Australia: International Business Cultures in Engineering and Technology
December 27, 2008 - January 16, 2009
ENES 472 / SLLC 472
Preparing to practice engineering in a global economy has become increasingly important for new engineers and other related majors to advance in their careers. In addition to a strong engineering background, there is a greater need for engineers with cross-cultural experience and foreign language abilities. Understanding the impact of technology solutions in a global context is crucial for students who are planning a career in engineering or other technology related fields. The ENES472 course will facilitate the acquisition of these global capabilities in the area of technology and engineering. Students who are pursuing a Minor in International Engineering will be able to apply ENES472 to their minor. The requirements for the Minor in International Engineering include language, culture studies, or internationally related studies plus an engineering study, research, or work experience abroad.The three-week program, which is open to all majors, is designed to provide you with an understanding of cultural aspects pertaining to global engineering and technology and thereby increasing their awareness of the cultural factors that motivate technology solutions and decision-making processes in the global workplace. You will gain an understanding of how the business cultures around the world differ from the United States. In addition, you will develop the cultural understanding, attitudes, and communication skills needed to function appropriately within an increasingly global and multi-cultural environment. During the time in Australia, you will have an opportunity to gain first-hand experience with the concepts discussed in class.
Accomodations
Students will stay in dorm-style housing arranged by Study Australia.
Faculty & Staff
Paige Smith currently serves as Director of the Women in Engineering Program at the University of Maryland, College Park. Paige earned a Ph.D. and M.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering and a B.S. in Engineering Science and Mechanics from Virginia Tech. In summer 2002, she was a guest lecturer at the International Institute of Women in Engineering held at the EPF Ecole d'Ingenieurs in Paris, France. She presented the US perspective on engineering to provide a context for comparing and contrasting engineering in other cultures. During her last two years at Virginia Tech, she was the fall semester instructor of a required senior-level Industrial & Systems Engineering course entitled 'Global Issues in Industrial Management'. A unique aspect of this course was collaboration between students at Virginia Tech and students at the Université Catholique de Lovain in Belgium on a cross-cultural industrial engineering case study. International travel is one of Paige's favorite hobbies.
For program and course information, please contact Caine Francis in Engineering International Programs at 301.405.5342.
For questions about the application, registration and pre-departure logistics, please contact the Study Abroad Office at 301.314.7473.