English 202C: Technical Writing

The Pennsylvania State University

Internet Resource Guide
Online Resources for Mechanical Engineering Majors aspiring International Study
Rebecca Peters
2-11-2014

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Table of Contents
I. Preface 2
a. Content 2
b. Audience 2
c. Assumptions 2
d. Organization 2
e. Tips 2
II. Why Study Abroad 3
a. Engineering Village 4
b. Frontiers Journal 5
c. Catalog of U.S. Government Publications 6
d. Statistical Abstract of the United States 7
III. Planning for a Semester Abroad 8
a. Penn State Engineering Program Matrix 9
b. Penn State Mechanical Engineering Handbook 10
c. Global Penn State Study Abroad Scholarships 11
d. Goinglobal Job Search 12






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Preface
Contents:
This guide contains resources that both encourage and support a Mechanical Engineers
involvement abroad during his or her studies at a collegiate university. This particular group of
students can use the resources provided in this internet resource guide to access technical and
professional information within an international spectra. Featured resources include technical
databases, scholarly journals, government resources, and Penn State accredited websites.
Audience:
The intent of this guide is to aid Mechanical Engineering students at Penn State University in
their journey to study or work abroad. Most of this group is unaware of their ability to take
courses in another country, and most importantly, the benefits of doing so at this age.
Additionally, students are absolutely able to graduate in four years and spend less than they
would assume. Freshman students will find this guide useful because it directs one down the
proper path if having any thoughts of pursuing credits abroad. Upperclassmen students may find
this guide useful when completing their job search.
Assumptions:
This guide was created under the assumption that the reader has a fundamental understanding of
computer-based documents and the Mechanical Engineering course load at Penn State
University. The reader must have access to Penn State internet through the VPN Client in order
to log on to certain references without additional costs.
Organization:
Using the Table of Contents, one can distinguish the order of material by finding corresponding
page numbers. The two sections within the Table of Contents are why study abroad and planning
for a semester abroad. The URL, site description, and navigation tips are provided to make
maneuvering through the site simpler. The guide is organized based on order of importance for a
mechanical engineering undergrad. For example, after the reader is convinced to go to another
country by reading articles posted in Engineering Village, Frontiers Journal, and the two
governmental databases, the websites are then used to execute subsequent actions in the
application process.
Tips:
Readers are encouraged to use the organization of the guide as a tool for direction; the table of
contents and page numbers should be used to find the desired resource. Also readers should have
access to Microsoft Office and Adobe PDF in order to open certain documents.

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Why Study Abroad


Many mechanical engineers envision themselves spending a semester in a foreign country, but
immediately reconsider due to an arduous undergraduate course load and lack of sufficient
guidance. The apprehension is however unnecessary given the proper preparation from credential
sources.

Sources listed in this section:
Engineering Village
Frontiers Journal
Catalog of U.S. Government Publications
Statistical Abstract of the United States































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Engineering Village
Electronic Index

Location: www.engineeringvillage.com
Abstract: Engineering Village is a search index designed specifically for engineers and affiliated
information professionals in academic, corporate, and government sectors. This E-journal is a
useful tool for mechanical engineers to search for subject-specific academic sources including
reference books, scholarly journals, trade publications, patents and more. Multiple engineering
disciplines are incorporated. Students will primarily use Engineering Village to locate journal
articles. The main interface is used to quick search documents and filter out undesirable subjects.
This source is simple in design and extremely resourceful.
Tips:
Group phrases together using quotation marks within the browser
Choose or instead of and if looking for many search results
Use Expert Search tab to the right of Quick Search for controlled results
To access articles looked at previously, scroll down main search interface to find Search
History
For example, as a mechanical engineer looking for the benefits of studying abroad follow
these steps:
o Type International Engineer and Study Abroad in the empty browser
o Change And to Or
o Click Search
o Scroll down and select the abstract for the article titled Study abroad to see the
world and become a better engineer to see if interested









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Frontiers Journal
Professional Journal

Location: http://www.frontiersjournal.com/

Abstract: Frontiers Journal is an interdisciplinary journal sponsored by a list of renowned
universities to promote international education. Research articles and essays are available online
published by volume number. If contemplating the benefits of studying abroad, this journal
highlights the positive impacts. Frontiers Journal is an authentic resource to search for insightful
articles. Additionally, it is not an engineering-specific source, rather offers general facts and
opinions. The articles presented are coming from the viewpoints of experienced professionals,
thereby making this source worthwhile. Browsing this page is trivial; simply click the edition
number to read the select articles included.

Tips:
Articles are good reads regardless of whether or not a student has made the decision to
study abroad
Journal is published monthly with new written matter each time
These quick reads are a good source to discuss with guardians or anyone having influence
on ones decision to take credits abroad












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Catalog of U.S. Government Publications
Government Database

Location: http://www.catalog.gpo.gov

Abstract: The Catalog of U.S. Government Publications is primarily used to locate past and
present reports by government agencies within a particular field. Both federal regulations and
laws are listed relating to a mechanical engineering degree and almost any other subject desired.
A search can be done using four main search methods: basic, advanced, expert, and browse. All
depend on how narrow of search the user chooses to conduct, basic giving the most results and
expert giving the fewest. A mechanical engineer could find this source valuable for accurate and
encouraging information regarding a study abroad experience.


