A total of 14 undergraduate students from Southern Illinois University’s School of Engineering will present to the Chancellor’s Council on Oct. 16 about the four weeks they spent in Istanbul, Turkey during this year’s Study Abroad program.
The SIUE students, who represented the Industrial and Manufacturing, Mechanical and Electrical and Computer Engineering departments, studied sustainable alternative energy and history of science and technology at Istanbul Technical University (ITU.) They received college credit for their experience and efforts.
After spending their mornings in the classroom they were able to explore Turkey on field trips to industrial plants using alternative energy, as well as historical sites including the Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, Basilica Cistern, Bosporus Bridge, and Topkapi and Dolmabahce palaces.
“Walking down any street, you are surrounded by ancient buildings that are each accompanied with their own unique story,” said Josh Rasch, a senior mechanical engineering major. “Turkey is a melting pot of culture. You find people from all surrounding countries on a daily basis. This diversity makes every day an adventure.”
The students were housed in ITU residence halls and granted full access to the university’s facilities. They learned the similarities and differences of the two educational systems and cultures with daily interaction with Turkish students.
“Studying in Istanbul was a great experience,” said Adam Kuebel, a student in the mechanical engineering department. “I really enjoyed the culture and lifestyle of Turkey and learned a lot from the dual diploma students.”
The travel study program was organized by Cem Karacal, associate dean and professor in the School of Engineering. The courses were taught by Serdar Celik, associate professor in mechanical engineering and Geoffrey Bowe of ITU Humanities.
“My study abroad experience was life changing,” said Joshua Tonnies, a junior mechanical engineering major. “A new culture, dorm life and many other things made it very influential to my life.”