The University of Rhode Island Graduate Dual Degree Program with the Technical University of Braunschweig – Its Added Value, Synergies, and Gains for Engineering Students

This paper takes a closer look at the learning outcomes and synergies for participants of a dual degree master program between the University of Rhode island and the Technical University of Braunschweig. It focuses on an area of international graduate level education and collaboration that has not been very well researched so far: the impact of study abroad experience on graduate engineering students. Are there any technical skills or additional research methods gained by students involved in graduate level dual degree programs? To what extent does such a research intense program have an impact on broadening research perspectives and opportunities for its participants? How does an international dual degree program, which requires students to conduct research in at least two institutions (one of them abroad) leverage the advancement of science and engineering for its participants? The paper examines four concrete cases and provides a summary of learning outcomes