Semester-Away Opportunities

This essential part of the RPI experience allows you to take a dive deep into your field of study, develop valuable on-the-job skills, grow personally, and build meaningful professional connections. Paired with the ILEA 4400 (LMS) online course, you'll maximize your experiential learning journey.


Through internships, co-ops, civic engagement, research, and self-designed experiences, RPI students made a remarkable impact around the globe. With over 960 RPI employer partners, students secured experiences from 18 countries across five continents and in 40 states during the 2023-24 academic year. 

Top employers included GE, GlobalFoundries, Johnson & Johnson, NASA, Regeneron, and Western Digital.

Semester Away Guidelines 2024

Planning and Registration

Each away experience has unique planning and registration requirements. Select an ILE to learn how to find, register, and get support for a specific away experience.

*Students must register their experience for summer in SIS and complete the necessary assignments connected to each ILE.*

Individual Learning Experience (ILE) Opportunities

Two students build a house out of recycled bottles
Civic Engagement

Through civic engagement, donate your time, skill set, and unique talent to help communities in need. A minimum of 260 hours of experience is required during a semester and should be related to your field of study or career interest.
Student poses on-site at his internship
Co-op/Internship

Enhance your professional portfolio and competitive edge through work-related experience (domestic or international) in a field aligned with your academic major and career goals.
RPI students on a tour of GSK
International Experience

The world beyond Rensselaer awaits through academic opportunities abroad.  Students may participate in an         exchange program at an affiliated partner institution or enroll in a non-affiliated study abroad program at institutions worldwide.
Students at Mt. Sinai meet with professor
Research

Become immersed in faculty-led research while gaining professional hands-on experience on a topic that aligns with your academic interests. Experiences are available to work full-time/full-semester with RPI faculty or at other institutions. Opportunities are also available at Albany Medical School, Mount Sinai, and more for pre-health students looking for medical research experience.
Two students working with a telescope
Self-Design Experience

Through a self-design plan, you’ll have the opportunity to innovate, explore, and expand your boundaries. This personalized opportunity allows you to design a unique and meaningful away experience that combines your professional goals and interests.
Students working in a lab with a microscope
Study at Another U.S. Institution

Gain intellectual diversity by complementing your academic experience with an away opportunity at another U.S. institution. Transfer credits will be determined by your academic hub/faculty adviser.
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