Experiential Learning of Civil Engineering Construction
Collaborate on a large-scale engineering project in England
Information last updated: September 23, 2026
Subject to change.
Use your skills to build a bridge
Engage experiential learning while collaborating on a large-scale engineering project at one of the world's unique constructionariums in the UK.
Gain robust employability skills, putting theory to practice, while working on a full-scale over-seas project at a Constructionarium at National Construction College in Norfolk, UK. You will immerse in an initiative similar to a previous cohort of 20 Schulich undergraduates who successfully constructed a 12-metre-long cable bridge, modeled after the Millau Viaduct, within a 5-day timeframe. In student teams, you will act as contractors to deliver scaled infrastructure projects using standard industry materials and professional method statements. You will take on authentic roles, such as Project Manager or Site Engineer, under industry mentorship. Enjoy time in London on the last day of the trip.
Meet your instructor
Jacob Lamb
Jacob grew up in Fife, Scotland and attended Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. In Scotland, Jacob worked in brownfield oil and gas structural engineering before moving to bridge inspection for the Scottish truck road network. In Canada, Jacob has worked as a consultant for Associated Engineering and the Transition Accelerator working on all-season access road planning and active transportation plans for the former, and creating alternative fuel fleet transition plans for the latter. Jacob's PhD work continued an interest in asset management and transportation as it combines advances in contiuum approximation modelling for autonomous last mile goods delivery with Geographic Information Systems. He has taught at the University of Calgary since 2019, delivering both undergraduate and graduate courses.
Important dates
Questions?
The first thing that got me hooked was the experience of seeing something physical come from the engineering. The language, the bolts, the types of drills — it doesn’t come with school if you are a site engineer. Instead of being a concept, I now have something to relate a site to, which will help me learn faster.
Adriana Menjivar Najarro
Schulich School of Engineering
Upcoming program info sessions
Courses
Students in this program are required to enroll in one course:
Prerequisites
- ENCI 300 — Civil Engineering
Questions about these courses should be directed to the program instructor.
Itinerary
Travel can be unpredictable. Global Classroom travel itineraries are tentative and subject to change, including while in the field.
- May 4: Lecture
- May 6: Lecture
- May 11: Lecture
- May 13: Lecture
- May 18: Lecture and lab
- May 19: Pre-departure assessment
- May 20: Flight from Calgary to London
- May 21, London: Arrival in London
- May 22, London: Imperial College London Civil Engineering Lab Tour
- May 23, Bircham Newton (Norfolk): Coach to Bircham Newton, arrive at Constructionarium site
- May 24–27, Bircham Newton: On-site project
- May 28, Bircham Newton: Project closure, coach to London
- May 29, London: Flight from London to Calgary
- June 8: Lecture
- June 10: Lecture
- June 15: Lecture
- June 18–22: Student report presentations, final report submissions
Accommodation
Students will stay at safe, clean and student-appropriate accommodations.
Cost
The estimated cost of the Experiential Learning of Civil Engineering Construction Global Classroom includes tuition for 12 units (two three-unit courses + one six-unit course), airfare, field trips, local transportation, accommodations, and meals. The program cost is $9,985.
For the full cost breakdown and payment deadlines, please see the program Student Cost Summary.
Important information regarding deposit payments: Deposits are non-refundable. Deposits secure your space in the program and allows payment for logistical arrangements to be made in advance.
Eligibility
This program is open to undergraduate students in good academic standing from all faculties.
FAQ
Please ensure that you have read the Global Classroom FAQ thoroughly before applying.
Students travelling to the UK require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
Funding
The Schulich School of Engineering can provide funding for Schulich students.
This is a UCalgary course so you can apply for any awards and scholarships you are eligible to receive from the university, as well as student loans.
There are also several Global Experiences awards you can apply for, including the Global Access Fund and the Global Learning Award.
How to apply
All applications require a written application (completed online) and an unofficial transcript.
Applications will be considered after your online application and supplementary documents have been received in full.
The online application asks you questions about how the program will meet your goals (academic reasons, personal interest, career prospects, etc.), how you plan to finance your program, and coping skills for travelling abroad. These questions are designed to help narrow down your motivation for applying, and why you should be selected.
Upload your unofficial transcript when you complete your online application.
Meet your advisor
Lynn Dittmer
Lynn draws from 15+ years of supporting students in their career development and engaging her own education to continuously explore and co-create, with students, ways to foster their career readiness. She loves assisting students in discovering and engaging opportunities where they can tap into more of their potential, grow it, and thrive in ways that they might have not yet even imagined. An avid explorer, Lynn enjoys nature sports (particularly in the mountains), new cultural experiences and immersing in different forms of dance.
