In recognition of the increasing need for engineers and technologists with proficiency in foreign languages and a sound understanding of foreign cultures, the School of Engineering has instituted an International Honors Program (IHP). The objective is to encourage undergraduate engineering students to study or work abroad in order to acquire a greater understanding of the international arena in which engineering and technological solutions to global problems are being applied. It is clear that the dynamic changes occurring in world relations resulting from economic concerns and technology transfer will require more engineers who are prepared to apply their education and training across continents. The International Honors Program builds upon existing strengths in international studies at Duke University; it uniquely combines at the undergraduate level: (1) excellence in engineering skills, (2) foreign language proficiency, (3) cultural proficiency, and (4) awareness of world trade and economics as well as international public policy and sociology issues.

The International Honors Program is a certificate Program which consists of six to eight semester courses, depending on the initial foreign language proficiency level of the student. All of the IHP course requirements may, with sufficiently advanced planning, fulfill humanities and social sciences or approved elective requirements which are encompassed in the school's accredited engineering programs. Early planning and advising are essential to fulfilling all IHP requirements as part of the baccalaureate degree program. Thus, students are encouraged to apply no later than the first semester of the sophomore year (see IHP Application link below). A selection committee chaired by the Director of the IHP will evaluate applications for admission to the program. A minimum grade point average of 3.25 is required [however, most of our IHP students have achieved grade point averages in the range of 3.5 or above]. Applicants submit a detailed course plan which includes the following:

Foreign Language Courses - Two semester courses beyond the intermediate level in a single language of the primary area to be studied and which is spoken in the country or region in which study abroad is elected. Alternatively, proficiency in the primary language may be certified by the appropriate Duke Language department.

Area Courses - Two semester courses to be selected from those listed for the area in Comparative Area Studies within which the primary foreign language and study abroad program correspond.

Comparative Area Courses - Two semester courses to be selected from those listed in Comparative Area Studies under economics, political science, or public policy studies.

Study Abroad - This requirement can be met by study abroad in one of a select number of Duke-approved study abroad programs. An acceptable alternative to a semester of study abroad is enrollment in two Duke-sponsored Summer Programs (at 2 s.c. each). A second alternative is a semester-long participation in an internship sponsored by a foreign government agency, a U.S. agency operating in a foreign country, or a private corporation.

Work internships abroad receive corporate or government sponsorship and provide an expanded and enriched horizon for the students, who must communicate in the local language while learning foreign engineering skills and practices. Examples of recent sponsors are: General Motors Corporation for robotics research in Japan; Bosch GmbH for automotive research in Munich, Germany; the Max Planck Institute for Microstructure Physics in Halle, Germany; the marketing of Power Curbers construction machinery throughout Latin America; the Cement Research Institute of Chile and the Panamerican Institute of Highways for structural strength studies in Santiago; ENEL for power distribution in Italy; Universidad Tecnologica Nacional (Santa Fe, Argentina) for telecommunications research; BATEG Paris, France) for large urban construction projects; and OTEPI Consultores Caracas, Venezuela) for general consulting engineering services.

The Global Reach of IHP Students

Representative Student Experiences Abroad.



Sending IHP Students Abroad - A Brief Summary of Their Study and Work Experiences: medina.icee2006.zip

In Their Own Words:

Bruce Rae

Steve Williams

Sky Polega
Ties with the Monterrey Technological and Advanced Studies Institute (ITESM), Monterrey, Mexico

Professor Medina Lecturing on Contaminant Transport Modeling at ITESM:

Useful Links:

For further information about the program and admissions policy, contact:

Dr. Miguel A. Medina, Jr. Director, IHP School of Engineering Box 90287 Duke University Durham, North Carolina 27708-0287, USA International Experience: International Experience

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