STORY: Olin Welcomes Spring 2025 Exchange Students

What inspired you to go to school for engineering? 

I’ve always been passionate about math and science, but choosing a university program was challenging for me. I considered many options, including medicine, law, agronomy, and psychology. In the end, I was torn between engineering and economics, which led me to choose my current course—a blend of both disciplines. 

What do you hope to do in the future when you graduate? 

I’m still figuring things out, but I’ve had an experience in strategy consulting, which I really enjoyed. I wouldn’t mind starting my career in that industry. 

Why did you apply to become an exchange student at Olin? 

There are two main reasons: 

• Coming from a university with over 40,000 students, I wanted to experience a smaller, more intimate learning environment. 

• I deeply appreciate the innovation in teaching methods at Olin, particularly the hands-on learning approach. 

How has your experience in the program been so far? 

The classes have been incredibly exciting. I enjoy that we work on many projects and have frequent interactions with real companies, making the learning experience practical and engaging. 

What skills do you hope to develop while you are here at Olin? 

Apart from more technical skills, I hope to enhance my soft skills through team projects and better apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios. 

Do you have a favorite moment and/or experience of the program? 

It’s only been a couple of weeks since I arrived, but I’ve already had some memorable experiences. If I had to pick one, I’d say California Day, which happened less than 48 hours after I arrived on campus. It was a fantastic way to start this journey. 

What advice do you have for students wanting to participate in an exchange program? 

Thinking about doing an exchange program can be intimidating at first, especially with the uncertainty of not knowing what to expect. But I can confidently say it will likely be one of the best memories of your college years. I’ve already done an exchange in Spain last year, and it was an enriching experience I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life, especially because of the people you meet. I’m confident this semester will be no different and will leave me with equally meaningful memories. 

What inspired you to go to school for engineering? 

During high school, while working at my family's medical accounting office, I dealt with piles of manual paperwork, a very inefficient labour. After learning Python, I discovered how to automate these tedious tasks. Combined with my early access to technology and love for STEM, Computer Engineering seemed like the sure path to take. 

What do you hope to do in the future when you graduate?  

After graduation, I aim to work for 2-3 years on the field of Software Engineering, in early career positions. Later, start my own venture to help alleviate problems and inequalities that I observe in my homeland. 

Why did you apply to become an exchange student at Olin?  

Olin inspired the curriculum of the Engineering courses in my home college, Insper. I actually learned this fact through a friend, who exchanged at Olin during Fall of 2023, also called Enrico. After talking to him, I felt that learning from the actual source, Olin, would be a unique engineering experience. I’m excited for the distinct education environment, specially with hands-on learning and entrepreneurship. 

How has your experience in the program been so far?  

My experience is extremely positive! My colleagues at Olin are always very friendly and interested in getting to know the "new faces on campus”. What a great academic and social environment this institution has! 

What skills do you hope to develop while you are here at Olin?  

At Olin, I hope to deepen my knowledge on algorithms, low-level systems, and entrepreneurship. 

Do you have a favorite moment and/or experience of the program so far?  

On campus, playing soccer with friends in the Babson field and watching TV shows with my suitemates were definitely a lot of fun. 

What advice do you have for students wanting to participate in an exchange student program?  

For those considering an exchange program here at Olin, my advice is to research about the culture and history of the institution. If it aligns with your personal goals and what you done so far back in your home institution, that means that is a good option for you! And most importantly, once you arrive, be ready to go out there and talk to people, your experience will only get better with that! 

What inspired you to go to school for engineering? 

I wanted to learn something technical in college—skills that I wouldn’t have the opportunity to acquire outside of an academic environment. 

What do you hope to do in the future when you graduate? 

I hope to pursue a career that blends engineering and business, combining technical expertise with strategic decision-making. 

Why did you apply to become an exchange student at Olin? 

Studying in the U.S. has always been a dream of mine. When I saw that Olin is ranked second in the U.S. for engineering programs, I felt it would be an incredible opportunity to study here. 

How has your experience in the program been so far? 

The experience has been very different from NUS. There’s a strong emphasis on hands-on learning here, full of projects and activities. I’ve also been inspired by how friendly, smart, and hardworking the students are. Additionally, I appreciate the frequent office hours where students actively teach and support one another, as well as the program's encouragement of self-taught sessions, which fosters independent learning. 

What skills do you hope to develop while you are here at Olin? 

I admire the leadership skills, strong foundational knowledge, and effective communication abilities of the students here. I hope to cultivate these skills during my time at Olin. 

Do you have a favorite moment and/or experience of the program so far? 

California Day was an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

What advice do you have for students wanting to participate in an exchange student program? 

Take the leap! It’s an incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and experience education in a different culture. 

What inspired you to go to school for engineering? 

Someone made a catapult using a ballpoint pen, hit me with it and refused to tell me how he did it. This was before YouTube was a thing. 

What do you hope to do in the future when you graduate? 

Raise a family 

Why did you apply to become an exchange student at Olin? 

I always wanted to do an exchange program in western countries and the school system got me to Olin! 

How has your experience in the program been so far? 

It's been fascinating experiencing snow for the first time and having lessons that emphasize practical assessments over theoretical ones. I feel incredibly lucky to have such fun and friendly suite mates! 

What skills do you hope to develop while you are here at Olin? 

Electrical Engineering skills 

Do you have a favorite moment and/or experience of the program so far? 

I got slapped by a shovel full of snow and rolled down the slope covered in snow. 

What advice do you have for students wanting to participate in an exchange student program? 

Buy a secondhand car