Study Abroad Student Spotlights
Photo captured by Marabelle DeLaurentis in Berlin, Germany
Our student spotlights feature Penn State students who recently participated in one of our education abroad programs. Hear their stories - what studying abroad meant to them, how it progressed their professional development, how it changed their intercultural perspectives, and more!
Want to be featured?
Have you studied abroad recently? Are you interested in being featured in our student spotlight series? Fill out the Study Abroad Student Spotlights form for a chance to be featured on this page, as well as across our social media platforms!
🌟FEATURED STUDY ABROAD SPOTLIGHT🌟
Rema Aldaraji
About Rema
Rema is a second-year student at Penn State Abington majoring in Vertebrate Physiology Biology and minoring in Bio Ethics & Medical Humanities. During fall 2023, Rema studied abroad in Germany through our embedded IST 197- Design Thinking in Germany program.
Continue reading to learn more about Rema's highlights of her time in Germany in her own words, why she chose her program, the lessons she took away, how studying abroad was formative to her future, and her advice for students interested in studying abroad!
Rema posing with her friend in front of the Potsdam Museum
Rema with her program outside the Brandenburg Gate
Rema's Education Abroad Experience
"Embarking on the journey of studying abroad was an exciting opportunity that delivered not only academic growth but also a unique cultural experience. My decision to enroll in the design thinking and information systems technology course at Hof University was fueled by a combination of academic, cultural, and personal motivations, converging to create a transformative learning adventure.
Professionally, this experience allowed us to use practical skills in project management, teamwork, and effective communication. Working with a diverse international team, each member brought a unique perspective, establishing a dynamic and innovative problem-solving environment. The collaboration with Hof University faculty and students provided valuable mentorship, enabling us to navigate the intricacies of implementing AI in robotics for healthcare. The lectures specifically helped me gain an understanding of the basics of AI which I was all ignorant to.
I think the most challenging aspect of this trip was the challenge of working on a complex project in an unfamiliar setting. it helped me work on adaptability and cultural appreciation. I found getting around the country to be quite easy, which shocked me. Everyone was extremely kind and helpful in translating and helping out.
On a personal level, the program proved to be transformative, especially considering my academic background in the medical field rather than technology, which was the entire focus of this trip. Adapting to new ways of thinking and building relationships with people from diverse backgrounds not only enriched my worldview, but also opened my eyes to the overlap between my medical studies and technology. It enhanced my ability to work on diverse teams—a set of qualities dire in today's worldwide professional landscape.
Do it! You’re not going to regret going, but you’ll regret staying home. It’s a short experience that’ll leave you hungry for more adventure. It’ll be a story you have to tell the rest of your life."