How can I tell whether engineering students actually use a university’s study-abroad programs?

The key is to check actual participation by engineering faculty or department, not merely whether a program exists. Ask the university’s international office or the faculty for year-by-year numbers of engineering participants, destinations, duration, the breakdown between exchange programs and short-term study, and records of credit recognition. Do not rely only on information sessions or testimonials; asking current students and the faculty’s study-abroad coordinator about real participation and how students balance study or laboratory work can give a clearer picture.