For 7 weeks during the summer of 2006, I called the small Austrian town of Leoben my home.  This town, far from anywhere that I had heard of before, has become a place that will stay in my mind forever.  The wonderful people, intriguing work, unbelievable experiences, and amazing sights have left a positive impression that has changed my outlook and will change my future. 

While in Austria, I worked for the Polymer Competence Center Leoben, joining a research team that was studying and testing carbon-fiber composite materials.  I learned an immense amount about the material as well as processing and testing procedures, and I applied that learning, in addition to the technical skills that I already possessed, on the job.  It was a great learning experience for me as well as for my coworkers.  I was able to learn much about Austrian culture and business practices while my coworkers were able to practice and improve their English. 

I lived in student housing with people from Austria, Belgium, Norway, Poland, Spain, Italy, England, and Slovakia.  I became very close to many of them, each with diverse backgrounds and personalities.  Living where I did for 7 weeks allowed me to not only experience Austrian culture, but also to come to understand a little about several other cultures.  The other students and I visited various cities throughout Austria and Italy, toured an iron-ore mine in the town of Eisenerz, and learned about each other through cultural discussion nights.  I now have friends from literally all over the world, with many open doors should I ever find myself in their home countries. 

This IAESTE internship was profoundly different from other internships I have done.  One can learn new engineering and technical skills in any kind of internship, but working abroad gave me a new, global perspective on the people and the working climates of different countries.  I think that doing some kind of international work experience should be a part of everyone’s education. 

As I have found, seeing something in a different light can be profound. 

For more information please contact: Craig Biehl cbiehl@purdue.edu

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