Take Your Studies to the World Beyond
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One exciting program is our Global India program. Each summer, the College of Engineering sends a new group of students to study abroad program in Bangalore, India. The International Center for Management and India Studies in Bangalore, India, hosts UA engineering students, students from other Southeastern Conference (SEC) schools, and a UA professor for a six-week summer program.
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"This is an opportunity for students to understand what globalization is all about," said Dean Ashok Saxena.
The students take one engineering course, Globalzation & Innovation, and one humanities course, Culture and Civilization: Field Studies in India. Ajay Malshe, 21st Century Endowed Chair & Professor of Materials, Manufacturing in mechanical engineering, joins professors from the host institution to offer these classes.
In addition to time in the classroom, the students travel around India; visiting Agra, Jaipur, Delhi, Cochin, Munnar and Tekkady. They engage in both cultural and academic experiences, and spend time taking field trips to different industries.
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"More engineers will work for international companies, will have co-workers from other countries and may have managers or direct reports from other countries," Saxena said. "As educators, we have to make sure our graduates are visionaries and possess the necessary skills to execute that vision. That means ensuring they develop communication skills that transcend cultural backgrounds and that they are prepared to travel and work effectively in other countries."
The students can apply for financial assistance through the UA Honors College study abroad grants and scholarships available through the UA College of Engineering.
Engineering students have had the opportunity to study abroad in the past. However, this program is unique in that it allows the students to complete six hours of course work that will specifically count as credit toward their degree.
"Already we have companies who want to know more about this program and how they can access these students after they graduate," said Carol Gattis, director of recruitment, retention and minority affairs. "As these students graduate and enter the workplace with this international experience, they have a definite advantage over their competition."
"Projects such as these provide our students with a unique opportunity to gain valuable research experience while simultaneously learning about international culture," Saxena said. "This will prepare them to effectively work in a global economy."
Visit our Global India Program website. If you're interested in learning more about study abroad opportunities across the globe, visit the Study Abroad Office.