Tips:
On the home screen, one can search via keywords, title, author, or subject for a more
basic search with a greater number of results
An advanced search option for limiting results is available by clicking on the hyperlink
labeled Advanced Search where one can search via word/phrase, year, format,
language, or catalog
For Example: Type international education into the keyword of a basic search to discover
this report:
Report: The growing importance of international education
Bibliography:
Author Riley, Richard W.(Richard Wilson)
Publisher Info [Washington, DC] : U.S. Dept. of Education,
Office of Educational Research and
Improvement, Educational Resources
Information Center, [2000]
Doc Number ED 1.310/2:440543
Abstract: This report helps to provide concrete data from the U.S. Department of
Education on the importance of a college study abroad experience. Author Richard Riley
details the didactic and scholastic returns.


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Statistical Abstract of the United States
Government Database


Location: http://www.census.gov/#
Abstract: Utilizing the online version of the Statistical Abstract of the United States, a
mechanical engineering student can access a culmination of social, political, and economic
statistics of the United States. Furthermore, private statistical publications are given in detail to
provide a more comprehensive discussion of definitions. Although data is generally national, the
site can be segmented based on individual regions or even metropolitan areas.
Tips:
Use Search box on upper right hand corner of home page to search by keywords
To find state-wide statistics, select Find an Area Profile and choose state in the drop-
down menu to display facts about ones particular state or county
Searches can be filtered based on ethnicity
For Example: Type international statistics into the keyword the search box to attain this report:
Report: International Statistics
Bibliography:
Author U.S. Census Bureau
Publisher Info
Central Intelligence Agency, [2008]
Section Number 30
Abstract: Many factors play in to a students decision to study abroad. This statistical
analysis shows data for population, births and deaths, social and industrial indicators,
finances, agriculture, communication, and military affairs of the rest of the world. These
findings would be useful for someone to become acquainted with the outside world to
assist with a students location choice.




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Planning for a Semester Abroad
Now that all hesitancy has been forgotten, it is time to begin planning. The earlier a mechanical
engineering student decides to plan his or her curriculum around studying in a different country,
the more relaxed the planning process will be. Penn State as well as an infinite number of
internet sites are available for assistance.
Sources listed in this section:
Penn State Engineering Program Matrix
Penn State Mechanical Engineering Handbook
Global Penn State Study Abroad Scholarships
Goinglobal Job Search
















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Engineering Program Matrix
Website

Location: http://www.engr.psu.edu/global/Students/programmatrix.aspx
Abstract: The program matrix lists all the possible countries that an engineering student can take
engineering credits. After following the link above, scroll down to the bottom of the site page to
see the table with Xs, which is the program matrix. Mechanical engineering can be found on
the vertical axis and the countries marked with an X are the places available. Information on
each specific program can be found by clicking the X next to the country. This table is visually
sensible for a student to choose the program in which to enroll.

Tips:
Many international programs shown in the matrix available in Fall, Spring, and even
Summer semester
Language requirements necessary for certain programs offered but can be found via
clicking programs name
Financial information also found under programs name hyperlink
Classes directly transfer over to PSU credits short time after returning home
Engineering Envoys available in Hammond building to further assist with process of
studying abroad






















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Penn State Mechanical Engineering Handbook
Website

Location: https://www.mne.psu.edu/Undergraduate/Curriculum.html

Abstract: The rigorous coursework required from a mechanical engineer can be intimidating,
especially when first presented with this curriculum manual freshmen year. This book should be
readily available as soon as one steps foot on campus. However, it is difficult to directly follow if
credits will be taken abroad. Therefore, this curriculum guide must be taken in to an academic
advisor in Hammond building to make sure the appropriate credits are taken abroad. The hard
copies of this book are generally lost within the first couple months of school, so the URL
provided would be beneficial.

Tips:
After looking at the courses offered at the chosen campus abroad, cross them off from the
suggested semester in the curriculum guide and add other classes where necessary
As a mechanical engineer, the more convenient time to study abroad would either be
Spring semester of sophomore year or either semester of Junior year
Summer study abroad courses are also available
15 credits or more must be taken when abroad to be considered a full-time student












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Global Penn State Study Abroad Scholarships
Website

Location: https://global.psu.edu/info/going-abroad/students/funding-study-abroad/study-abroad-
scholarships
Abstract: Studying abroad can certainly be an expense, but many accommodations through Penn
State can be made to receive funding. This website is an easy guide to applying for study abroad
scholarships. A list of in-aid scholarships is provided, with directions to follow the links of each
scholarship for more information including eligibility requirements, award amounts, and
submission deadlines.

Tips:
Must be Penn State approved program to receive these education abroad scholarships
If not eligible for listed scholarships, a multitude of websites can be found online to help
with program costs just by searching the web
The earlier the application is handed in, the better the chances to receive aid













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Goinglobal Job Search
Website

Location: http://www.goinglobal.com/en/job-search/
Abstract: Claiming that studying abroad can expose a student to a whole new way of looking at
life is an understatement. Studying abroad truly changes values, opinions, and much more for the
better. It is common for students to pursue careers abroad after finishing college, and Goinglobal
is a valid search engine to job hunt. Students can search by location, country, job title, skills or
keywords, industry, company name, or job type by typing into the corresponding keyword box.
This tool will give students a wide variety of results aimed at his or her interests.

Tips:
Cut down the number of results by choosing Add Search Details and providing
additional information
Internships and part-times are also on Goinglobal
Select less information if unsure of career path