Schulich student gains valuable insight through Global Experiences program

Studying abroad is a highly sought-after opportunity amongst post-secondary students. 

For one mechanical engineering student at the Schulich School of Engineering, taking part in its Global Experiences program was an eye-opening experience, allowing her to gain valuable cultural insights while developing her professional skills. 

“It is an opportunity that allows you to explore a different country from an educational perspective,” says Esther Choi. 

Earlier this year, she participated in a trip to Germany, where she got to visit Völklinger Ironworks — a UNESCO World Heritage site — in addition to the Porsche factory, INM laboratories, the Saarstahl steelmaking plant, and Villeroy & Boch, among others. 

“I was inspired to pursue a Global Experience during my studies as I felt as though there was so much to explore outside of what is offered in the classrooms,” says Choi. “I wanted to understand what it means to be a mechanical engineer internationally, as well as what types of opportunities were available abroad.” 

Gaining a global engineering perspective 

The program gives students the ability to travel abroad over Reading Week to explore engineering, industries, sciences and history.  

The opportunity allowed Choi to discover the abundant possibilities of engineering outside of Canada and offered a new perspective for her future career. She aspires to work in the energy industry in the sustainable development sector. “I'd like to work as an engineer to develop solutions that positively impact our environment. I am also considering attending law school to work in environmental regulatory law.”

“From undertaking this Global Experience, I gained the understanding of the importance of cultural awareness,” she says. “As a future engineer, it is imperative that our work benefits the members of society.” 

Studying in Germany offered Choi and her fellow students the benefit of seeing engineering through another lens. 

“Different cultures and regions have varying needs, and witnessing this first-hand allowed me to realize that, in the grand scheme of things, the ‘correct design’ or ‘right answer’ as an engineer can be different, depending on the environment that I am in,” she says.

The experience also taught Choi that thinking outside of the box is a necessary skill for all engineers. 

“At the fundamental level, an engineer’s role is universal; however, this trip taught me that the impact an engineer can have is different in each environment,” she says. 

“The scope of the job, the role and the opportunity are shaped by the surroundings, and this was inspirational to learn.” 

Learning and growing while balancing academics 

While the trip provided many benefits, there was also the need to find balance while learning abroad. 

“The challenge to stay curious despite fatigue and academics was one that helped me grow as an engineer and constantly reminded me to enjoy the learning process,” Choi says. 

“As an engineer, there will constantly be new processes and problems; however, this entire experience taught me to enjoy the challenge and to always remain curious.” 

Despite this challenge, there are many more benefits to learning abroad. 

“As a second-year student, I was able to meet with many older students who were able to provide me with valuable insights, as well as connect with other students I had not had the chance to meet before,” Choi says.

She says participating in a study-abroad experience can help students grow personally and professionally. 

“This trip is a great opportunity to step outside the box, step outside the bubble of university, and travel somewhere you’ve never gone before. I genuinely recommend this for every student who is provided with the opportunity to attend,” says Choi. 

Schulich students looking to take part in Global Experiences can find more information here.