U of A Senior Gains Independence Through Study Abroad Experience

Courtesy of Katie Edwards

Katie Edwards found independence by studying abroad for a semester at Italy's Politecnico di Torino.

Katie Edwards is the baby of her family. The youngest of four siblings, she is always doted on, always inquired about, always cared for. She found a bit of independence when she came to the University of Arkansas as a freshman in 2012. But, with an older brother on campus, she still didn't truly know what it would be like to be on her own.

"When I came to the University of Arkansas, I still had my big brother with me," she said. "While it was nice to have his support, I was never really on my own completely. That's one of the reasons I wanted to go abroad."

To really gauge her level of self-sufficiency, Edwards knew she would have to select a program that was longer than a few weeks. She opted for a semester-long exchange program for engineering students at Italy's Politecnico di Torino.

"I chose a longer program because I didn't think I would get as much experience if I were just there for the summer," she said. "I also felt like I had a lot more freedom because I didn't have professors with me from Arkansas. I was more on my own and had to learn a lot more, but I think I got a lot more out of it."

Edwards' experience in Italy got off to a rocky start. As soon as her plane landed, she realized she had no idea how to get to her university dorm. With no cell service and limited Italian language ability, Edwards had to get creative in finding her way.

"Honestly, that's an experience I'm glad I had," she said. "It was the big 'freak out' moment of my trip, and I was able to just get it over with right away. It was terrifying at the time, but I think it was good for me in the end."

For Edwards, getting settled and figuring things out away from her comfort zone was challenging at first. However, as she began making friends and building a support system, things started getting a lot easier and a lot more fun.

Edwards, a senior mechanical engineering student, now reflects on her time as an exchange student as one of the best experiences of her life.

"My time in Italy definitely made me grow up a lot, but gaining that sense of independence was so rewarding," she said. "It was the best experience I could have given myself."

The College of Engineering, in partnership with the Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange, has greatly expanded the semester exchange opportunities for engineering students.

"Spending a semester in a foreign country is the best way to learn the culture, make new friends and learn how engineering is performed around the world," said Bryan Hill, assistant dean of student recruitment and diversity, honors and international programs in the College of Engineering. "With our expanded semester exchange options, it is great to be able to hand an incoming freshman engineering student an eight-semester degree plan that includes a semester abroad."

Students interested in learning more about study abroad opportunities should contact the Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange.