Become a Global Engineering Fellow

The goal of Global Engineering Fellows is to provide an opportunity for technically grounded, globally engaged students to build on their international experiences through coursework, mentorship, and service.  

Global Engagement Requirement

Eligible students must be enrolled in the College of Engineering and have already participated in a global engagement experience abroad, such as

• Global Experience Option: Complete any approved study abroad program (e.g., a semester abroad, summer, or short-term faculty-led), an international research program, an internship abroad, or a service program while attending Penn State
• Global Engineering Fellows Pathway Course Option: The Global Fellows Program will offer a Pathway program course beginning in March 2026, STS 115, Pre-Departure Intercultural Learning, with a tethered Maymester global experience in Madrid, Spain. 

Global Engineering Fellows Seminar

Aspiring Fellows enroll in a required one-credit course gateway course, STS 313: Global Engineering Fellows Seminar, during the Fall Semester and matriculate in the Fellows program upon its completion. In this course, students participate in guided reflective practices and learn how to translate their global engagement experiences into professional assets. This course prepares engineering students to articulate the value of international experiences in both academic and professional contexts. Students will learn to connect their study abroad, internship, and intercultural experiences to their future careers, while developing the ability to communicate these benefits to peers, faculty, and employers. Emphasis is placed on building global competencies, such as cultural awareness, adaptability, and professional engagement across cultures, alongside practical exploration of international opportunities. By the end of the course, students will be able to reflect on their own cultural lens, demonstrate intercultural communication skills, and craft compelling narratives that highlight the role of global experiences in their development as engineers and global citizens.

STS 313 is an open-enrollment course and will meet in 212 Hammond, Wednesdays from 9:05–9:55 a.m. during the fall 2026 semester.

Alternative Enrollment Option (beginning fall 2026): Students with a documented course scheduling conflict may petition to fulfill the Global Engineering Fellows seminar requirement through ENGR 397: Global Momentum: From Intercultural Experience to Leadership, a fully online, asynchronous course. To use ENGR 397 to satisfy the seminar requirement, students must submit a request form and documentation of the scheduling conflict prior to fall enrollment. Requests will be reviewed by the Director of the Center for Global Engineering Engagement (GEE). Approved students must also attend several designated Global Engineering Fellows evening meetings during the fall semester. Enrollment in ENGR 397 alone does not satisfy the seminar requirement for admission to the Global Engineering Fellows Program without prior approval from GEE. Submit a request » 

Global Engineering Fellows Service Requirement

Upon completing the Global Engineering Fellows Seminar, Fellows serve the College of Engineering by promoting opportunities for global engagement, advising peers, and facilitating meaningful connections between the College’s international and domestic students. After one semester of completing the service requirement, participants will earn a Global Engineering Fellows digital badge and become eligible for program leadership positions and scholarship opportunities.

Email international@engr.psu.edu with any questions.