WINDSOR BOASTS EXCHANGE PROGRAM WITH UNIVERSITY OF TURIN

While the University of Windsor is known for being the first in Canada to offer a degree in automotive engineering, it is also unique in terms of an exchange program it has with Politecnico di Torino (the Polytechnic University of Turin in Italy).

After a year of studying at their respective university, the students spend the second year at the other university. Upon completion, students receive an international master’s degree in automotive engineering. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) sponsors the program.

“The desire behind (the program) was to train an international automotive engineer so they have been exposed to different cultures, needs and so on,” says Mehrdad Saif, dean of the faculty of engineering at the University of Windsor. “The company’s interest is that they would have access to these students after they graduate. They like to be able to hire them if they wish; otherwise, a student can find jobs with other companies. But that has been quite a unique and interesting program.”

Sergio Marchionne, chairman/chief executive officer of Chrysler Group and CEO of Fiat, says: “In a world of rapid and continued change, we have an obligation to give our young people both the technical and cultural tools necessary for their education.

“The University of Windsor and Politecnico di Torino have much in common. Not only are they among the most prestigious scientific academic institutions in their respective countries, they have demonstrated an open mentality and created a vital and creative environment for education and learning.”

The program at Windsor has four categories: vehicle engineering, powertrain engineering, manufacturing and management process and virtual product engineering. Admission to the program is competitive. Students require an average of at least B+.

Students must meet all other requirements for admission to graduate studies with the engineering school. Successful applicants are elected by a committee through an interview.

In the first of the two-year program, the students are working on a research thesis that is defined and supported by Chrysler. At Politecnico di Torino, the Windsor students complete their master’s degree with an additional year of study and the full support of Fiat. The entire program is conducted in English.

The exchange program provides students with professional training and practical experience necessary to work in a competitive, global environment. Plus, they can live and study in two countries and work with two leading automotive companies. The program is designed to help the students take a leadership role in the automotive industry.