Jun 11, 2012 - Claremont, Calif. -

Preparing graduates to work in the global science and engineering industries is a priority for Harvey Mudd College. So, as part of its strategic vision, the College has been expanding opportunities for students and faculty to study and work abroad. This academic year, 41 students—the most ever—will have participated in study abroad programs in 12 countries.

 Students studied in Australia, Austria, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Hungary, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain, Sweden and the UK. This week, 11 engineering majors will head to Peking University for summer studies in Beijing, China.

Study Abroad in China
For eight weeks, June 11 through August 6, Emma Bodell '14, Jeb Brooks '14, Taylor Hanley '15, Gourav Khadge '15, Angela Medina '14, Ryland Miller '15, Chris Miro '15, Jennifer Phoung '14, Carolina Reyes '14, Ryan Seldon '15 and Sarah Stevens '15 will study Chinese language, history and culture. They will also participate in an Introduction to Electrical Engineering (E84) course taught by HMC engineering Professor Ruye Wang, an expert in computer vision, image processing, pattern recognition and computer graphics.

“Students will experience the society, culture and language of China, which is valuable in their future career in a progressively more globalized environment,” said Wang.



A graduate of Tianjin University and a former lecturer at Peking University in China, Wang played a key role in building a partnership with the China Studies Institute and worked with HMC Director of Study Abroad Rhonda Chiles to plan logistics and promote the opportunity on campus. Now, for the second year, the Institute is offering the courses, which are taught in English and provide credits that can be transferred back to HMC.

"This program is an incredible opportunity for our students," said Chiles. "Engineering is one of the most global of professions, and it is exciting that HMC students have the opportunity to study technical and humanities courses in the world's fastest-growing major economy."

Students will stay in Peking University campus dorms and visit locations such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City and the Lama Temple. They’ll also travel to Ping Yao, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Shanxi Province.

As a leader in science, mathematics and engineering education,

HMC has an ongoing mission to provide its students with a rich background in the humanities and social sciences. The Study Abroad program gives HMC students the opportunity to continue their education while absorbing the rich culture of another country.
 
Collaborative Connections
Part of the College's strategic vision includes expanding its collaborations with key institutions around the world. In February 2008, Presidents and other leaders from The Claremont Colleges—Claremont Graduate University, Claremont McKenna College, Harvey Mudd College, Keck Graduate Institute of Applied Life Sciences, Pitzer College, Pomona College and Scripps College—made an historic trip to Asia to introduce the consortium and to seek areas of collaboration. Since then, delegations from Chinese universities have visited Harvey Mudd College and the other Claremont Colleges.

During November 2012, President Klawe and presidents from the other Claremont Colleges will return to Hong Kong to visit alumni, parents and friends as well as universities and business partners.