September 16, 2019
Dear members of the Hajim School community,
Why do we put such a high priority on global experiences for our students? The best answer is the testimony of students who have studied abroad. For example:
Cat Hauser ’20 of biomedical engineering completed two courses for her major and another for her minor, and even became a certified scuba diver last spring during her study abroad semester in Auckland, New Zealand.
Rahul Gupta ’20 of electrical and computer engineering, who studied in Madrid last spring, completed two courses toward his major, immersed himself in Spanish culture, traveled, and became close with his host family. A lifelong soccer fan, he enjoyed a dream come true when he watched the El Clasico match.
Danny Ayele ’20 of mechanical engineering, who also studied in Madrid last spring, completed three courses for his major and another in Spanish. He gained lifelong friends from different parts of the world and a greater understanding of how large the world is. He even rode a camel in the Sahara Desert and went sand boarding.
“Every college graduate I know says their one regret from their time in college was that they never studied abroad. Now I completely understand why,” Danny says.
Don’t be among the students who end up regretting not going abroad!
There are plenty of people to help you fit a global experience into your engineering or computer science major — undergraduate coordinators, faculty advisors, and Center for Education Aboard counselors, among them. All three of these students obtained scholarships to help with costs. And they gained much more than just course credits and great memories. As Cat explains: “There is so much that I gained from this experience. I became more independent and improved my ability to problem solve. I saw a different perspective toward learning and the way classes are taught. I was immersed in another culture and learned so much about a different way of life.”
Interested? Be sure to attend the Global Fair from 1 to 4 p.m. this Wednesday, September 18 in the Feldman Ballroom. The fair features education abroad programs with which the University of Rochester has formal affiliations and exchange agreements. There are information tables for all UR education abroad programs, as well as other semester, year, and summer international opportunities. Representatives from many programs and exchange universities will be present. Representatives from the Financial Aid Office, the Hajim School, and the U.S. Passport Agency will also be on hand to advise students. Education abroad returnees will provide peer advising as they share stories and advice based on their own experiences abroad.
If you are interested in studying abroad next spring, please note that the deadline to apply is October 1. Read more here. Students have until November 1 to apply for $500 Hajim School International Experience Scholarships to help cover costs. Read more here. And be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more testimonies and photos from Hajim students who have studied abroad.
Students can also take advantage of upcoming Career Week programs offered by the Greene Center for Career Education and Connections, culminating in the Fall Career Expos from 11 am to 2 p.m. September 24 in the Feldman Ballroom. Students can meet employers from engineering, tech, data science, finance, and consulting firms to learn about internships and job opportunities. Students can ensure they make a good impression by participating in lead-up events: a suit-up event at JCPenney Eastview on September 22; a session offering tips on how to navigate and work the expo on the 23rd, and a diversity reception/reverse career fair also on the 23rd.
Also, new this fall, the Ain Center for Entrepreneurship is hosting monthly lunches for all students interested in entrepreneurship, starting this Friday, Sept. 20, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in Schlegel Hall, Room 102 (basement floor). This lunch will feature a quick run down of the Ain Center’s offerings: events, co-curricular programs and services, as well as the opportunity to hear from and meet entrepreneurship club leaders (both undergrad and graduate). Register online or call 585-276-3500. Additional lunches will be held on Oct. 18 and Nov. 15.
Congratulations to four Hajim School varsity athletes. Noah Chartier (track and field) and Devin Woodyard (football) of mechanical engineering, Beth Ghyzel (volleyball) of biomedical engineering, and Stephen Savchik (swimming and diving) of data science are among 10 seniors who are being recognized as Garnish Scholars this year by the Athletic Department. “These students represent the ideal of the scholar-athlete,” says George VanderZwaag, executive director of athletics. “They lead our teams on the field of play, while doing outstanding work in the classroom.” Read more about their outstanding accomplishments here.
Have a great week!
Your dean,
Wendi Heinzelman
