Introduction: A Dream Finally Realized 

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always dreamed of studying abroad. The idea of living in another country, experiencing a new culture, and seeing the world through a different lens was something I knew I wanted to do. But when I got to college, I figured it might be out of reach. I was an engineering major, and I just didn’t think there would be room in my schedule to study abroad. The classes, the labs, the constant workload—it felt impossible to fit a semester overseas into my already-packed life. 

Then I discovered something that changed everything. My school offered a program specifically for engineering students. In sophomore year, engineers could go abroad and still stay on track with their degree by taking engineering classes. After doing some research, I found a program with CEA CAPA that offered a unique opportunity in France, where I could attend a French university and continue my studies as an engineering major. Studying abroad as a STEM major became a reality for me—and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. 

Paris- Our first trip to Paris to see the Eiffel tower. It was such a gorgeous day! 

Program Overview: Engineering Classes in France 

The study abroad program was structured around taking 20 credits, 12 of which were STEM-focused engineering courses. I was placed at the University of Grenoble Alpes, which is renowned for its top-tier engineering school. The most exciting part? We weren’t just isolated in a study abroad bubble; we attended classes with French students. This gave us true insight into how they approach their education and what their university life was like. 

The classes were challenging, but in a way that was incredibly eye-opening. We had the chance to hear about the professors’ research and discuss ideas with French students. This was a perspective that I didn’t expect to gain and made the whole academic experience much richer. Beyond academics, studying with French students on a French campus meant I had the chance to explore the campus, meet new people, and immerse myself fully in student life in another country. 

Campus- An amazing view of our gorgeous campus. It was easy to never miss a lecture when this was what you got to see at 8 am each morning. 

Time Management and Travel: Creating a Balance 

One of the biggest challenges I faced while studying abroad as an engineering major was finding a balance between studying and traveling. There was a pretty big adjustment period at first. At Boston University, grades were based on constant assignments and projects, but in France, we didn’t have any homework—grades were entirely based on exams. This was a huge shift in how I approached learning. 

At first, it was tough. I was eager to travel and explore all that France had to offer, but I knew that if I didn’t stay disciplined in my studies, I wouldn’t pass my classes. We were in France to enjoy the culture and see the sights, but we also had to keep up with the academic rigor that STEM programs demand. 

Circuit- One of the circuits we were analyzing in our circuits lab. 

How We Found the Right Balance 

So how did I manage it all? The biggest lesson I learned was to go to every lecture. I know it sounds simple, but by showing up to each class, I was able to absorb the material during class time instead of spending hours trying to teach myself later. This saved me time and allowed me to use the extra time to explore and enjoy the city. 

Another important factor was accountability. It’s easy to get distracted when you’re surrounded by so much newness and excitement. But I had a group of friends who were also in the same program. We studied together, worked through problems together, and kept each other on track. 

Perhaps most importantly, I realized that studying abroad wasn’t just about academics; it was about the experience of learning in a completely different academic environment. The opportunity to work with French professors, interact with French students, and dive into their research was invaluable. I wasn’t just there to get good grades; I was there to experience it all. 

Friends- It was nice to find a group of friends to travel and study with. It really helped to create the perfect balance between study and travel. 

Learning to Let Go: Embracing the Experience 

As a STEM major, there’s often a lot of pressure to succeed and achieve perfect grades. The coursework is intense, and it’s easy to get bogged down by small mistakes. The temptation to be hard on yourself is always there. But studying abroad taught me how to ease up on myself. I realized that while academics are important, this experience was about so much more than just grades. 

Studying abroad is about stepping out of your comfort zone, embracing new challenges, and learning things you can’t learn from a textbook. I came to understand that it was okay to make mistakes and not have everything figured out. Looking back, I can’t remember every homework problem I struggled with, but I do remember the nights I spent with friends—laughing, exploring the city, and making memories. 

Hiking- Grenoble has such beautiful Alpes, and our professors recommended that we hike whenever we got too stressed in school. This helped us not get overworked. 

Would I Do It Again? A Life-Changing Experience 

If I had the chance to do it all over again, would I still choose a STEM-focused program or go for something unrelated to my major? Honestly, I’d choose the same path. This experience taught me how to create a balance between the serious side of STEM and the laid-back, adventurous side of life abroad. Before studying abroad, I was always uptight about grades, always worrying about falling behind or not being perfect. But after my time abroad, I realized that it’s possible to find a balance between work and play. Life is about more than just numbers and formulas—it’s about embracing new opportunities and learning from them in every way possible. 

So, would I recommend studying abroad as a STEM major? Absolutely. It changed the way I view both my education and my life. It taught me lessons that I’ll carry with me forever.