Framework of Competencies for Internationalizing Engineering Curriculum

Abstract

The globalization of corporate activities requires corporations to function through their international network of subsidiaries and has major implications for engineering education. Hence, it is imperative that engineering students have a global view of engineering practice because engineering solutions have impact across geographical borders. The cultural, geographic, social, and economic realities of the global economy require that modern engineers be competent in foreign language and culture in order to succeed in the global business environment. Equipping engineering students with social and cultural competencies would provide students, who may potentially work on international assignments, with the ability to collaborate with foreign nationals and successfully function in a global engineering environment. This paper examines the impact of globalization on engineering and technology education and discusses the competencies required to ensure that engineering and technology students are adequately prepared to make them more effective in foreign environments. Framework of Competencies for Internationalizing Engineering Curriculum