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A Multidisciplinary Approach to Study Abroad

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Conference

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Vancouver, BC

Publication Date

June 26, 2011

Start Date

June 26, 2011

End Date

June 29, 2011

ISSN

2153-5965

Conference Session

Student Entrepreneurial Skills and Mindset I

Tagged Division

Entrepreneurship & Engineering Innovation

Page Count

11

Page Numbers

22.72.1 - 22.72.11

DOI

10.18260/1-2--17354

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/17354

Download Count

532

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Paper Authors

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Jeremy Brett Ross East Tennessee State University

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Jeremy B. Ross is a Associate Vice President of University Advancement and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Engineering Technology, Surveying and Digital Media. He holds a degree in Architecture from the University of Tennessee and a Master of Science in Technology from East Tennessee State University. He has experience in design and development of numerous architecture projects in academic and commercial applications in the Southeast.

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biography

Keith V. Johnson East Tennessee State University

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Keith V. Johnson is a Tenured Professor in the Department of Engineering Technology, Surveying and Digital Media at East Tennessee State University, in Johnson City, TN. Dr. Johnson has been Chair of the department for the past 10 years and has taught at ETSU for the past 18 years. In addition to his service to the university, Dr. Johnson has served on several boards in the Johnson City community, including but not limited to the Providence Academy School board. Dr. Johnson has been involved with ASEE since 1994 where he has served as reviewer, moderator, program chair and member-at-large for the Engineering Technology Division of ASEE, and the New Engineering Educators Division. Dr. Johnson has received several awards and recognitions for his leadership as Chair of the department, Chair of the President's Council on Cultural Diversity, Vice Chair of the PA Board of Directors and the like. During his Tenure as Chair of the department, he has lead several successful accreditation preparations and visits in the following areas: Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Construction Engineering Technology, Electronics Engineering Technology, and Surveying and Mapping Engineering Technology.

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Kevin Wade Varney East Tennessee State University

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Kevin Varney is a current graduate student at East Tennessee State University set to receive his Masters of Science in Engineering Technology in May 2011. He received his B.S. in Construction Engineering in May 2009 from East TN State University.

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Abstract

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Study Abroad In 2009, the Department of Engineering Technology, Surveying, and Digital MediaDepartment at XXXX initiated a study abroad program in Rome, Italy. The desire was and is tocreate the first permanent study abroad center for the College of Business and Technology andthe university. The benefits to the university from this establishment are great. This program hasbrought in extra tuition dollars to the university and also recognition throughout the community.The lack of funding, a nonexistent culture of study abroad, and very little experience in teachingoverseas necessitated an entrepreneurial approach. This engineering technology-driven program has evolved to incorporate students frommany other departments throughout campus (i.e., art, history, international studies, etc.). Thishas provided all students an opportunity to experience an engineering technology program theymay not have had otherwise. The coursework focuses on the Roman architectural concepts,environmental sustainability, and construction methods, materials, and applications. The vision for this project is to have a permanent study center abroad or an XXXX atRome campus. In 2009, the first class had 13 participants. In 2010, we offered three classchoices for 17 students, and we will have approximately 25 students enrolled for 2011. Ourgrowth is evolving as a result of creative thinking, partnerships, and a multidisciplinaryapproach. It is our intention to have a full summer program with numerous class offerings thatwill allow most ETSU students in the College of Business and Technology to complete asummer study in Rome and complete an entire semester of their degree requirements. Many entrepreneurial approaches have been implemented into the program, and manycreative aspects still in the planning stages. Some of the issues include:  A multidisciplinary curriculum that will benefit students and increase the influence of the College of Business and Technology throughout the entire university  Partnerships with other departments and universities  Access to a study abroad program that most students would not have the opportunity to experience  The results of participation in the program  Creative private funding solutions  A mentorship program that allows students to benefit from community leaders and sponsors to the program Currently we are working on developing articulation agreements with other departmentson campus. With this agreement, our courses can be listed in the departments’ curriculums. ,Our program will become even more attractive to students once these courses are listed incurriculums. In short, this program and the research presented will deal with an entrepreneurial andmultidisciplinary way to create and grow an engineering technology based study abroadprogram. Most universities face the same challenges with curriculum, funding, recruitment,partnerships, along with many other issues. How does one initiate a study abroad program thatwill attract students to enroll, attain funding, provide a curriculum that will meet variousdisciplines, and grow with success? We have documented our successes and plans for futuregrowth for this engineering technology-driven study abroad program.

Ross, J. B., & Johnson, K. V., & Varney, K. W. (2011, June), A Multidisciplinary Approach to Study Abroad Paper presented at 2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Vancouver, BC. 10.18260/1-2--17354

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