Andrew Pavon

IPE Student Advisor

Major: Aerospace engineering

International Experience: Tecnun, Universidad de Navarra – Summer 2018

Why did you choose to study abroad when/where you did?

I wanted to experience a culture other than the ones I grew up in. I wanted to travel outside of the United States as well.

What was one of the most memorable experiences from your time abroad?

While in San Sebastian, Spain, I took a side trip to Barcelona to see Beyonce and JAY Z live for their On The Run II Tour. It was one the greatest nights of my life.

What was one of the biggest surprises about the location, culture or other aspects of your program?

One of the biggest surprises was how friendly the people were around us and how eager people were to practice their English with us and just wanting to hear about life in the United States.

How do the skills and experience you gained abroad set you apart as a professional engineer?

My experience abroad has helped me look at engineering in a more global sense. Not everything is exclusive to the United States. Culture has a huge impact on engineering and can make a product/service function/fail. I’m able to look at problems and situations with a broader perspective.

What advice would you like to give to a student interested in an international experience?

It might seem intimidating at first to travel outside of the country, especially if its your first time like it was for me. I definitely recommend doing it. Don’t over think it and just go for it.

What resources did you use to finance your time abroad?

I used my financial aid and some scholarships IPE awarded me to finance my time abroad.