“Dubai is a vision of what humanity can accomplish in such a short period of time. It serves as a symbol of impossible creativity and challenges us to envision an even greater society for ourselves and future generations,” added Michael Spehalski, a senior construction engineering major.

Students in the program earn three credit hours in engineering project management (CIEG 486), which covers topics such as project organization, budgeting, resource allocation, best practices, project delivery and communications and serves as a prerequisite for the Project Management Institute’s certified associate in project management exam. Students also earn three credits in international construction (CIEG 492), with a focus on examining the differences in construction practices, regulations, and labor relations between the U.S. and other countries. 

Outside of the classroom, students participated in 18 excursions, including visits to the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Frame and the Miracle Garden, where they got to see both finished buildings and active construction projects that incorporated a variety of construction techniques. 

“Before we went on any excursions, we talked about the site, the methods and techniques used, to make sure that the students had a learning opportunity when they were there,” Siddiqui said. “Every single one of the sites we visited was unique, and the students were awestruck with the magnitude of work that went into getting those things done.”

Julia Malich, a senior construction engineering management major, described Dubai as an “extravagant, futuristic city” and said that through this study abroad program she enjoyed meeting new people while learning and exploring. 

“International construction went hand in hand with the excursions that we did outside of the classroom. Overall, we had a perfect balance of classwork with exploration,” she said.

Siddiqui, who will be leading this trip again next winter, is proud of how this cohort of students was open to new experiences, whether it be trying different types of food and drink or observing cultural activities with an open mind. “The students all had an opportunity to immerse themselves in an environment which was extremely multicultural, and no matter where we went or what we did, they were willing to go out and try new things,” he said. 

Spector is thankful for Siddiqui’s support in enabling the students to have a “once in a lifetime” experience in Dubai. 

“I tell my friends and family that this is an area of the world that you have to see — it’s just unbelievable. I’d definitely recommend this trip to anyone,” he added. 

“When you help build a new building, you can look back and say, ‘I was part of that,’ and that’s a really cool experience that is tough to understand before you actually do it,” added Kaminski about how courses and programs like this can provide key insights for students before they embark upon their career. “As a student, as you're about to select what field you want to go into, having that hands-on experience — being on the job site, putting the boots and the hard hat on, and seeing it all up close and personal — it's a great thing to have.”

Malich said that the overall structure of the course, from site and museum tours to classes, tied everything together in a really engaging way. 

“It was such a phenomenal experience, and the course was really well-balanced. It was an incredible trip overall,” she said. 

Hatoum said that through this program, she was able not only to get a head start on a career path in project management and return to Dubai after ten years away, she was also able to foster new connections with students outside of her major. 

“There is something uniquely special about sharing cultural experiences with peers from varying backgrounds, an opportunity that is rare in the U.S.,” added Hatoum, who is Arab-American. “It filled me with immense pride and gratitude for UD’s mission to educate students about the world and its diverse cultures.”