Article: Engineers with a Foreign Language Build Global Bridges

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An article in University World News focuses on the University of Rhode Island’s innovative International Engineering Program (IEP), which was recently named the winner of the Institute of International Education’s Andrew W. Heiskell Award for Study Abroad. The IEP’s model combines a five-year dual bachelor program in which students complete a language major with the usual engineering curriculum requirements. In addition, students embark on study of and work in both disciplines in a country of their choice during the fourth year. The first six months of study are followed by a paid internship in a partner company abroad.

According to IIE’s president, Allan E. Goodman: "It is very rare to see a program combining language and engineering...In fact, those that foster engineering collaboration are particularly important in light of the global issues we face today...The University of Rhode Island’s IEP is one of these—in responding to the need to encourage academic collaboration and innovative partnerships not only among our nation’s universities, but also on a global scale. Programs like this are helping to internationalize our campuses—to ‘open minds to the world’."

To read the full article, please visit: www.universityworldnews.com/article.php?story=20120210080844817.