The impact of participation in multiple international learning experiences for engineering students

Abstract

International learning experiences have been increasingly adopted by engineering colleges and universities to prepare engineers with global competencies. However, the usefulness of such learning experiences remains to be further researched and validated. This study reports quantitative analyses of survey responses from 507 engineering students who participated in thirteen international summer programs at a leading Chinese research university. Specifically, the study examined the impact of students' prior international experiences on their learning outcomes through international summer programs. Using a prior validated instrument-Engineering Students' Learning Outcomes survey, we explored the different impacts that were associated with different forms of international learning experiences. Prior engagement in service learning programs, international summer programs, international tourism, and courses with a global focus were found to contribute to engineering students' development in knowledge, skills or attitudes. Such an exploration of the impact of various forms of international learning experiences can facilitate multiple stakeholders in designing and choosing suitable international experiences for students.