Global Experiences
Overview
Engineers of the 21st century need to be multifaceted and global to address the ever-evolving and complex challenges of the world. At Northeastern’s College of Engineering, a variety of global experience opportunities—from short- to long-term—are available to students to expand their knowledge and help them develop as innovative and global next-generation engineering leaders.
Student Benefits
- Explore new cultures and places
- Gain new perspectives
- Learn about international issues important to the engineering field
- Gain global work experience
- Fulfill academic requirements
Students can pursue a six-month global co-op in over a dozen countries. New industry and research opportunities for engineering students have been added in such countries as Germany, Singapore, Panama, Tanzania, Italy. Please discuss a global co-op with your engineering co-op coordinator as you formulate your comprehensive co-op program.
The Dialogue of Civilizations Program is a series of “global student exchanges” between students at Northeastern University and students around the world. Several engineering dialogues are offered—from climate change in India to design and innovation in England. Each Dialogue of Civilizations program has its own eligibility requirements.
Students can choose to study abroad at a number of different universities throughout the world through the Northeastern-sponsored study abroad program. This experience can be for either a semester or could even be a short-term, faculty-led program. Informational programs are offered to students in the Study Abroad Office in 401 Richards Hall weekly. Past students have studied engineering at such schools as Queens University of Belfast, Ireland, and Swinburne University in Melbourne Australia where a specific curriculum plan has been developed for engineering students.
Engineering students who wish to pursue study abroad should contact: Bailey Marcus Brousseau, Academic Advising, 147 Snell Engineering Center, (617) 373-2154, Email: b.marcus@northeastern.edu
The Engineering Without Borders student organization aids communities in developing countries by using engineering solutions to address basic human needs, such as the need for potable water—all the while supplying student members with educational, transformative experiences. Students have traveled to Panama, Honduras, Uganda, and other places.
Global News
Research on Experiential Learning in Norway
MIE Associate Teaching Professor Yustianto Tjiptowidjojo and MIE/BioE Associate Professor Rouzbeh Amini published research from a Dialogue of Civilization on “An Experiential Learning Opportunity in Norway: Computation for Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering Students” in the Journal of Biomechanical Engineering.
PhD Student Reflects on the Sustainable Transportation Dialogue of Civilizations in Holland
Nathan David Obeng-Amoako, PhD, civil and environmental engineering, advised by CEE Professor Peter Furth, shares his experience joining Furth’s Dialogue of Civilizations course in the Netherlands, which explored themes of sustainability in transportation.
Co-ops Help Lead to Successful Civil Engineering Career
Kate MacDougall, E’08, civil engineering, completed three very different co-ops, including an international research assignment, which together helped her discover her passion and a successful career in driving collaborative engineering projects and building relationships, while growing the business.
Three Co-ops and Global Experiences Lead to Dream Job in Transportation
Michael Tormey, E’20, civil engineering, developed a foundation in urban transportation planning during three co-ops and global experiential learning opportunities and is now putting those skills to work as a neighborhood transportation planner in Boston, Massachusetts.