ISE students expand global perspective through study abroad

Every summer, Auburn University’s Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) offers students a chance to expand their educational and professional perspectives through study abroad programs in Spain and Germany. These experiences are more than just opportunities to explore new cultures; they provide valuable real-world work experience and a chance to grow personally and professionally.

Two unique programs are offered through ISE and both include the opportunity to work with international companies to solve engineering problems. The Spain trip is a six-week study abroad program in Pamplona, Spain. Travel to San Sebastián and Barcelona are also included. Students enrolled in the Business-Engineering-Technology (BET) minor now have the opportunity to participate in a new international program. Over the course of an 8-week trip, students will complete their second year of the BET minor, starting in Pamplona, Spain, and concluding in Würzburg, Germany.

Hear firsthand from students who recently participated in these exciting trips.

Discovering independence in Germany

For Emma Biegansky, a junior in industrial and systems engineering, the decision to spend her summer in Germany stemmed from a love for travel and a desire to gain hands-on work experience.

“I grew up constantly exploring new places with my family, and I knew I wanted to experience learning and living in a new place on my own,” she said.

Biegansky interned at PID Test and Engineering in Schweinfurt, where she gained her first professional experience in her field of study. The experience deepened her understanding of industrial engineering, allowing her to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges.

“We were placed on projects to enhance efficiency in their warehousing operations,” she said. “I spent six weeks analyzing workflows, interviewing employees, and using many of the skills I learned in my classes at Auburn.”

A memorable part of her time abroad was the weekend trips with her newfound friends.

“We’d finish work on Thursday and jump on a train to a different country until Sunday,” Biegansky said.

Biegansky found the biggest cultural difference to be the language barrier.

“Since I was working in Schweinfurt, Germany, but also traveling so much on weekends, and the only language I am fluent in is English, it was definitely an obstacle,” she said. “After a while, though, I learned that most people speak fluent English all over Europe and that the Google Translate app is incredibly helpful.”

Biegansky encourages anyone considering studying abroad to take the leap.

“I left the experience feeling more independent and confident than ever,” she said. “You gain so much, not just professionally, but personally. You make new friends, see incredible places, and learn to navigate the world with confidence.”

Embracing new challenges in Spain

Kate Carr, another junior in the program, chose to study abroad in Spain to reconnect with Europe, where she spent her high school years.

“I’ve missed living in Europe, so this study abroad really offered me a good excuse to go back while gaining useful experience for my career,” she said.

During her internship with Tracasa, a company based in Spain, Carr worked on coding projects.

“My project revolved around coding with Python, a universal language, so it became easy to communicate with our contact regarding our work because we were speaking the same language,” she said. “This internship took out the fear factor of working abroad. The beauty of engineering is that it’s the same everywhere.”

Carr believes that the international internship will greatly enhance her resume.

“I have had companies ask for an example of how I have demonstrated my problem-solving skills,” she said. “My time working for Tracasa will be a perfect answer to these questions.”

Carr’s most memorable moment came during a group-planned trip to Malaga and Morocco.

“There was so much planning involved, and it was very rewarding to see our hard work pay off,” she said. “We got to ride camels and add another continent to our adventure! It was a group effort, and we wouldn’t have made it through the day without each other.”

Reflecting on the overall experience, Carr emphasized the personal growth that comes from stepping into a new environment.

“It’s intimidating not knowing anyone at first, but you come out so much more confident,” she said. “You learn to adapt, plan trips, and navigate unfamiliar situations, all of which are life skills you carry forward.”

Carr’s advice for students considering studying abroad is to just do it.

“There are scholarships available, and the experience is priceless,” she said. “You’ll gain both professional and personal skills, and the memories will last a lifetime.”

For both Biegansky and Carr, ISE’s study abroad programs provided an opportunity to travel and develop skills that will benefit them in their future careers. Learn more about these opportunities here.