Study Abroad at ZHAW, Switzerland (Spring 2025)

My semester abroad at Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) was one of the most transformative academic experiences of my undergraduate career. As a visiting student in Switzerland, I studied computer vision, machine learning, and energy-focused systems in a global environment where my classmates came from many different backgrounds. The academic structure at ZHAW required independent thinking, problem solving, and interactive teamwork, which pushed me to adapt quickly and approach assignments with more creativity and initiative.

​

Living in Switzerland added a deeper personal dimension to the experience. I learned to navigate unfamiliar systems, communicate across cultures, and build meaningful friendships with other international students. Simple daily activities, such as planning travel across cantons or learning how to navigate multilingual communities, challenged me to grow in patience, resilience, and awareness. These experiences were not separate from my academic development. Instead, they reshaped how I think about engineering problems, global systems, and the contexts in which technology is used.

​

My definition of a global citizen scholar expanded significantly during this semester. I learned that global citizenship is not just about seeing new places. It requires listening, adapting, and understanding why cultures function the way they do. It means approaching unfamiliar situations with humility and curiosity rather than assumptions. In this sense, my time at ZHAW strengthened both my academic confidence and my global awareness.

​

This experience directly influences my future goals as I prepare for the Ruhr Fellowship and continue research at the intersection of energy systems, artificial intelligence, and social impact. Studying abroad taught me how much learning can happen when I step outside my comfort zone, and it encouraged me to pursue a career where international collaboration and cultural understanding are essential.