarely have had the chance to do since taking EF classes freshman year. I got to go to Bletchley Park and learn about the foundation of Computer Science as a discipline in regards to Alan Turing. Not to mention all of the other excursions you get to go on during the trip and all the other once in a lifetime experiences.”

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