Educating Engineering Students to Succeed in a Global Workplace

Current and future graduates from engineering and technology programs will need certain skills in order to work effectively in a global environment. Most engineers, at some point in their careers, will work with colleagues in foreign countries, either as co-workers, customers, or suppliers. Study-abroad programs are a powerful tool for training students in cross-cultural communication. While many study-abroad programs exist, few engineering students participate, largely because these programs are disruptive to a student’s plan of study. This paper reviews the development of a study-abroad program specifically for engineering and technology students. The proposed program will have participants studying in their disciplines at a host institution in a non-English speaking country. Participants will also tour engineering facilities and attend cultural events. This for-credit program will enhance the cultural intelligence of participating students, giving them a competitive advantage for starting their careers in the global marketplace.