The University of Florida International Engineering Program: Beyond the Classical Formats


The University of Florida International Engineering Program: Beyond the Classical Formats
Published in:	Innovation and Development for the Americas: Engineering, Education, Research and Development: Proceedings of the 8th Latin American and Caribbean Conference for Engineering and Technology
Date of Conference:	June 1-4, 2010
Location of Conference:	Arequipa, Peru
Authors:	Cristián Cárdenas-Lailhacar Angela Lindner
Refereed Paper:	#112

Abstract
Today new engineers must have a broader education/vision of the world. At the University of Florida College of Engineering (UF-COE), we believe that this is strongly bounded to research, development, and the opportunity to participate in international projects. The UF-COE International Industrial Energy Management Consulting - Chile Program (IEP) aims to provide our students with an engineering consulting experience, but at the international level. In this work, we discuss the concept of internationalization of the curriculum, its importance, and connection with college education. The impact it has in our current students in and their future engineering careers as this experience puts them to a challenge that will make them very appealing to multinational companies. The difference between a hands on study abroad course and regular courses of this nature is also discussed. Finally some results are shown in terms of engineering energy savings recommendations, and the advantages of the program discussed.