Jacob Clark – Mechanical Engineering
Studying abroad has changed my outlook on my future in more ways than I can say. Before seeing the advertisement for the German Way program, I had never seriously considered studying abroad as a possibility for me. However, I knew I had to take the opportunity seriously after reading the description that fit my goals so well. Traveling abroad opened my eyes to something I always knew was there but hadn’t considered as anything more than a distant place to be visited “one day.” As I discussed the trip with my family, I realized that “one day” flies past far more quickly than anyone realizes. After returning from the trip, I’m now confident that “one day” is way too far away for any of my future adventures.
In terms of academic influence, studying in Germany has stuck in my mind since returning stateside. Because of this, I am currently exploring future study abroad trips, as well as considering studying or working abroad for my post-graduate career. Although I didn’t spend nearly enough time abroad to determine if the education itself is a different quality or standard to our US education, I think the opportunities to explore an entirely new place are uniquely valuable when in college. The first few years of university did just that for me, and I think studying abroad in an entirely new place could do that all over again in the future.
My plan after completing my education has been ever-changing due to the nature of the job market and many more factors. However, the possibility of working abroad was added to my list of choices as I learned more about what the engineering job market and work environment were like abroad. However, I also learned that incomes are often significantly lower, and regulations make my passion for building performance cars much more difficult, so there is certainly some give and take. In addition, working abroad would require a work visa or the exploration of my next point.
Since traveling has been brought to the forefront of my priorities, the plausibility of entering the European Union without a visa sounded appealing. During my trip, I found that I could be eligible for Italian citizenship via descent, as my family emigrated from Italy a few generations ago. While it may be unlikely, that I will pursue the dual citizenship route anytime soon, it is valuable information I would not have considered if I had not studied abroad and realized the value of living in other cultures brings.
Swanson School of Engineering 