Photos and Testimonials
Video Testimonials from Students
View More Student Experiences
Learn from the Diplomats
Written Testimonials from Students
Rory Eckel, Computer Science, Research Abroad in Ireland
“Researching abroad was a valuable experience for me in many areas including academics, exploration, and self-development. As an engineering major, it is a fundamental part of my degree at Texas Tech university. Throughout my time in Dublin, I enjoyed every aspect from my research topics in computer science to exploring the beautiful scenery and culture the country has to offer. Overall, I can truly say the experience has offered great opportunity for personal development.”
Matthew Antu, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Studied Abroad in Spain
"Seville was a place that made a giant impact on my life and not a day passes when I don't think about the time I spent there. The pace of the Sevillano lifestyle really put into perspective the hustle and bustle life that we live in the United States. During my time in Seville, I was able to get a taste of what it was like to "work to live" and not "live to work." Being a student that studied there for an entire semester, I can honestly say that one semester was not nearly enough time to fully take in what the city had to offer. From the narrow passageways of the old city and the Catedral de Sevilla, to the culture of historic Triana across the Guadalquivir, the aura of Seville made it extremely difficult to say goodbye at the end of the semester. Also, the ease of travel made the most parts of the continent accessible for weekend trips. Being able to see Rome one week and Copenhagen the next was something that you cannot find here in the U.S. Being surrounded by so much art, history, and culture made, not only Seville, but the entire European continent feel like a place that no matter how much you try, you may never be able to fully absorb the beauty in its entirety."
Brizeida Rodriguez, Civil Engineering, Studied Abroad in Australia
"I attended the University of New South Wales as an exchange student in Sydney, Australia for Spring 2019. Australia has always been a destination I've wanted to visit considering their beautiful Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and breathtaking beaches."
Jeffrey Tessitore, Electrical Engineering, Studied Abroad in New Zealand
"My time studying abroad will stick with me as a very eye-opening and freeing experience. It was interesting to see how a completely different culture went about their daily lives differently than U.S. citizens, and how they approached certain subjects and interacted with each other. Also, it was nice to get away from the fast-paced nature of United States life and be able to relax during my time studying abroad."
Derek Luna, Civil Engineering, Studied Abroad in Bhutan
"In my time abroad, I learned so much about the different lifestyles of people in different cultures around the world. In Bhutan I learned so much more than I expected: namely the fact that when the public is truly engaged with a thoughtful and respected dialogue with the government, positive changes can be made that can prioritize the needs and well being of people above profit, as well as the needs of your neighbor and fellow citizen. These priorities can be experienced in not just the day to day lifestyle of the people of Bhutan, where people are more than willing to lend a hand to their neighbors, but in the legislative priorities of every level of government as well, where decisions are made by leaders who truly represent the needs of those they serve.
This experience truly changed me. My time in Bhutan helped expand and refine my career and life goals following the completion of my undergraduate studies: I want to become a global engineer, with experience working abroad in the African/Asia region: specifically in India, Nigeria, South Africa, Vietnam, or many other developing countries in need of effective stormwater management. This experience showed me what poor, and effective storm and wastewater management can do to a city environment, and to the people living there. Additionally, I learned more about the ways in which the changing climate is, and will continue to affect our world, especially those who've contributed so little to create the current climate crisis we're in. I worked hard to get to Bhutan, and after getting there, and after completing my program, and living with some of the absolute kindest and hardworking people I've ever had the privilege to meet, I'm ready for my next journey abroad, where I can hopefully apply the things I've learned in my engineering education to help drastically improve the lives and health of people, wherever I may end up."
Kadinche la!
(Dzongkha for thank you)
Logan Boyd, Mechanical Engineering, Studied Abroad in Italy, Ireland, and Research in Japan
"I became a volunteer for Tech's study abroad office because even now I can hardly stop talking about my time studying in Italy last summer. Touring the Alfa Romeo automobile plant in Cassino was like visiting the clone factory in Star Wars, as my Jedi professor explained how Linear Algebra controlled the cloud of robot arms overhead. Cultural excursions to Mt. Vesuvius and Pompeii introduced me to architectural history many times older than the United States while playing soccer with the local boys in Benevento taught me that sports are an international language. In my spare time, I ogled the Colosseum in Rome, gawked at the masterpieces in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, and rode those famous gondolas in the waterways of Venice, not to mention that getaway weekend to the turquoise beaches of Croatia.
Since last summer, I have spent three months researching aerodynamics at a university near Tokyo, Japan, and I will soon study abroad for the third time in Limerick, Ireland. I left for Italy unsure what to expect, but now I can hardly stay at home."
