International Experiences to Promote the Globalization of U.S Engineering Students: Challenges, Benefits, and New Perspectives

In the engineering and construction industries, many firms are working in a more global marketplace. Because of this, these firms are looking to hire college graduates that have more of a global view. In order to prepare college engineering and construction students to operate in this environment, it is imperative for universities to provide international experiences to their students. Traditionally universities have provided study abroad programs, many of which are generic in nature and often only provide coursework in general education. There are many roadblocks to providing such experiences, with cost and interruption to the expected time to graduation being the primary issues. This paper aims to explore multiple alternative opportunities for U.S. students to gain international exposure and experiences and the benefits and challenges of the different international programs, emphasizing alternatives to the traditional year or semester study abroad model. This initial case study found that opportunities such as International Virtual Design courses as well as participation on International Competition Teams such as the Associated Schools of Construction competitions as cost effective solutions that provide the international experiences employers are seeking while not extending the time a student needs to obtain their degree.