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Preliminary Investigation into Providing International Experience through Studying Abroad for Engineering Technology Students

Gary D. Steffen, Iskandar Hack Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne

Abstract

A preliminary investigation is currently ongoing to provide international experience for engineering technology students at Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW). This would consist of a small group of students from the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology Department (ECET) teaming up with a similar group of students from University of Kuala Lumpur (UKL) in Malaysia. These student groups will work on a joint design project in a classroom setting. The current plan, anticipated for the summer of 2005, will have students from IPFW going to UKL for a six week period of study and cultural exchange. While in Malaysia, the students will be staying in the UKL dormitories.

The advantage of such a program is to provide students the diversity of working on a one-on-one international project. This intense plan of study will provide students exposure of what to expect after graduation when working in a global market. Completion of the technological project will be the focus of the program. A second focus will be on the dynamics of working in a small group involving diverse members. This paper provides the preliminary investigation of challenges and achievements involved in introducing such a technology based study-abroad program.

Introduction

Expansion of university programs into international markets is not a new venture but one that seems to continue to expand with popularity. The globalizations of the world economy along with the shift of manufacturing and technology jobs to the international market place are typical reasons to investigate overseas programs. The Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology Department (ECET) at Indiana University Purdue University at Fort Wayne (IPFW) is not a stranger to this need.

Keeping pace with industrial needs is key to having an up-to-date technology based program. The ECET department at IPFW uses an Industrial Advisor Committee (IAC) as one method of tracking industrial needs. Members of the IAC, local corporate employers of ECET graduates, evaluate ECET programs and make recommendations for additional educational objectives. Over the last several years, typical recommendations have included better communication skills, English skills and analytical skills. Each of the recommendations was implemented and has led to improvements in the ECET program. More recently, recommendation was made by IAC members to have students be better prepared to work in an international market.

“Proceedings of the 2005 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright ASEE 2005, American Society for Engineering Education”

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Steffen, G., & Hack, I. (2005, June), Preliminary Investigation Into Providing International Experience Through Studying Abroad For Engineering Technology Students Paper presented at 2005 Annual Conference, Portland, Oregon. 10.18260/1-2--14622