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What is your major and why did you want to study abroad in Asia?
I am a Sophomore at the University of Maryland enrolled in the Clark School of Engineering. My declared major is Fire Protection Engineering. I am also enrolled in College Park Scholars where I am studying International Relations. I chose to study abroad last summer on a faculty-led program to Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand. The program focus was on the diversification of supply chains in Asia, which is very interesting to me and provided great insights into the various cultures we visited.
What was one thing you learned about yourself while studying and interning in Asia?
The faculty leader on this program really put an emphasis on engagement with the local community through assignments such as interviewing locals and asking critical questions about their culture and customs. Through these exercises, I gained confidence in my ability to communicate in a cross-cultural context and really learned a lot about various cultures of Southeast Asia through these interactions.
Would you recommend other students to study in Asia and why?
Yes, of course! I would say the biggest benefit of studying in Asia relative to English speaking countries is that you can experience something completely different and at the same time, you realize how mature certain markets are. For instance, we had a chance to visit the Google HQ in Singapore and the Haley Motorcycles production facility in Vietnam. It’s clear to me that Asia has a critical role in how our world operates! |
