Europe Global Leadership

Location of Program: Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, France, Scotland, and England      Year: 2017
Program Director(s): Gregg M. Warnick & Robert Freeman
Participating Major(s): All engineering/technology majors

Summary:

Students toured the greater area of England and Edinburgh, Paris, Ghent, Brussels, and then stayed in London for the rest of the study abroad. Students learned to navigate and live comfortably in a different culture. They completed coursework, toured factories, visited important engineering landmarks, travelled to historic sites across Europe, and learned what it means to be a global leader.

Recap of the Year:

Leadership Skills
 Because leadership styles differ from one culture or country to the next, students learned how to work with and gain a better understanding of different leadership and business styles. Just like in any other class, students were given assignments, readings, quizzes and tests. Unlike any other class, students were given the opportunity to learn leadership skills in an immersive, international environment. Hands-on assignments taught them to be better leaders, specifically when interacting with other cultures.

Global Agility
 During site visits, students were able to see how much globalization has influenced different countries and how countries depend on one another for economic stability and growth. Students also learned about how to be culturally sensitive and globally literate.  

Technical Experience
 Company visits included the BMW Mini factory, BD medical, Tata Chemical, and a Belgium Chocolate Factory. Other visits exposed the group to European engineering landmarks, such as the Falkirk Wheel, and learned of the unique engineering prowess behind the designs. Students were able to bring together theory with real world application in an international context.  

Student Experiences
“…companies work across the world. They have to adapt their products for multiple cultures and places. Understanding that need for adaptation will allow me to be more flexible in how I work in the future. It will help me ask the right questions about how my work fits into a global setting.”-Chelsea Higgins

“The experience of traveling to Europe was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  To see new things and to interact with the people and to learn more about their culture and lifestyle.  There is so much to learn and to see. This will be an experience I will never forget.”-Sarah Bevan