Experiential learning with a global perspective: overseas senior design projects

All WPI undergraduate students complete three required projects, including a senior-level capstone design project that is equivalent in credit to three courses. Over 50% of WPI students complete at least one of their projects overseas at one of WPIs residential Project Centers located around the globe. Here, we describe two Project Centers-in Limerick, Ireland and Copenhagen, Denmark-at which teams of WPI students spend an academic term completing electrical and computer engineering design projects for industrial sponsors. Examples of student projects are given, as are details of the learning outcomes and accreditation evidence they provide. Finally, logistical and operational issues are discussed.