Water Resources
Location of Program: Dominican Republic Year: 2014Program Director(s): Jim Nelson
Participating Major(s): Civil and Environmental Engineering
Summary:
In this program, BYU students have the opportunity to put the technical skills they have been studying into practice by collaborating with engineering colleagues who work at the Instituto Nacional de Recursos Hidricos (INDRHI) in the Dominican Republic. Together they evaluate national water supply, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control.
Recap of the Year:
Leadership Development
One of the most valuable aspects of this program is the opportunity to develop leadership skills. Students are provided opportunities to interact with and lead teams of exceptional diversity. They learn how to pool their talents and perspectives to find innovative solutions to difficult problems. They develop confidence in their leadership skills as they work and connect with students from a different culture.
Global Agility
Students experience first hand that the world really is a small place. They are exposed to the severity of the problems facing communities across the world, and the dire need for capable civil engineers. They recognize that everyone can contribute in different ways to make the world a better place, and put into practice ideas they develop. They spend their time developing ideas and designs that enable them to contribute to the problems beyond their own communities. This global perspective can then be a motivating force as they continue on in international settings.
Technical Competence
Students recognize there are challenges with water resources and infrastructure throughout the world. They are required to solve problems that are more complex than anything they have seen in their academic experience. Developing solutions to these problems have a direct effect on the quality of life of thousands of individuals. They gain confidence that as they collaborate with other students, professors, and professionals, they can create solutions to real-world challenges. Students are more well-rounded technically as a result of their participation in this program.
