Impact of an International Research Experience on Graduate Student Advancement

The importance of international collaborations and experiences is increasingly evident in the professional development of engineering graduates, preparing them for the global and interconnected nature of their disciplines. This study examines the role of international research experiences in enhancing the professional and intercultural development of engineering graduate students, focusing on participants in the International Research Experiences in Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering (IRECCEE) program. Using a mixed-methods approach, data collected from surveys and interviews are analyzed to assess the impact of the program on students' communication, networking, collaboration, independent research abilities, and intercultural competence. Preliminary findings indicate significant improvements in these competencies, highlighting the IRECCEE program as an effective platform for preparing students for successful academic and professional careers in a global context. The study further demonstrates the positive influence of international exposure on students' capacity to navigate diverse cultural and research environments. These insights underscore the importance of international research experiences in graduate education and provide guidance to improve the design and evaluation of such programs.