Using the formal curriculum to build connections and confidence between engineering students from different cultural backgrounds

Preparing engineering students to work confidently in an international and multicultural context is challenging and complex. The global professional requires both technical and socio-cultural knowledge and skills. Meaningful learning experiences that build confidence and connections between culturally diverse students are essential learning for the global professional. Some of the literature suggests that having a sense of connectedness within the university environment may impact on whether an individual responds well to the challenge of intercultural engagement. This paper describes a curriculum intervention carried out on a highly technical third year engineering unit. The effectiveness of the intervention to enhance intercultural engagement between students from different cultural backgrounds is explored via the use of surveys and focus groups. This study provides some encouragement for ways to internationalise curriculum, but also highlights other challenges that impact on students' effective engagement in these activities. This paper would be of relevant to anyone interested in using the formal curriculum to engage students from different cultural backgrounds to work together.