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Session 1276

International Partnership in Engineering Education

Dr. Sutharin Pathomvanich, Dr. Fazil T. Najafi Lecturer/ Professor Kasetsart University/University of Florida

Abstract

Many companies are engaging in international businesses due to rapid growth in the global engineering market. Communication skills and cultural awareness are very important for working in multicultural teams for multinational corporations. Currently, many universities in Asia and other parts of the world are offering their master’s degree programs in the English language in order to serve the industry and to fulfill the socio-economic needs of the population. Many foreign universities are interested in collaborating with American universities to enhance their program. Those foreign universities, which allow study abroad, have become more competitive. Offering one-semester study in the United States to students in foreign partner universities will benefit both foreign and American universities. Our paper will address these issues and focus on those benefits that can be achieved from partnering institutions of higher education. The students from the foreign universities will receive the most invaluable experience while studying in the United States. Students will have great opportunity to enhance their educational objectives. In addition, they will also improve their English skills. Only a few students can afford pursuing graduate study abroad because it is very expensive. Since the one-semester cost is more affordable, it will provide opportunity for more students to gain experience under such a program. The universities in the United States will get more income from their foreign counterparts. The exchange program may be only limited to summer semesters. This option will also help the U.S. institutions, particularly when the numbers of American students enrolled during summers are reduced. By partnering with the foreign universities, the host university’s reputation will be recognized worldwide. The creation of student diversity from different countries will create a multicultural environment from which students will benefit. Furthermore, the program creates cultural understanding that becomes an asset to the international competitive market. The benefits of abroad studying are highly recognized now; however, the drawback to this program is often based on self-initiative by students. Universities need to become more active in promoting international exchanges. Cooperation among institutions is essential for successful implementation of the one- semester program.

I. Introduction

Study abroad is an essential component of higher education. It provides an opportunity for students

Proceedings of the 2001 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright  2001, American Society for Engineering Education

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Pathomvanich, S., & Najafi, F. (2001, June), International Partnership In Engineering Education Paper presented at 2001 Annual Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico. 10.18260/1-2--9459