Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University faculty led students this summer in a new study abroad program to India that included a behind-the-scenes tour of the Boeing India Engineering and Technology Center, the largest Boeing facility of its kind outside the U.S.

“As far as I know, this is the first faculty-led India trip we have ever fielded,” said Sue Macchiarella, director of the university’s Office of Study Abroad & Global Engagement, who has been at Embry-Riddle for 15 years.

Embry-Riddle’s India study abroad program, Alliance in India: Physics and Culture in Motion, was created by Dr. Vikas Sudesh, an associate professor in the Department of Physical Sciences, and Harry Brodeen, assistant professor of Security Studies and International Affairs.

“The visit to Boeing India gave our students a firsthand look at the global nature of the aerospace industry,” said Sudesh. “Boeing's operations in India showcase India's growing role in aerospace design, engineering and manufacturing.”

The group learned about Boeing India’s activities involving commercial aircraft, space launch systems and joint ventures supporting aircraft structures and fuselage manufacturing operations, said Brodeen. Boeing India representatives also highlighted partnerships with universities and industry throughout India, including collaborative workforce development initiatives and aerospace manufacturing ventures.

Six people in front of the Boeing India Engineering & Technology Center
Faculty members Dr. Vikas Sudesh and Harry Brodeen led students on a visit to the Boeing India Engineering & Technology Center.

“The interdisciplinary nature of the visit allowed students to connect concepts from physics, engineering, international studies and aerospace operations in a real-world environment,” said Brodeen.

In addition, the program featured a new partnership with Alliance University in India. Both Alliance University and the 43-acre Boeing campus are in the city of Bengaluru, also called Bangalore, which is a major global technology hub referred to as the "Silicon Valley of India."

Embry-Riddle students lived at Alliance University, while taking classes and experiencing India’s culture, including its dance, cuisine and iconic sites, such as the Taj Mahal. They also worked on projects with Alliance students that allowed them to gain hands-on engineering experience in an international environment. This included designing, building and testing a water-jet propulsion system.

“Our vision was to create a program that allows students to experience both sides of India — the country's ancient traditions and its rapidly advancing modern society,” said Sudesh, who is originally from India. “We wanted students to gain a deeper understanding of India's history, culture, technological innovation and growing global influence.”

Students and faculty stand in a room at Alliance University in India
Embry-Riddle students lived on the Alliance University campus in India.

Collin Buckwalter, an Aeronautical Science major, said his experiences in India helped him grow personally and prepared him as a pilot who will travel globally and work with international flight crews.

“I think you learn the most about yourself, the world, and how to work with others when you're put into an environment that's completely different from what you're used to,” said Buckwalter, who attends the Daytona Beach Campus.

Sudesh said he hopes to expand the India study abroad program in the coming years, particularly for engineering students.

“Alliance University has a growing aerospace engineering program, making it a natural partner for Embry-Riddle,” he said. “I envision expanding collaborations through student exchanges, faculty interactions, joint research opportunities and other academic partnerships that will benefit students at both institutions.”