WRITER: SOK LIN LIM
CONTACT: LOIS GRAY
International Programs
Iowa City IA 52242
(319) 335-2026
e-mail: lois-gray@uiowa.edu

Release: April 8, 1999

Application deadline nears for UI study tours in Taiwan, United Kingdom

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Applications are being accepted until April 15 for two unique study tour programs conducted through the University of Iowa College of Engineering in collaboration with the UI Office for Study Abroad. "International Perspectives in Water Resources Planning" will take place in Taiwan and Japan May 23-June 6, and "Bridges and Waterways of the United Kingdom," will be May 16-30.

The water resources program, initiated by V.C. Patel, director of the Iowa Institute of Hydraulic Research at the UI College of Engineering, gives students an extensive and in-depth exposure to the historical, cultural, social, economic, ethical, environmental, and political conditions that impact water resources projects. Students will visit specific operational and planned water resources and attend seminars by local experts in Taiwan and Japan.

Each year the program focuses on a specific country or a world region in order to better prepare students for careers that are becoming increasingly global, including engineering, economy, environmental and political science, legal planning and specialized management.

A.J. Odgaard, associate dean of the College of Engineering and professor of civil and environmental engineering, and Tatsuaki Nakato, associate director of the Iowa Institute of Hydraulic Research, are the faculty directors of this tour. More information about the program is available at http://www.iihr.uiowa.edu/opportunities/international/taiwan.html

Students can earn up to three credit hours depending on agreement with instructors on assignments and methods of evaluating student's work.

"Bridges and Waterways of the United Kingdom," is a two-week study tour of England, Wales, and Scotland, during which students will visit modern and historical engineering sites in the U.K. that are significant to transportation. The program, under the direction of Wilfrid Nixon, professor of civil and environmental engineering, is open to undergraduate, graduate, and former UI students. Priority will be given to engineering students, but the program is also open to students in related fields.

The program will begin with a series of preparatory lectures and orientation activities that will be held at the UI. While abroad, students will take part in lectures and discussions pertaining to the sites visited. Participants will have the option of taking the course for up to three credit hours from the department of civil and environmental engineering. Students opting for 3 credit hours will be required to submit a research paper relating to one or more of the sites visited.

For more information and applications on the study tour programs, contact the Office for Study Abroad, 28 International Center (319) 335-0353.