Construction management majors are exposed to variety of different construction approaches during the summer study abroad trip titled International Construction Management. The trip is focused entirely on Ireland.
Led by James Jenkins, associate professor of building construction management, the class takes students to job sites where they can learn about new construction techniques.
“I try to expose them to the different ways things are being built around the world, the differences in thought process, safety measures, recycling of materials and equipment,” Jenkins said. “For example, safety and green-construction measures are more enforced and stringent in Ireland than they are in the United States. It’s not just a study abroad in Ireland. With the construction management spin, we work with the Dublin Institute of Technology and the National University of Ireland-Galway while visiting work sites. The mix of construction management with this new exposure to the culture is unique.”
In addition to visiting job sites and related construction companies, the students are also soaked in the Irish culture.
“Some of this year’s students were of Irish descent, and it was nice for them to see their culture and roots,” Jenkins said. The group also traveled, kissed the Blarney Stone, visited museums and took a bike-riding trip.
This study abroad option will continue to be offered every year for the foreseeable future, Jenkins said.
For more information about the study abroad class, email Jenkins.