A group of Kennesaw State students flew to Europe last month to visit and explore different facilities and farms in European Union member countries to learn more about sustainability programs and practices.
The students traveled as part of a new engineering education abroad program now offered at KSU. Ten KSU students along with one Mercer University student were enrolled in the program and were able to travel to across seas to broaden their educational experience within their degree program.
While on the trip, students had the opportunity to see different sustainable wastewater treatment facilities, cities, community housing developments and organic farms. While visiting, students were able to compare how these sustainable systems worked compared to those in the U.S., and they were able to more fully understand European sustainability systems in general.
“It was a great opportunity to learn how other countries approach certain issues,” engineering major Sylvestre Traore said. “Additionally, I enjoy traveling all around the world and learning about other cultures.”
Between visiting the different sites, students also met with local sustainability experts and participated in community service activities in different areas of Germany and France.
“My favorite part was our field trip to Strasbourg, France,” Traore said. “We toured a sustainable district in Strasbourg on bike and visited the tallest self-sufficient building in the world. It was also interesting to see how a former industrial zone was transformed to a thriving ecological district.”
In their free time, students also visited local landmarks and spent their time enjoying the European cuisine, absorbing the different areas’ cultures during their trip abroad.
“The best part of the trip was getting to know all the wonderful people who shared this experience with me,” engineering major Skylar Rose said. “There were only 11 of us and I only knew one before leaving the U.S. However, throughout the trip we all became good friends. Since returning home, we all still continue to make plans together, and that is one of the most rewarding things of all.”
