Bridging Technical Excellence with Human-Centered Solutions

Engineering Across Cultures

Why power skills matter for STEM students

Engineering is more than equations and technical precision – it’s about solving real-world problems that impact global communities. To be truly effective, engineers must navigate cultural complexities, collaborate across borders, and understand how their work fits within a global context.

Engineering Across Cultures (EAC) is a groundbreaking course designed to equip STEM students with critical power skills required to excel in an increasingly interconnected world.

A competitive edge in the job market

Employers today seek engineers who are not only technically proficient but also adaptable, culturally aware, and effective communicators. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, nine of the 10 most in-demand career skills are power skills.

Engineering Across Cultures ensures that future engineers develop these essential skills alongside their technical expertise, preparing them for the realities of today’s workforce.

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The challenge

A scalable, high-impact solution for University of Michigan engineers

To equip engineers with career-critical power skills, the University of Michigan’s International Programs in Engineering (IPE) introduced EAC into its International Minor. They sought to reach more students while preserving academic rigor and engagement.

In partnership with CulturaGo, a global leader in intercultural e-learning, they have created a digitally enhanced, scalable version of EAC that:

1

Expands access to more students without increasing faculty workload

2

Delivers a world-class scalable e-learning experience

3

Blends independent and live learning to maximize flexibility

4

Enhances career readiness by linking engineering with intercultural competencies

About Engineering Across Cultures

Co-created by

University of Michigan’s International Programs in Engineering (IPE)

Professor Aline Cotel as subject matter expert

CulturaGo, a leader in global power-skill training

Flexible Learning

1-credit course (45 hours total)

Build Global Skills for Success

Covers key topics such as intercultural communication, ethnographic research for global engagement, continuous professional development, and ethical engineering

Hands-On Learning

Integrated learning components: UNESCO Story Circles, alumni panels, career readiness workshops, industry engagement sessions

Dynamic Learning

Blend of asynchronous and live learning, real-world case studies, and expert insights

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Proven results: What students are saying

Student success stories

Hdent an Yi

University of Michigan Engineering Student

"This course broadened my perspective, enhanced my communication skills, and prepared me for the global workforce by emphasizing cultural humility and diversity."

Emily Kurtz

University of Michigan Engineering Student

"EAC helped me recognize that engineering isn’t one-size-fits-all. It showed me how culture shapes the solutions we design and the way we collaborate as engineers."

Hear from the creators

Professor Aline Cotel

Course Co-Creator & Subject Matter Expert

"The best engineers put humanity at the heart of their profession in order to solve the most complex and pressing issues of our time. Engineering Across Cultures isn't just a course; it's an invitation to explore the interplay of culture and design at the heart of engineering challenges."

Miranda Roberts

Director, International Programs in Engineering (IPE)

“Scalability and seamless soft-skill training integration within our International Minor were at the core of our vision for Engineering Across Cultures. We recognize the importance of students developing career-critical soft skills alongside their technical degrees and were seeking a partner who truly understood both the subject matter and student needs while having the expertise to scale an impactful e-learning solution.”

Dr. Marcello Francioni

CulturaGo Head of Education & Course Co-Author

“Bringing together brilliant minds from IPE, industry experts, and students to craft this learning experience has been nothing short of inspiring. EAC is designed to not only equip students for their global education but also to enhance their careers through a truly human-centered approach to engineering.”

Embed Engineering Across Cultures into your University Curriculum

Partner with CulturaGo to bring EAC to your campus

The need for engineers with global competence is growing. Whether your university offers study abroad programs, international minors, or simply wants to prepare students for multicultural workplaces, Engineering Across Cultures can be tailored to fit your curriculum.

Enhance your students’ career readiness with globally recognized power skills
Scale intercultural learning without increasing faculty burden
Position your institution as a leader in innovative STEM education
Foster global engagement among students and faculty

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