Development Of Global Engineering Education In China For Western Michigan University Engineering Students

In collaboration with Sichuan University in China, Western Michigan University had established and developed the China Summer Engineering Tour for the first time in 2006 and is in the process of launching a second tour in 2007. The program is designed to provide a unique opportunity for both undergraduate and graduate students to obtain global engineering experience in contemporary China. Participants study at the prestigious Sichuan University for three weeks including visiting Beijing, Xian, Chengdu and its surrounding areas. The program includes lectures, engineering field trips and engineering demonstrations. Experienced engineers and faculty members in China are invited to lecture on special topics and advanced engineering experience. The topics may cover chemical, mechanical, electrical, manufacturing and computer engineering. Four engineering field trips are arranged through Sichuan University. The field trips include visiting chemical, pharmaceutical and information technology companies in the Chengdu area as well as 2600-year-old Dujiangyan Irrigation System. Lectures and seminars on local Chinese culture including painting, music and medicine are also included. This threeweek program allows students to explore global engineering opportunities and strengthen working skills with global engineering disciplines. Students are directly interacting with Chinese faculty, engineers and students at the university and at engineering facilities. All instruction is in English. The program is open to all engineering students.