How Can Universities Provide A Global Perspective For Engineers? One Institution's Solution

Abstract

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has long embraced a project-based curriculum that now extends to the four corners of the globe. With established programs in Europe, the Far East, Latin America, Australia, the US and new initiatives in Africa, WPI provides opportunities for undergraduates to complete meaningful off-campus experiences. WPI offers students the freedom to complete degree requirements away from campus in a professional experience under the direct supervision of WPI faculty, an experience that is unrivaled by traditional international study abroad. The impact of successfully completing professional-level projects at remote locations is that students solve real-world problems while being immersed in a different culture. With over 350 students leaving campus this year and substantial growth predicted for the 2000-2001 academic year, students are recognizing the unique benefits of the Global Perspective Program at WPI. This paper will provide the rationale for the program and its place in the overall curriculum at WPI, a history of the program's formation, recruitment and training of faculty and the outcomes for students. Finally this paper will outline how the Global Perspective Program at WPI addresses some of the issues raised by ABET Engineering Criteria 2000.

Managing Global Experiences For Engineering Students

“…WPI's off-campus opportunities take the form of one of these three projects. 15,16 In 1976, the first WPI residential Project Center was established in Washington, DC. The Project Center model involves groups of students working off-campus full-time on degreerequired projects.…”

“…Faculty may apply for small grants to develop expertise and experience in areas of interdisciplinary studies, and to gain experience in the appropriate foreign language and culture. 15…”

Outcomes Assessment Of An International Engineering Experience

“…1 The details of our program structure and operation are presented elsewhere. 2,3 Space constraints prevent detailed description of the program and typical student projects. However, shown below is one example of a project completed at our Bangkok center.…”

Preparing Engineering Students To Work In A Global Environment: The Union College Model

“…engineering education community has responded by devising strategies in engineering curricula that allow the students to develop more of a global perspective. Throughout the 1990's more engineering departments at colleges and universities have developed a variety of programs to address these needs [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] . Phillips 2 points out the role of ABET in helping to bring this about, especially with the adaptation of new engineering accreditation requirements of EC 2000.…”