NACOE Adventures - Summer 2026 

EGEN 493 - 001 (1 credit)

Ireland (Dublin, Thurles, Inis mor, & Galway)

June 28 - July 17, 2026

Engineering Mindset & Global Leadership Foundations

Lay a foundation as a global leader using design-thinking to solve problems. Join Dr. Catherine Kirkland and Dr. Jen Clark onthis 1-credit study abroad adventurethat looks at the building of Ireland and what leadership looks like when leading change within a country. The course willexplore engineering as a critical thinking mindset and set a foundation for developing identity as a global leader. Using research-based tools, the course provides a language to foster a method of communicating across a diverse team of engineering and other technical groups. Topics provide a framework for developing knowledge and skill as global leaders. This course complements engineering coursework and provides a global context to explore leadership identity. Combining leadership and engineering will build student fitness as leaders on a global platform by gaining experience as an international student while earning college credit toward their degree. NACOE students participating in this program are eligible to earn the International Engineering Certificate. 

Anticipated Student Costs

  1. MSU Tuition & Fees for one (1), summer term credit.
  2. OIP Fee: Lodging, Breakfast, In-country travel, Cultural events
  3. Separate costs include: Air fare to Dublin, Other meals & snacks, Individual/Optional activities, Souvenirs.

Student Learning Outcomes

Though engagement with course materials and international travel experience, students will:

  1. Examine the application of engineering fundamentals (e.g.: energy, transportation, water) used historically to develop and sustain Ireland’s infrastructure.
  2. Demonstrate foundational understanding of leadership behaviors and their application by developing goals to enhance skills and abilities utilizing resources such as The Student Leadership Challenge, Being a Leader, Real Colors, and Global Fitness for Global People.
  3. Synthesize knowledge of engineering and leadership by articulating awareness of global leadership fitness and constructing actionable goals for professional application within technical disciplines.
Abbrieviated Itinerary (Tentative)
Dates
City & Housing
Highlights
28 June - 1 July

Dublin

Trinity College

Ringsend Water Treatment Plant

Bru na Boinne

1 July -    9 July

Thurles

Mary Immaculate College

Ardnacrushna | Reviv-Limited | Irish Bioeconomy Foundation | Eco-Villiage

Jim of the Mills | Rock of Cashel | Bru Boru | Leap Castle

9 July -   10 July

Doolin

AirBnB

Cliffs of Mohr
10 July - 13 July

Inis mor

Aran Walkers Lodge

Rock Wall Engineering | Aran Islands Co-op

Explore Inis mor

13 July - 17 July

Galway

University of  Galway

Glengowla Mines | Student-Led Renewable Energy Project | Historic Marconi Station

Kylemore Abby | Aughnanur Castle