Global competence through practice: a study on international academic and work-based learning in engineering students

Purpose – This study examines how international experiences, both academic and work-based, contribute to the development of global citizenship in engineering students, hypothesizing that each plays a distinct yet complementary role in fostering professional and personal growth. Design/methodology/approach – A structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of Mexican engineering students participating in the GIGAKU Global Project – an international program blending academic learning with work-based experiences. The data were analyzed using SPSS to assess the impact on key competence areas. Findings – Results indicate that students experienced the greatest development in non-technical skills, followed by attitudinal and technical competencies. Notably, enhanced areas included research skills, learning to learn, collaboration, analytical thinking, global awareness, social responsibility and personal engagement. Research limitations/implications – The study's findings are constrained by a small sample limited to Mexican engineering students, which may affect generalizability. Emphasizing European and global frameworks may also limit applicability to other contexts. Broader, comparative studies are recommended. Practical implications – The findings offer practical guidance for embedding global competence and sustainability in engineering curricula, informing course design, accreditation and institutional policy. Social implications – This research promotes the formation of socially responsible engineers capable of addressing global challenges through inclusive, ethical and sustainable solutions. Originality/value – This study presents an original synthesis of global citizenship education (GCE) within engineering by integrating sustainability goals, work-based learning and competency frameworks. It connects conceptual models with applied practices, offering fresh insights into developing globally competent engineers.