We are celebrating the EUROTECH program’s 30th anniversary, and we invited our alums to participate by reflecting on the program. Here’s our second portrait of Aaditya Vyas (’13):

1. When you think back on your EUROTECH studies at UConn 2013, what stands out most for you, in your memory?
   • Growth! Not only academically and professionally, but as a person/adult as well 
   • I’m unsure if I can single out one specific memory, as the entire year was amazing
   • Earning a paycheck abroad, paying bills, working with German colleagues and collaborating in a foreign language challenged me in many ways – but I came out of the program as a much more well rounded individual having completed this experience.
   • I always looked forward to any German classes at school, because they challenged a different side of my brain versus rigorous engineering coursework. I always had fun in my German classes.
2. What aspects or elements of the EUROTECH program have helped you pursue the career or life phase you are in now?
   • Eurotech provided me with an opportunity to experience independence as an adult prior to graduating college
   • This program facilitated also my first professional internship which prepared me for the daily cadence of work and life before leaving school
3. What advice would you give any current or prospective EUROTECH student?
   • Take your time to prepare for your year abroad:
   • Save up spending money
   • Research potential companies to pursue an internship at
   • Plan out and prioritize when/where you’d like to travel and visit as applicable
   • Connect with professors, guides, former students to really understand what life will be like abroad
   • School schedule
   • What classes to take (engineering? German only?)
   • How to prepare for internships and look for them
4. Your concluding, summative statement on EUROTECH:
   • EUROTECH was by far the best decision I made as an undergraduate student 
   • By participating in this program, you have the opportunity to not only pursue a challenging engineering career – but also your interpersonal relationship skills will grow exponentially by studying and working in a foreign country and language
   • This is a program unlike any other in the nation (to my knowledge), and as Huskies we are lucky to have such an amazing opportunity!
   • You will come out of this program as a well rounded individual, ready to take on any challenge the world may throw at you!