The Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering has received a generous grant of $19,905 from Procter & Gamble to bolster initiatives aimed at internationalizing the engineering curriculum. Procter & Gamble's Higher Education Grant Program supports endeavors of regionally accredited U.S. colleges and universities to better equip students for success. The grant, awarded for the proposal titled "Bringing France to Gainesville: Integrating Arts and Creativity in International Engineering Education," will be directed towards supporting the UF in Lille Engineering and Art in France study abroad program for Summer 2024. This program, now in its third iteration, has garnered significant interest from STEM students. It aims not only to prepare students for the UF in Lille summer program but also to provide a platform for study abroad students to exhibit their artistic endeavors in Gainesville. Thanks to the generous funding from P&G, we will be able to procure materials and equipment essential for the successful implementation of the program.
About the Program:
The University of Florida Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering launched a faculty-led summer study abroad program in 2020 to bridge the gap between science, engineering, and the arts. Traditionally viewed as separate realms, studies indicate a correlation between creative thinking and enhanced engineering abilities. Engaging in visual arts can equip engineers with better skills in representing 3D objects, observing details, and utilizing sketches for effective communication. The Engineering and Arts program immerses students in both disciplines in France. Participants learn engineering and physics principles from French faculty, attend sketchbook classes, and gain insights into French engineering practices and innovation through research labs and company visits. This program promotes international experiential learning, fosters creative thinking, and encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration.
For Study Abroad opportunities at UF, please visit here.