2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

The integration of a Study Abroad/International Research internship at the undergraduate and graduate level is increasingly being seen as a critical contributor towards the development of a globally competent scientific and engineering workforce. In the past fifteen years (2008 - 2019) over 300 students participated in research experiences in over 30 different countries. Programming began with students participating in Sweden in 2008, Colombia in 2009, Austria in 2010, the Netherlands in 2010, Brazil in 2013, Morocco in 2015, China in 2017 and Japan in 2018. Students conducted research in the areas of Material Science, Economics, Water Quality, Environmental Science, Public Health, Biodiversity, Neuroscience, Transportation, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Ethno-Botany. From 2009 until the onset of the covid-19 pandemic, a total of sixty-one US students participated in the Colombia based programs, with 20 in Cali at Uni Del Valle and 41 in Cartagena at Uni Cartagena and University of San Buenaventura. In both programs gender balance was maintained, as well as participation from a very diverse pool of institutions, STEM majors along with the participation of community college students. SUNY and private institutions participated along with CUNY students (10 different CUNY campuses) increased the diversity/inclusivity of both programs. Students at the Cartagena site had a unique experience conducting research in a diverse team based international research environment working alongside 28 Colombian students. Non-CUNY US participants comprised 19% of the participants, and 11% of students were US based graduate students. The paper will cover the inception and development of both project sites and different approaches to Global Engagement, the best practices, outcomes, program duplication, career outcomes of participants, and post Covid-19 modifications.