Ashlynn Ramelow, Civil Engineering, Studied Abroad in New Zealand
"For my Spring semester 2019, I studied abroad at the University of Auckland in New Zealand through Arcadia University. Arcadia's program was excellently designed to give each student a small taste of what the country has to offer in the form of activities, weekend trips, immersion into the lives of the native Māori people, and a fantastic orientation. New Zealand is by far the most gorgeous country I have ever seen in my life and I'm already planning to return in the near future."
Rogelio Juarez, Mechanical Engineering, Interned in Brazil at BOSCH with Brazilian Experience
"Interning abroad has made a big impact on my life and has changed me as a person for the better. I learned how to be a better leader, got offered multiple internships coming back to the USA, but more importantly, I made friends that will be in my life for years to come."
Jazmine Good, Engineering, Studied Abroad in Peru
"My favorite thing about studying abroad in Peru was interacting with people. The Peruvians were so welcoming and willing to teach me about their history, culture, and traditions. Experiencing their country and learning about it through my interactions with them enriched my experience and gave me an appreciation for the Peruvian way of life."
Jasmine Workman, Environmental Engineering, Studied Abroad in Ireland and Spain
"I was incredibly fortunate to have been able to go abroad twice – for a semester at UCD in Ireland and for a summer program at the TTU Center in Seville. Both experiences were made possible through the support I received from scholarships and financial aid. Otherwise, I would not have had the chance to travel to the incredible natural wonders and amazing museums and attractions that Ireland, Spain, and the rest of the Europe has to offer. While I certainly learned a great deal academically and professionally, what has stuck with me the longest from my time abroad was the faith in myself and my abilities I developed and applied upon returning home. I realized I was capable of more than I gave myself credit for and have since started doing more things that scare me or things that I wanted to do but gave myself excuses for not doing them, such as adding my Spanish minor. I hope to continue pushing myself to keep trying new, scary things and to hopefully go abroad again sooner rather than later!"
Branden Brown, Computer Science, Studied Abroad in Italy
"This summer I got the opportunity to study in the beautiful city of Siena, Italy and it was truly an amazing experience. This was my first time ever going outside of the USA. When I arrived in Europe I did not know anybody else in my group but throughout the trip we all grew close. From stumbling throughout the city on a scavenger hunt to sitting on top of the city walls overlooking the rolling hills, everyday was great. Siena is very rich in culture, it features numerous historical sites and a nearly 800 year old horse race called the Palio. The people of Siena took the Palio very seriously, parades and parties took place nearly every night. It is a medieval city so everything is within walking distance. Their city center was a giant open area surrounded by many restaurants and gelato shops. The food was incredible, I got to have the best lasagna of my entire life!
Traveling to other cities and countries was the most fun I had. I traveled throughout northern and central Italy, from Milan to Rome. My favorite place to visit was Cinque Terre, which is a collection of 5 cities right along the Mediterranean coast. My group and I took a weekend trip to Budapest and went on a cruise on the Danube river. The final weekend in Europe I went to Amsterdam by myself. I got lost wandering around the city and went to many museums. I was a little nervous to be alone in a foreign country but I am glad I did it. I got to learn a lot about the people of the Netherlands and their culture.
Traveling to Europe was an amazing experience and I can't wait to go back one day!"
Testimonials from Employers
Andrew Whitaker, Business Development Manager Corporate Steel Plate Structures at CB&I
"I think that meeting people and exploring other cultures are key take-aways to an international experience. I think an individual can also develop new language skills, if driven enough - which are becoming more desirable by the day to many companies."
Brian Kelly, Systems Estimator at CB&I
"Students can get some great exposure working overseas. Any work experience during school is valuable, but working overseas gives exposure to barriers such as language and cultural differences that can be difficult to overcome. Also, it's extremely beneficial to personal development. Students have to move far away from their friends and family, and learn how to function (more or less) completely on their own. This does wonders for confidence, maturity, and problem solving skills. It much better prepares them for finishing school and moving on to being completely independent."
Jessica Kelly, Project Controls Steel Plate Structures at CB&I
"The biggest skill I acquired while working overseas was the ability to understand different cultures. The way people are raised plays a big part in how they conduct business as adults. Learning these cultural differences helped me succeed and earn respect in the workplace. My overall technical knowledge increased as well. When dealing with language barriers, you have to find different and unique ways to explain yourself."
Robert Sciano at CB&I
"Since working overseas you appreciate what the world has to offer. Since graduating in the Fall of 2007, I have been to four (4) continents, swam in four (4) oceans, seen volcanos in Hawaii, the Eiffel tower, the Panama Canal, the Coliseum, Machu Picchu, been on African Safaris and reached the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. And I still want and will see more."
Photo Gallery
Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering
-
Address
100 Engineering Center Box 43103 Lubbock, Texas 79409-3103 -
Phone
806.742.3451 -
Email
webmaster.coe@ttu.edu