Assessing Student Development and Preparation in a Pretrip Study Abroad Course in Engineering

• In Event: Poster Session 9
  In Poster Session: Education and Assessment in the Professions

Abstract

Recent trends in globalization have established a critical need for engineers to be trained to work in globally distributed teams and prepared to solve critical problems that diffuse across national boundaries. Short-term study abroad experiences have become a common way to combine an international educational experience with a more manageable time commitment for engineering students. The success of such programs hinges on purposeful development of pre-trip orientation and preparation. This paper assesses student learning and pre-trip preparation in a course preceding a short-term study abroad experience. Paired t-test results demonstrate statistically significant increases in the areas of cognitive and metacognitive cultural intelligence and travel preparedness. The findings serve to provide empirical evidence of effective practice in global engineering education.

Authors

• Timothy J Kinoshita, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• David Knight, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Andrea M. Ogilvie, P.E., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Stephanie G Adams, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University