Abstract:

Including internship training module as a segment of the total educational process is aimed to assist students in gaining real life experience in the field of their choice. The internships, also known as cooperative work modules, facilitate students in exploring different aspects of work processes in the field. The track records for cooperative learning modules in several professional fields such as health care, business, engineering, etc. are very positive. Globalization is increasing rapidly and training students to face the challenges of globalization is also an important feature to be considered. The objective of the present work is to develop models for international cooperation for internship/co-op work experience for the undergraduate training, especially in the fast-growing biomedical engineering field.

Undergraduate Biomedical Engineering training programs at academic institutions in large cities generally have easier access to placement for students mainly in biomedical industry and hospitals for the cooperative work modules. However, the institutions at other locations will experience difficulties in internship placements. In addition, experience in global working environments will be considered as a great asset and will play a greater role in the employability of future graduates. Thus, not having any international exposure can be an issue for job-seekers. International collaborations involving educational institutions and multi-national companies offer a viable solution to the cited problems.

Two models are proposed for forming collaboration partnerships to provide practical training to students in biomedical engineering with a clear view to enhance the globalization aspect. The design of the models poses significant challenges and requires diligent assessment of the student’s academic requirements, professional interests, prerequisite training and available resources at the training institution prior to discussions with the like-minded and willing partners. The potentials for collaboration at international levels exist at various companies, hospitals, research institutions and regulatory agencies. Subsequent steps will involve careful selection of students to match the plans and the goals of the collaborating organizations.

Substantial multi-national experience in academia, industry and government has triggered the interest in the design of two models and immensely helped in the development of the proposed schemes. Preliminary results with the proposed internship models have been positive and encouraging. Modifications are necessary in the operational aspects of the models based on the evolving needs of the collaborating organizations as well as the performance and the expectations of the student interns.

In conclusion, undergraduate students in biomedical engineering can benefit greatly from internship training programs utilizing the proposed models of international collaboration.

Keywords:

International cooperation, undergraduate internship training, biomedical engineering education.