International Experiences at KU School of Engineering
Study Abroad
* 65 undergraduate and 3 graduate students from the School of Engineering participated in credit-bearing international study and research programs in academic year 2018-19 (the last full year unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic). In addition, 14 undergraduate and 1 graduate student from the School of Engineering registered university-affiliated international travel activities (non-credit bearing research, service, etc.) with KU Study Abroad.
International Students
School of Engineering Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program
Optimization and the Cold War in Berlin, Germany:
The history of divided Berlin between the years of 1945-1989, is a fascinating story of a “political island”: a city surrounded by a wall, maintained by Allied forces, and constrained by the Soviet Empire. Students will learn the mathematics behind optimal supply chains, scheduling and planning strategies, and constrained logistics which military and civilian planners used to keep the population of Berlin supported and independent of East Germany. The program will include visits to many Berlin-area sites connected to the Cold War period, including Checkpoint Charlie, Potsdam and the “Bridge of Spies”, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and Gatow airport, used in the famous Berlin Airlift. Kyle Camarda, associate professor of chemical and petroleum engineering, leads the program.
A joint program between the SELF Engineering Leadership Fellows Program and the Business Leadership Program, the study abroad experience offers students a unique opportunity to study the business and engineering practices of Slovenia, a key location in Eastern Europe. Students will experience the local culture and learn about Slovenia’s most important business, engineering, and governmental practices through guided tours, site visits, and guest lectures. The program will explore the ways in which Slovenia has embraced its strategic location, unique history, and diverse geography to position itself as an important player in Europe.
School of Engineering Research Abroad Programs
Chemical Engineering Research Abroad
Supported through faculty research connections, students spend eight to 12 weeks during the summer term researching current topics in chemical and petroleum engineering in Christchurch, New Zealand; Limerick, Ireland; or Łódź,Poland.
KU Engineering students have the opportunity to collaborate with international researchers at the Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) on a variety of on-going research projects. TU Graz is known for its cutting-edge scientific research, innovative use of technology, and high-quality academics. Students will gain valuable research experience and deepen their knowledge in a specific scientific area, while enjoying the beautiful and vibrant city of Graz, Austria.
Universidad Pontificia Comillas SAPIENS Summer
Through the Universidad Pontificia Comillas, a long-standing partner of KU, engineering students can take part in a one-month or two-month summer study abroad program that includes classes and participating on a research project.
Semester Study Abroad Opportunities for Engineering Majors
Study abroad experiences provide engineers with the cultural competency, technical skills, and life experience needed to thrive in a global economy. KU offers engineering students a wide variety of high-impact study abroad programs during the semester or summer term. Engineering students take part in a diverse portfolio of semester study abroad programs, including (but not limited to):
· Graz University of Technology, Austria
· Pontificia Universidad Comillas, Spain
International Partnerships
Von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics, Belgium, Agreement of Cooperation, sponsored by the Departments of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanical Engineering
Qingdao University of Technology, China, Agreement of Cooperation and Articulation Agreement, sponsored by the Department of Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering.
Xi'an Shiyou University, China, Agreement of Cooperation, sponsored by the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering.
University of Copenhagen, Denmark, Agreement of Cooperation, sponsored by the School of Engineering
University of Aquila, Italy, Agreement of Cooperation, sponsored by the Department of Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering
Delft University of Technology, Netherlands, Student Exchange, sponsored by the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Study Abroad & Global Engagement
Technical University of Lodz, Poland, Agreement of Cooperation and Studend Exchange, sponsored by School of Engineering and Study Abroad & Global Engagement
Technical University of Cluj Napoca, Romania, Agreement of Cooperation, sponsored by the Department of Mechanical Engineering
University of Danang University of Science & Technology, Vietnam, Agreement of Cooperation, sponsored by the Department of Mechanical Engineering
Recent Fulbright U.S. Student Award Winners and Alternates
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is a cultural exchange program that provides grants to enable recent graduates and graduate students the opportunity to spend an academic year teaching or carrying out research, independent study, creative projects, or graduate study worldwide.
Matthew Santoyo – Alternate to Germany
Matthew Santoyo, Ventura, California, is a 2021 graduate with bachelor’s degrees in aerospace engineering and German studies. He was an alternate for a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship for Germany.
International In The News
William Collins Receives Fulbright Scholar Award to Finland
KU Announces 2022 Global Scholars
Abhay and Mina Bisarya Scholarship to support international students
Grant supports expansion of education abroad opportunities in School of Engineering
Faculty Connected to Area Studies Center
Alexandru G. Bardas
Assistant professor of electrical engineering and computer science, is an associated faculty member for the Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies. Research interests: cybersecurity from a systems perspective, moving target defenses, enterprise network security, and bringing social sciences into cybersecurity.
Jie Han
Glenn L Parker Professor of Geotechnical Engineering, is an associated faculty member with the Center for East Asian Studies and an affiliated member with the Center for Global & International Studies. Research interests: geosynthetics, ground improvement, pile foundations, buried structures, and roadways. He has experience in China.
Dennis Lane
N.T. Veatch Distinguished Professor of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, is an associated faculty member for the Center for Global & International Studies. Research interests: air pollution control, air quality, air pollution monitoring, aerosol science, transportation related air pollution control and STEM education.
Belinda Strum
Is an associated faculty member for the Center of Latin American and Caribbean Studies. Research Interests: wastewater treatment, biofuel production, resource recovery from wastewater, water quality, and environmental impact assessment.