Engineering program in China established

Tue, October 6, 2009 |

Valparaiso University's College of Engineering is expanding its global presence with the launch of a new program that will give engineering students an opportunity to study and work in the world's most populous nation.

The Valparaiso International Engineering Program in China joins the University's existing programs in Germany and France that give engineering students an avenue to develop skills and gain experiences that enable them to succeed in the international marketplace.

The VIEP in China (http://www.valpo.edu/engineering/programs/viep/index.php) is a five-year program that leads to a bachelor's degree in one of four engineering disciplines (civil, computer, electrical or mechanical) and a minor in Chinese. The study abroad component of the program comes in the fourth year, and includes one semester studying at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China, followed by one semester and summer working in China.

Dr. Eric Johnson, Brandt professor of engineering, says the program allows students to gain a significant cross-cultural experience to complement their engineering degree.

"This is important because in today's global marketplace, engineering companies are looking for students who are not only technically skilled but also globally competent," Dr. Johnson said. "These companies need engineers that will be able to handle manufacturing issues in East Asia, design products for African consumers or interact with customers in Europe. Our program helps students develop the skills needed to work as an engineer in this type of global environment."

During their fall semester in China, students will take courses at Zhejiang University, including intensive Chinese language courses to develop their language skills. Students also will travel in China with other Valpo students under the supervision of the Hangzhou resident director of Valpo's Hangzhou Study Center.

In the spring semester, students will continue to gain valuable technical, cultural and linguistic experience while working in an engineering position for a United States-based or Chinese company, or participating in an engineering-related research project at a Chinese university.

Dr. Johnson says the focus on China is a natural progression for Valpo's international engineering program.

"China is and will become even more a global presence in the engineering profession," Dr. Johnson said. "More and more U.S.-based engineering companies have design centers in China and we will see more and more products not only manufactured but also engineered by the Chinese."

Dr. Johnson says participating in the VIEP in China program will help Valpo students understand Chinese culture as well as business and engineering practices in China. This helps prepare them to work for engineering companies doing business in China or at firms competing with future Chinese engineering firms.

Zheijang University is a top research institution in China with 39,000 undergraduate students and 9,500 graduate students. VIEP in China students will live in international residence halls, have access to Valpo's Hangzhou Study Center and can visit local industries.

Valpo currently has international engineering programs in Germany and in France. More information on the engineering programs overseas can be found at http://www.valpo.edu/engineering/programs/viep/index.php.