Studying abroad can be one of the most cherished memories in one’s college experience. When school is demanding during high school and the summer is filled with juggling jobs, there is not much time to plan exciting vacations to places you’ve always wished to visit. Coming to college, and specifically Penn State, the opportunities are endless to engage in a new and exciting culture!
When coming to Penn State, I knew I wanted to study abroad. I had never been outside of the United States and always imagined what it would like to immerse myself in an unfamiliar culture. Through WEPO, I became more intrigued on where I could study to not only gain knowledge of a culture, but also to learn the technical skills and global element of engineering.
Choosing the best financial and time beneficial program to study abroad is vital. I had little to no idea where to start as a freshman. Networking to ask fellow mentors and envoys was vital to my decision. I learned Penn State offers semester long study abroad programs but also Maymester and entire summer long courses. To obtain a more personal experience, my mentor shared her experiences while studying abroad in China. I had initially never considered China as a place of interest to visit. Through her explanation of the places she visited (like the Great Wall of China!), food she had never even thought of, and skills she learned for her future endeavors, I was excited to apply to this program!
When applying to study abroad, you must choose your preference of the top place you wish to study. This can be extremely difficult due to the number of places available to a Penn State engineering student. I met with an advisor to help sort out my ideas of where I wanted to study and if this dream was able to be met financially. The advisor I met with is an expert in studying abroad programs and the available resources to help students including scholarships, grants, and loans. I was relieved to discover studying abroad is feasible with the correct accommodations you are able to apply for!
Personally, my plans to initially study abroad in China were postponed. The professor in charge of the trip could no longer attend. I decided to move my application to Switzerland. Through further research, I knew this was a place I wanted to visit! The Alps and venetian landscape were beautiful aspects I wished to experience in my life. I applied to the Switzerland program with high hopes to study abroad in the upcoming summer!
Unfortunately, a miscommunication with my interview drastically altered my chances of being able to study abroad in Switzerland. This was one of the most sought-after study abroad programs as an engineering student. Although I did not receive the acceptance to study abroad in the upcoming summer of 2020, I was a high consideration for reapplying the next summer.
I think we know how this story ends though...COVID-19. All study abroad programs were cancelled. All acceptances carried on to the following summer. I took this initial disappointment with not getting accepted to a new challenge! The opportunities for the summer of 2021 are endless! Those not interested in studying abroad during the next year open up countless spots for new faces! With all disappointment, take the next challenge as an exciting opportunity. I highly recommend studying abroad with the benefits of learning a new culture, getting courses completed, and receiving the technical skills it takes to be a global engineer.
If you are interested in studying abroad as a Penn State engineer find out more information on this website:
Halie Bien
Team i Envoy
