Faculty Lead Study Abroad: Wood Engineering in Sweden

There were many great things about this course that helped students not only to increase their knowledge of wood as a structural and architectural material, but also provided an opportunity to experience the Swedish culture. They also had the chance to interact with students, faculty and professionals within the Swedish timber and construction industry. Most of the students who have gone on these trips have said that they probably would not have taken a full year or even a semester to study abroad. This course, therefore, accomplished one of its purposes of providing an international experience to students who otherwise would have not taken advantage of other available opportunities. While not being taught in the summer of 2008, this course is planned to be offered again in the summer of 2009 and then possibly at two year intervals after that. For structural engineering students, this course has been found to provide many different opportunities, not only to learn about the timber industry but also provide a chance to interact with a different culture at the same time.