“Aviation is all about making connections with your peers as well as people already in the industry. I’ve met some wonderful people who joined me in Germany and made connections with people I may not have met. Experiencing how aviation in Europe is different from the United States will help me fit into the industry as well,” reflected air transportation major Ava Schick on the International Perspectives on Aviation program over spring break in Germany.
Students on the program get an immersive glimpse at the global aviation industry through sightseeing, coursework and company visits. This year, activities included a Munich airport tour, multiple aviation museums and an assembly line tour of Airbus.
“I find being abroad and opening my horizons to be one of the best experiences someone can have. If you can experience a new culture as well as learn on a topic you are passionate about, it’s the best of both worlds! Aviation is a small industry that goes worldwide on a daily basis. Studying aviation in Europe provided unique insights into the industry I plan to enter,” said Schick.
Along with an advanced look at a new part of the aviation industry, Schick said that the experience also helped her form bonds with new people who she otherwise wouldn’t have met.
“This study abroad program has made me realize that meeting new people and traveling abroad can create new connections and ideas that I wouldn’t have thought of before. I got to see the inside scoop on the aviation industry outside the United States and I’m thankful for the new lessons I’ve learned from my trip,” she noted.
Although experiences such as the Airbus tour were particularly memorable, Schick explained that her favorite parts of the program were navigating a new country with her newly formed friend group.