"We look for people who want to work hard and play hard."
Every May, a group of 15 BYU Mechanical Engineering (ME) students embarks on a transformative three-week study abroad experience in Singapore, hosted by the National University of Singapore (NUS). Led by Dr. Mark Colton and Dr. Brian Jensen, this program provides students with hands-on experience in global product development, offering them the opportunity to collaborate with peers from Penn State and NUS to design and prototype innovative solutions for real-world problems.
One of the defining aspects of the program is its emphasis on teamwork across international boundaries. Each student is assigned to a diverse team consisting of participants from BYU, Penn State, and NUS. These teams work through the entire product development cycle—from identifying a problem to conceptualizing, prototyping, and refining their solutions based on customer feedback.
“We have a huge range of projects,” Dr. Colton shared. “They develop products ranging from healthcare products… to transportation, or cleaning, or recycling, or energy… [even] for the military.”
By the end of the program, students have created and tested a simple prototype, gaining valuable experience in rapid iteration and real-world design constraints. This hands-on, cross-cultural collaboration is one of the most valuable takeaways for participants.
The study abroad program is not just about product development—it’s also an academic course. It counts as a technical elective for ME students, making it a great opportunity to earn credit while gaining practical skills. While most participants are from the ME department, students from related fields, such as manufacturing and industrial design, have also joined in past years.
Beyond academics, students immerse themselves in Singapore’s vibrant culture through activities such as hiking through the jungle, biking on nearby islands, and visiting the renowned Night Safari. The latter, a nocturnal zoo, offers a unique experience where students can observe creatures such as fishing cats and bats up close.
While the experience is rewarding, it comes with its own set of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is adapting to an accelerated development cycle. “Coming up with a meaningful project idea is tough,” Dr. Colton explained. “We found that the teams that are most successful are those that iterate best. They take feedback and immediately try new stuff. That’s the key to the challenge.”
Another challenge is sourcing materials in Singapore. Unlike in the U.S., where prototyping supplies are readily available at local hardware stores, students must navigate a more complex supply chain. This experience gives them a deeper understanding of the logistical challenges faced in global product development.
At the end of the program, students reflect on their biggest takeaways. Beyond technical skills, they consistently highlight the value of working in an international team. This experience provides a unique addition to their resumes—demonstrating not only their ability to design and prototype but also their adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in a cross-cultural setting.
The BYU study abroad program in Singapore has been running for over a decade, continuously evolving while maintaining its core mission: to provide students with a global perspective on product development. With strong partnerships at NUS and Penn State, the program remains a highlight for ME students seeking an enriching educational and cultural experience abroad.
Applications for next year’s program will open soon. For those interested in applying, Dr. Colton advises, “Be open to working with different cultures and perspectives and be willing to dive in. We look for people who want to work hard and play hard.”