UVA in Germany: Global Technology Practice
Logistics
Dates: June 4-18, 2010
Cost:
In-state $2515
Out-of-state $2717
View the program Budget Sheet online for additional
details.
Application:
1. View the online Education Abroad Workshop
2. Apply online
Application Deadline: March 1, 2010
Contact: Dana Elzey
Overview
The Global Technology Practice program is designed to give students an introduction to the development and use of technology in Germany and the role of cultural values in shaping technology practice. The program is centered in Stuttgart, one of the leading centers for scientific research, nanotechnology, automotive and aerospace engineering, advanced manufacturing, robotics, and alternative and sustainable energy. The course enables participants to explore questions such as, why Germany is among the world's leaders in the design, production and use of alternative, sustainable energy, including wind, solar, wave and geothermal. What are the demographic, historical and cultural factors that have made Germany's formidable reputation for engineering the world's finest production automobiles? Comparisons with the US allow students to gain a better understanding of the factors that have pushed the US to the forefront in certain areas, but have held it back in others.
Engineering students will benefit from the program through new perspectives on the education, training and professional practice, and the social/cultural environment of the engineer in Germany. New frames of reference allow participants to compare and contrast their own education, professional goals and socio-cultural values with those of the host country. This increased knowledge and awareness of global context will enhance the student's ability to remain competitive as a professional engineer and engage more effectively in the global engineering enterprise.
Students from other fields will also benefit from greater understanding and awareness of the globalization of technology practice and marketing, and deeper understanding of the role of scientific research, engineering and culture in technology practice.
Location
The program is centered in Stuttgart, a city of roughly 400,000 inhabitants. Stuttgart is the county seat of Baden Wuerttemberg, located in the southwestern corner of Germany, and having borders with France and Switzerland. Strasbourg is approx. one hour to the west of Stuttgart and Basel about a two-hour train ride. Stuttgart is well known for some its most famous sons, including Gottlieb Daimler, the inventor of the automobile, and Robert Bosch, inventor of fuel injection systems. Stuttgart's one-thousand year history is rife with the evidence of its significant role in the cultural, political and technological development of Europe.
The program includes a three-day excursion to the Alps, an area famous for its natural beauty, unique culture and opportunities for hiking and climbing. Several organized hikes will be available, as well as opportunities to enjoy the cuisine, and overnight in an alpine chalet.
Course and Credit
The objectives of ENGR 4595 are to:
1. Enable students to recognize and gain confidence
in their ability to overcome cultural and other barriers
to communication, exchange and collaboration,
thereby enhancing their preparation for engagement
in the global science, engineering and
technology enterprise.
2. Increase professionalism by increasing awareness
of both the advantages and shortcomings of the
student's own educational and professional experiences
and opportunities.
3. Encourage and stimulate engineering leadership
through exposure to new ideas in engineering education
and professional practice, and to different
priorities and attitudes about technology, and the
role of organizational and cultural context.
4. Enable and encourage participants to make
friends and establish professional ties with the host
country, both in academic and professional contexts.
Accommodations
The Studentenhotel is a modern, comfortable hotel, exclusively for students, faculty and scholars visiting the Universitat Stuttgart. The Studentenhotel is very conveniently located, being fifteen minutes from downtown Stuttgart by foot or five minutes by streetcar. The hotel offers highspeed (cable) internet, washer/dryer facilities, a study lounge, outdoor courtyard, and an excellent continental breakfast.
Faculty
Dana Elzey, program director, is Associate Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Virginia. His interest in Germany was first awakened by its literature, philosophy and music. This interest eventually led him to move to Germany for six years, and to complete a doctorate in materials science at the Universitat Stuttgart. He also researched and taught materials science at the Max-Planck Institut in Stuttgart. He has led this program since 2007. Kerstin Steitz, teaching assistant, is a native of Berlin. Ms. Steitz's research interests are Modernism, Holocaust literature, Psychoanalysis and Gender Theory. Having studied and taught internationally she is excited to work again with UVA students exploring Germany's culture and history.