Visit to China a dream for engineers
A group of five students had the opportunity this summer to see one of the world’s most dynamic countries in the field of engineering: China.
From the colossal Three Gorges Dam and the world’s most extensive high-speed train network to the iconic “Bird’s Nest” stadium, China has, in recent decades, completed some of the largest engineering projects in history. And the precursor to these marvels, the ancient Great Wall of China, is probably the most impressive engineering feat of them all.
On their return home, three of the students, Andrea Mundiyamkal, from electrical engineering, Alexandre L’Heureux, from building engineering, and Mohammed Maguiraga from industrial engineering, took some time to recount their adventures. Their trip, sponsored in part by the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science, was organized by the International Scholar Laureate Program. Daniel Escamilla and Stephanie Soussamian were the two other ENCS students on the tour.
Mundiyamkal succinctly pointed out one of the most striking differences between engineering projects in China and those in North America. “The way China develops is almost 10 times faster,” she said. Maguiraga nodded his head in agreement, adding: “Buildings are massive there.”
The students’ first stop was Beijing, where they met with civil engineers and visited the Olympic village (site of the Beijing National Stadium, also called Bird’s Nest stadium) and the Forbidden City, historic home of China’s emperors. After visiting the Great Wall of China, it was on to Yichang, the Three Gorges Dam and the Volkswagen manufacturing plant in Shanghai. In many of the places they travelled, they saw ample evidence of China’s considerable investment in renewable energy.
“You see solar panels everywhere,” said L’Heureux. “You see a lot more than you see here in Canada.”
They saw solar energy-powering street lamps, apartments and commercial properties. By all reports, China’s turn to renewable energy is much-needed. The country’s rapid industrialization has created serious pollution. “That was the main thing that stood out. I was shocked to see so much pollution,” said L’Heureux.
But if, in addition to displaying zeal for economic growth, China is becoming a world leader in sustainable development, Mundiyamkal, for one, won’t be surprised. “They pride themselves on being Number One in everything, including in green energy,” she said.
As well as learning about differences in approaches to engineering, the students noticed large cultural distinctions. Chinese engineers they talked to emphasized the importance of personal relationships in getting projects done, saying it often takes six to 12 months to “get to know” potential partners in order to embark on joint business projects.
The students noted also the enormous academic pressure on their Chinese counterparts, all of whom must write a highly demanding standardized exam, called the Gaokao, before going to university. Preparing for the exam takes months, if not years, and some parents even rent their children a hotel room so they can study in peace and solitude. As Mundiyamkal noted, going to university is the only way out of poverty for many.
Now back in Canada, it’s a return to work and classes for the students. L’Heureux is entering his third year of his degree while Maguiraga is about to embark on his fourth year. Mundiyamkal recently graduated and is starting a job with a renewable energy company in Montreal. All of the students are thrilled about their travels in China and grateful to the sponsors who helped make their visit happen.
Related links:
• International Scholar Laureate Program
• Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science