Abstract:

The University of Rhode Island (URI) has provided a unique educational experience to a diverse student body since 1892. It is located in the historic village of Kingston and is close to the Atlantic Ocean and major beaches. The 1,200-acre campus is a handsome mix of ivy-covered buildings and contemporary architecture. Just 50 km south of Providence, URI is within easy reach of Boston and New York City. Since URI is located in the gateway of New England, it has attracted many international students.
The growth of international markets and global companies has changed the landscape for the consideration of international experience in engineering education. Dean Hermann Viets in Engineering and Dr. John Grandin in German Language at URI developed a five year program that justified the additional length with a six month internship with a company in Germany and a second degree, in the study of German. In 1991, Dr. Grandin established the International Engineering Program (IEP), and it has been expanded to include Spanish, French and Chinese. Our International Transportation Program (ITP) was barnched out from IEP, and both programs have been cooperating each other very smoothly.

The transportation program was resurrected in 1985, and provided evening as well as day classes to accommodate part-time students and practitioners. It started building a strong transportation infrastructure program, and it now offers more than 15 transportation courses. Gradually, it became one of finest ones in the Northeastern United States region. The first Transportation Forum was held during the URI Centennial year, i.e., in 1992, and the Rhode Island Transportation Research Center (RITRC) was established. To keep up with other advanced research centers, it developed an R&D project portfolio and planned to construct the Rhode Island Intelligent Road (RIIR). This is one way in which RITRC is taking advantage of continually advancing technology.
RITRC has been carrying out various studies in intelligent transportation infrastructures (ITI) and intelligent transportation systems (ITS), and initiated combining the two groups into one, i.e., intelligent transportation infrastructures and systems (ITIS). It is believed that when we can not only control demand but also provide sufficient supply, traffic congestion can be reduced significantly and the ITIS will produce a safe, comfortable and efficient transportation network. Furthermore, RITRC research efforts cover all modes of transportation. The findings have been presented and emerging research issues have been identified in last 21 Forums. The 22nd Forum will be held on Friday, October 30, 2009. The URI research team has been strong in transportation materials.

The Green Highways Partnership (GHP), a voluntary, public/private initiative, has been revolutionizing transportation infrastructures. Through concepts such as integrated planning, regulatory flexibility, and market-based rewards, GHP seeks to incorporate environmental streamlining and stewardship into all aspects of the highway lifecycle. With an extensive network of environmental, industrial and governmental collaborators, GHP believes active cooperation and regulatory progressiveness are critical in moving beyond the current paradigm. RITRC researchers believe that Green Technology will ensure that sustainability becomes the driving force behind global infrastructure development, and heavily involve in promoting it.

Keywords:

international engineering program, international transportation program, intelligent.