Reflections on Engineering Education in the Age of Globalization

Abstract

Evolving phenomenon of globalization continues to impact all aspects of our lives. Education is no exception. All institutions of higher education must seriously consider including new educational dimensions created by the rapid emergence and impact of globalization. Of particular interest is engineering education in a globalized world. Educational institutions can and should play a major role in creating knowledge and awareness about all the aspects of globalization and in preparing their graduates and particularly engineering graduates with global competencies. In a globalized world, engineers are often required to work in multicultural teams, travel to different parts of the globe, and to execute the assigned tasks possibly in unfamiliar regions of the world. Global competencies promote having an open mind, actively seeking to understand cultural norms, and working effectively outside one's own comfort zone. This paper discusses various aspects that commit to engineering education with a focus on global competencies and producing graduates that are globally competent.