This summer, I participated in the WRIT 340 Maymester in Berlin, Germany. After a semester of writing and analysis, our class arrived in Europe, ready to broaden our global perspectives and experience engineering abroad.
Engineering Abroad
In Berlin, the opportunity to learn about science and engineering principles is accessible to the public and especially youth. Walking through the German Museum of Technology reminded me of visits to the California Science Center, located right next to USC. As an elementary student at the California Science Center, I learned about homeostasis from Tess, a 50-foot human body simulator, explored different ecosystems in the biome rooms, and experimented with fluid dynamics in the water. At the German Museum of Technology, engineering is deeply intertwined with the city’s history. We saw original boats and a barge salvaged from the 1800s, planes flown in the 1900s, and the evolution of cars. It was incredible to see parts of history made so tangible and accessible to the public and the youth, inspiring interest in technology from a young age.
The focus was not only on the past but also on the future, as seen in the Futurium. This museum emphasized the development and future of technology, as well as the ethical implications of these advancements. The interactive displays, which utilized motion and visual detection, sparked my interest and inspired ideas for potential Makers projects at USC.
We also toured MotionLab, which served as a hub for entrepreneurs to build their ideas in a shared creative environment. Similar to the Maker Space at USC, they had tools and ideation areas to help realize their products. We even had the opportunity to watch a product pitch and provide feedback on strategies to broaden promotion and appeal to a wider, more diverse audience.
One of the most exciting places we visited was the BMW Motorrad Welt. Here, we got a firsthand look into the inner workings of the factory and observed the processes and machinery. It was incredible to witness the integration between workers and automation on the factory floor.
As an engineering student, studying abroad offers valuable opportunities, even if it’s for a month. My time in May allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture, learn alongside fellow Viterbi students, and gain lasting insights.
