Monica Marinescu

Monica Marinescu
Back | Main | Next

I am a senior at Smith College studying Engineering. Studying in the US is already a study abroad experience for me in that I am from Romania and completed all my studies through High School there. I always had a strong interest in the sciences, especially physics. I knew of the unique program at Smith and had an interest in exploring engineering while still maintaining a broad liberal arts curriculum. In some ways my decision to study engineering was influenced by the scholarship I received. Therefore we could say engineering chose me, before I chose engineering. As I see it now, it was the best choice for me.

I spent last year in Hamburg, Germany. Through an arrangement with the Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg, I was able to take all my classes in the masters department of Microelectronics and Optoelectronics. This allowed me to take very specific courses in engineering, and exposed me to the more advanced topics of electrical engineering. While in Hamburg, I also had the opportunity to work and interact with professors and graduate students researching at the Hasylab, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY). This gave me a better understanding of current developments and furthered my interest in the field. It was the experience I needed to help me decide my future plans. I am now determined to pursue a career in microelectronics and plan to attend graduate school in this field.

This past year in Hamburg has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life and as a result, I have become a real proponent of international exchange programs. I know that Smith College is in the midst of establishing a formal exchange with TUHH and I am excited that others students at Smith will have access to the quality education available there, as well as the opportunity to gain an appreciation for the German language and culture.

Back | Main | Next

Updated: 10/14/2004