The GVSU College of Computing recommends that students complete study abroad through the two programs listed below in Switzerland or Austria. However, additional options are available through the GVSU Computing International Center. Students interested in studying abroad should speak with an academic advisor to discuss the possibilities for their program.

Completion of any study abroad program fulfills the general education Global Perspectives requirement (3 credits), and may fulfill up to 6 credits of the Issues requirement upon submission of the required reflection paper and form.

FH Joanneum University of Applied Sciences (FHJ)

With a main campus located in Graz, home to a thriving student population and one of the most well-preserved city centers in Central Europe, FHJ offers computing students the opportunity to study at an Austrian university. The program embraces project/team based experiential learning. Many of the faculty have extensive experience in their relevant industry in addition to teaching experience. Computing courses are held in Kapfenberg, which can easily be reached by train from Graz.

For more information on this program, visit FHJ Program Details.

Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)

Students complete one semester of full-time study abroad in Switzerland. ZHAW is located in Winterthur, near Zurich, which is in close proximity to the tri-national boarder region of Germany and France. Additionally, Zurich is one of the world’s financial centers and is widely considered to be the banking and chocolate capital of the world. CIS students are strongly encouraged to consider studying at ZHAW during the Fall semester since there are more courses taught in English. Students with a high proficiency in German may apply to take courses in German during the Winter (ZHAW's spring) semester.

For more information on this program, visit ZHAW Overview. Also be sure to read about the ZHAW Scholarship for semester exchange students.

This program is a two-way exchange of a cohort group of students from both GVSU and the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW). A group of 10-12 students from GVSU travel for an intense two-weeks classes in Data Engineering and Machine Learning. In that course GVSU students are joined by 10-12 students from ZHAW. Both groups of students then return to Allendale for another two-weeks with courses in Deep Learning and Data Visualization. In addition to lectures and lab time, there will be field trips to the unique features of the country, and in conjunction with geographic and cultural experiences, the students will have the opportunity to visit unique sites related to the discipline. 

For more information on this program, visit ZHAW Faculty-Led Program.

All Computing students may participate in any faculty-led or non-GVSU summer program, even if it isn't in your major (some restrictions may apply). In order to fulfill the entire general education Issues requirement, look for programs marked as "Issues Friendly." 

Faculty-led programs typically range from 2-8 weeks and take place during the spring/summer semester. Students will travel and take courses with a GVSU faculty member and a group of students.

Browse GVSU Faculty-Led Programs

Students may choose to participate in a Non-GVSU program sponsored by another institution or study abroad organization. While participating in a Non-GVSU program, you will maintain your GVSU student status, earn credits toward your GVSU degree and have access to your GVSU financial aid package.

Browse Non-GVSU Programs

Further questions? Contact a Study Abroad Advisor.