SHEIDA

The IEP has been one of the best surprises of my life. Originally when I decided to attend URI, I had very little knowledge about IEP. Language was not my strong subject in high school, but I decided to take German anyway. I enjoyed the language so much that I decided to continue with it. I always knew I liked engineering, so for me IEP was the best of both worlds.

The longer I was in the program the more I began to really and truly become a part of the IEP community. I lived in the IEP House for three semesters and am now thoroughly enjoying my year abroad in Germany. It is an experience like no other. I have traveled to most of the neighboring countries and beyond. However, the IEP provides students with the opportunity to do so much more than just go abroad for one semester to take courses. I had my classes in German, my tests in German, and now I am working for the next six months in a German firm, where all I speak is German!  Working in a firm abroad has not only greatly enhanced my German skills, but also has allowed me to apply what I have learned in my engineering courses at URI as well as develop an acquaintance in the job industry.  Although a rigorous program, the IEP still leaves plenty of time for extracurricular activities as well as a social life. I am able to do all the things I did back in high school such as dancing (ballet) and playing the violin, and I even find time to go out some weekends.