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Study Abroad For Computer Science Majors?
sbilstein writes "I'm currently a sophomore studying computer science with a penchant for international travel. While I do realize that the internet precludes the need for us geeks to travel farther than our desks, I'd still like to take a few courses taught in English or Spanish (the two languages I'm fluent in) somewhere outside of the country. The trouble is I can't go to just any school, because like any other engineering degree, I have to take technical courses every semester. So I need a school with a something at least similar to a computer science program in the states. Has anybody here from the US studied abroad while doing computer science? Was it worthwhile? Or anyone from outside the United States recommend a university program?"
Cambridge university isn't in Massachusetts, fatty.
Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
Well, Europe is dying.
Just a simple demographic fact. They (and Canada and the Blue States) chose not to have enough children to replace the portion of the population who is dying. Instead what they chose to do was import youth from the middle-east. And how are those people assimilating? What assimilation is racist and not something done in our multi-cultural world? Silly me.
You'll notice when riots erupt in Europe (Greece aside) the news refers to the rioters as "youths", not Muslims, not immigrants, even though those terms would be more correct (although many are Europe born, now) because that might lead to "racist" conclusions. But the term "youths" is more revealing. Those rioters are the future of Europe. They are the future owners of Europe talking load and clear about how things are going to change once they take over. Like house buyers talking about remodeling the kitchen. How do you think those "youths" are going to treat the welfare state created by the ageing atheist population of Europe?
The future of Europe is a brown hand pulling a white life support plug out of the wall.
Instead, you have Asia and the middle East. Many engineers I work with are Iranian. Granted the elder ones left when the Shah was deposed (and will talk to you for an hour at the mere mention of current (not I avoided the term "modern") Iran.
The Middle East has the money and the excess population to export it and build the empire they have long dreamed of.
In the late-21st century the Middle East will be a super-power or at least the equivalent of early 20th century Europe (collectively a super-power, but individually split into rival states).
And, if the EU becomes a power, it will only be because the Middle East demographically conquered it.
Asia likewise has the money and population.
Although, I would avoid Japan. They also have decided to not reproduce. The future belongs to those who show-up and like native Europeans, the Japanese have decided it isn't worth having their children show-up.
China has a demographic problem (too many men) that will likely solve itself in an unpleasant way (too many men needing to prove themselves to a much smaller number, and therefore more selective group, of women, historically has resulted in wars). But there are too many of them to go away. And, they have the benefit of a mature fascist government (it hasn't been Communist in a long time), that does some very long term strategic planning. They have done an excellent job of buying the oil routes that Japan went to war over in the 1940s.
India also has a massive population. Labour is cheap. They mostly speak English. Their government is far more chaotic than China's but I am sure they will do well enough.
So, You may look to study in India. English. Comp Sci. Optimistic economic future. ... And who knows, if you're young enough you may get to riot.
Or you can hitch your wagon to a dying culture, Europe. It would be easier. But far less rewarding.
First of all I think is great that as an engineering student you want to study abroad (an underrepresented degree in study abroad programs). Having done my undergrad there, I highly suggest Universidad Catolica in Santiago, Chile (www.uc.cl). The CS department has a lot of technical courses (http://dcc.puc.cl/listacursos/index.html) and the school was visited by abet (http://www.abet.org/Linked%20Documents-UPDATE/International/06%20Substantially%20Equivalent.pdf). The teaching system is very similar to the one in the States (I'm doing grad school in California). It will give you an opportunity to practice your Spanish and the country is packed with great destinations.
You should consider Costa Rica.
You'll find CR is well thought of as a tourist destination and the education is top notch. It also has the benefit of being nearshore.
The Instituto TecnolÃgico and Universidad de Costa Rica both have excellent computer science programs (the first one is probably better).
You can come to Quito, Ecuador in South America. The "Escuela Politecnica Nacional" and "Universidad San Francisco" have excellent CS courses, and many of its graduate students have worked in projects with Fermi Labs and others. And the country is great!!
Pragmatically, India migh not be the best place because there's a decent chance of being at ground zero in a thermonuclear war...