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Challenges Facing Global Engineering Education Considering Current US Policies

Abstract

Engineering Education and student exchange programs have suffered since the global security crisis began in 2001. The tightening of immigration policies and Visa issuance in the US has drastically affected the number of graduate students studying in engineering schools across the United States. Global Engineering Education demands ease of student exchange and study abroad practices. The pertinent question at hand is: could this be done without jeopardizing national security, and at what price? This paper will look at these challenges and provide some examples and solutions to guide policy makers at institutions within the US and abroad interested in having student exchange programs.

Introduction

Policy implications affecting international graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in the United States impact the success of US educational institutions in producing qualified engineers and the success of the US economy in the long run. Since the end of World War II, the United States has been the most popular destination for science and engineering graduate students and postdoctoral scholars choosing to study abroad. The nation has drawn on human resources from abroad for its science and engineering workforce for numerous years. However, competition for educated engineers has grown as other countries have expanded their research potentials and created more opportunities attracting international students. The difficulty of obtaining student visas by international students has curbed the number of science and engineering students studying at US institutions.

Based on a report by The National Academies, to maintain and extend its excellence in science and engineering, the United States must recruit the most talented people for positions in academia, industry, and government. In order to do this, the best international talent must be sought, while simultaneously seeking to improve domestic Science and Engineering Education and promoting the education of women and members of underrepresented minority groups. This dual goal is especially important in light of global competition for the best Science and Engineering students and scholars.1

The education and training of scientists and engineers is one of the most vital tasks of a knowledge-based society. The quality of students and researchers determines a nation’s innovative capabilities and forms the basis of economic competitiveness and national security.

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Sadat-Hossieny, M. (2007, June), Challenges Facing Global Engineering Education Considering Current U.S. Policies Paper presented at 2007 Annual Conference & Exposition, Honolulu, Hawaii. 10.18260/1-2--2574