For my STEP signature project I traveled to the beautiful countries of England and Wales with a group of 20 other students to study the engineering and social aspects that the grand medieval cathedrals and castles had on these areas. We toured many different sites, studying how and why they were built and their historical significance.
Before going on this trip I had never left the United States. By traveling to Europe I was able to see just how different our cultures are, and why these differences occur. I never expected to fall so deeply in love with another country, but especially Wales was absolutely amazing. I thought that the grand castles and cathedrals would be the highlights of this trip, and while they were spectacular it was the beautiful Welsh culture and country side that really overpowered the trip. I learned that the world’s greatest places do not necessarily lie in large tourist centers and bustling cities, in the case of this trip they are in small sea side villages in northern Wales. Before this trip I did not know that traveling could be so rewarding, but through my STEP signature project and my education abroad program I have learned that the only way to really learn about other areas of the world is to go there and experience it first hand.
The biggest factor in the success of my STEP signature project was the other students I traveled with. They were some of the most amazing, open and funny people that I have ever met. Because of the way the education abroad program was designed the group of us was very mobile, only staying in one place for two or three nights. We saw so many places and this group of students allowed for us all to make the best of every town or city. Their sense of adventure led way to so many experiences and memories that most groups will never experience. They allowed for me to open up and make strong connections with 20 people that were previously strangers. Everyone embraced the new countries wholeheartedly and truly made the experience so perfect.
One of the most amazing parts of my experience was the landscape of England and Wales. Being so green and mountainous, these countries are so beautiful. Driving through the Green Desert of Wales or standing one hundred feet up on a castle looking over the ocean with mountains in the background really gave me an appreciation for the beauty of the natural earth. I expected for this trip to be full of beautiful architecture, and while it was it was the unexpected landscape that really stunned me. This type of landscape defines the cultures that surround it.
The culture of England and Wales was one of the most vibrant and spectacular I have ever experienced. Especially in Wales, the people are so proud of their heritage, which was so amazing to see. People appreciate where they came from and what their ancestors went through to get to where they are. There was so much delicious local food and shops, something that is harder to come by in America. By being able to experience this culture was so amazing. These people welcomed my group in and allowed for us to see what their life is like. It was so special to see such rich and interesting culture in person.
Being an engineering student I thought this experience would help me learn ancient building techniques and things of that nature but it really did so much more. I was able to learn about people. I learned how structures can define a society, showing how the castles and cathedrals built hundreds of years ago still shape daily life in their respective cities. I learned that structures can hold different meanings for different people. By applying this to any future projects I am apart of I can be a better problem solver, and consider the effects it will have on multiple groups of people. These people skills that I developed while in the United Kingdom will prove indispensable in the future.
It sounds like you were able to connect learning about academics and culture in creative and exciting ways.