Redefining Global Access: A Case Study of Engineering International Student Engagement

• In Event: 58.067 - Unequal Access and Cultural Intelligence: Global Student Engagement and Study Abroad Experiences

Abstract

Enrollment of international students in U.S. colleges and universities has increased significantly since 2009 (Ablemann & Kang, 2013), particularly with students pursuing Engineering from China, India, and South Korea, respectively. Integrating International Student Barometer (ISB) survey data and qualitative course observations, this case study explores programs designed to support Engineering international undergraduate students at the one “the most international public universit[ies] in the United States…” (Mabokela, 2015). With shifting demographics and questions of educational access, this paper interrogates how universities acclimate and support international students. Principle research questions include: How are self-reported, international student perceptions revealed through ISB data? What support resources or initiatives are implemented, and how is the College of Engineering uniquely poised to support international student engagement?

Author

• Lori M. West, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign