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

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Conference

2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access

Location

Virtual On line

Publication Date

June 22, 2020

Start Date

June 22, 2020

End Date

June 26, 2021

Conference Session

Study Abroad Experiences Intl Div Tech Session 9

Tagged Division

International

Page Count

11

DOI

10.18260/1-2--34866

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/34866

Download Count

776

Paper Authors

biography

Heather N. Yates Oklahoma State University

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Dr. Yates joined the Oklahoma State University Construction Faculty in 2006 as an Assistant Professor. She received her Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology from the OSU Construction Management Department in 1998. She graduated with a Masters of Engineering Technology from Pittsburg State University in 2002. She also earned a Specialist in Education Degree from Pittsburg State University in 2006. In 2010 she was promoted to Associate Professor. She completed her Doctorate in Higher Education from OSU in 2012 where she focused her research on women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. She accepted the position as Program Coordinator of Construction Engineering Technology at OSU in 2013.

Dr. Yates began her teaching career at Pittsburg State University in 2002, and has taught numerous construction courses throughout her academic career including: Construction Drawings, Concrete Technology, Estimating I, Strength of Materials in Construction, Structures I, Construction Contracts, and Capstone courses. She received the Halliburton Excellent Young Teacher Award in 2008, and the CEAT Advisor of the Year in 2010. Dr. Yates served as the Associated Schools of Construction Region 5 Director from 2014-17, ASC International Secretary from 2018-20, and was named CMAA Educator of the Year in 2019. She was also Elected ASC International 2nd Vice-President.

She also enjoys sharing her passion for increasing the recruitment and retention of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math through local, national, and international presentations. Additionally, she speaks on charting your own path in college, navigating your future, teaching technology to the new generation, and international experiences.

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Blake Wentz Milwaukee School of Engineering

biography

Sreemala Das Majumder Oklahoma State University

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Research Assistant of Civil Engineering at Oklahoma State University specializing in global learning, alternative course design and virtual learning tools.

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Abstract

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.

Yates, H. N., & Wentz, B., & Das Majumder, S. (2020, June), International Experiences to Promote the Globalization of U.S Engineering Students: Challenges, Benefits, and New Perspectives Paper presented at 2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access, Virtual On line . 10.18260/1-2--34866

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