Global Warming, Global Experience

Chisom Amaechi, a senior double major in chemical engineering and engineering and public policy, hopes to go to graduate school for environmental or energy engineering. She aims to ultimately work in a field involved with climate change and global warming. "These issues can’t be solved without the cooperation of every nation," said Amaechi, "so I know my work will require me to go abroad often." To help her prepare for her future plans, she participated in a program that culminated in a 10-day study abroad experience in Brazil. "I wanted to have my first experience in a country that actively takes part in being environmentally conscious and sustainable," she said.

She got that experience through the program EMPOWER: Engineering a Sustainable Future, a part of The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE); the University of Pittsburgh was the host institution.

Amaechi described her travel as, "a truly rewarding experience" and said that she has developed a love and understanding of another culture. "I was fortunate to see alternative energies that Brazil utilizes in person and to get a taste of a very rich and unique culture."

Amaechi learned of the program from the email d-list sent out by the CIT Dean's Office. It was an excellent fit for her, since being on the volleyball team precludes her from studying abroad for an entire semester or year. Because it was a short program, she was able to balance both an internship and the study abroad, achieving two important goals and participating in two experiences that will help her in her career.

Part of Amaechi's balancing act was possible because Pitt offered the two-hour, weekly class both in classrooms at Pitt and virtually by streaming an online video. Amaechi's internship was out of state, so the virtual option was a perfect fit. Classes included guest lectures on a specific topic each week, followed by a Portuguese lesson. There was also a group project component. At the end of the course, after a short break, the students met in Miami to fly to Brazil for 10 days.

Amaechi used personal funds for her trip, and she also applied to the Tartans Abroad Fund for additional support. She highly recommends the experience to fellow students. "I strongly encourage any and every engineer to try to go abroad sometime in their career in college. It is such an enriching experience," she said.  "Something new can always be learned, and an appreciation and acceptance of other cultures results."