You've got questions about The ETHOS Center and its programs — we've got answers. Explore frequently asked questions about The ETHOS Center:
When was the ETHOS program founded?
A Brief History
ETHOS was founded in 2001 by UD engineering students seeking to extend engineering education beyond the classroom and industry settings. Motivated by personal experiences, their goal was to build global partnerships where students could immerse in new communities, confront everyday engineering challenges, and humbly grow as listeners, learners, and collaborators—exploring the role of engineering in their personal vocations.
The ETHOS program is rooted in the belief that engineers are more capable to serve our world when they experience opportunities that increase their understanding of technology's global linkage with values, culture, society, politics and economics.
Do I have to be an engineering student to participate?
While primarily focused on engineering/technical experiences, the ETHOS Center does provide some opportunities that all majors can participate in. Contact the ETHOS Center for more details at ethos@udayton.edu.
What types of opportunities are available?
Explore opportunities available to students, including domestic and international immersions, 10-day international breakouts, research and development projects, and a course based design experiences.
How many ETHOS experiences can I participate in?
You can participate in as many ETHOS experiences as you're interested in. Many students will select a variety of experiences to grow a deeper understanding of community engaged engineering work
Can I take classes while participating in an ETHOS Immersion?
Taking classes is not permitted during an ETHOS Immersion, as you're expected to fully engage with the partner program. Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis, should special circumstances arise.
Which countries does the ETHOS program travel to?
The locations visited by the ETHOS program vary depending on the program's partner contacts. The ETHOS Center seeks to have long-term partnerships that provide for sustainable development work in the locations where it sends students.
Since its founding in 2001, ETHOS has sent students to more than 20 different countries on four different continents.
Does ETHOS only have international projects?
The ETHOS program offers several domestic and local immersion opportunities for students to participate in projects in the Dayton area and across the U.S.
Students can also take the EGR-331 (Sociotechnical Engineering for the Common Good) engineering design course to work on projects with community partners in the Dayton area.
Can I choose which country I visit?
You cannot choose which country/location you travel to. You'll be placed in a location based on your major(s), the nature of the project and language(s) you can speak.
How remote are the international immersion locations?
Locations vary based on the project.
Students on previous immersions have been placed in locations ranging from cities with all the desired amenities to rural locations without running water or electricity.
I have other questions / my question isn't answered here.
If you have additional questions about Ethos, please contact ethos@udayton.edu.