Katarina Klett is a third-year chemical engineering student at the University of Pittsburgh. At school, she works as a calculus tutor in the Math Assistance Center (MAC) and as a Peer Advisor for the Swanson School of Engineering. When not at the MAC or in the engineering building, she can be found in the Adipose Stem Cell Center, where Katarina worked as a Student Researcher since the summer following her freshman year. Outside of academics, she’s actively involved in Scientists, Engineers, and Mathematicians for Service (SEMFS) and EXCEL—a club that focuses on developing underrepresented students into leaders in the STEM fields.  

What motivated your decision to go abroad? How/why did you choose where to go?
I have always loved to travel and have an innate drive to learn. Surrounding yourself with an entirely new environment places you in a position with no choice but to learn. 

I chose to study abroad in Germany for two reasons. I had studied in Bavaria briefly after my first year in college and was in complete awe of the country. Never had I been to a place that was so well organized and breathtakingly beautiful. Secondly, I love research. Knowing that for even just one moment, I am the only person in the world that knows a piece of information is fascinating to me. Being able to conduct research in a country that continues to be a global leader in research was a dream that I had to make happen.  

What was your experience like? What is your favorite memory? What were some challenges you observed?
My experience was nothing short of amazing. I worked with an incredible team of researchers to help develop a bioreactor that will mimic the environment of the human body to promote cardiomyocyte growth from stem cells. During my experience, I was also invited to attend a conference in Heidelberg, where I was able to network with hundreds of students also conducting research. I traveled every opportunity I had, exploring a new destination almost every weekend.  

My favorite memory is the weekend that my close friends and I road-tripped to Amsterdam. Never have I found the saying “Life is about the journey, not the destination” so true.   

I would say that my biggest challenge was diving head first into the world of cardiovascular tissue regeneration research. With a background in chemical engineering, the only exposure that I had to bioengineering was through my research at Pitt. While the research that I had already conducted provided a strong foundation, learning about an entirely new research project is always a challenge to conquer. 

What skills did you develop from your experience? Do you feel changed from your experience abroad?
Within the laboratory, I learned a plethora of new skills, ranging from technical skillsets to expanding my knowledge of the biology behind developing stem cells into cardiovascular tissue. I also developed strong personal skills, including adaptability and confidence.  

My experience abroad has absolutely changed me. I am more adaptable and independent as a result of the vulnerability of a new place.  

Has your experience helped you get to where you are today? 
I strongly believe so. During my last few weeks abroad, I applied for an opportunity to work as a Process Engineering Co-op for Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products. After connecting with the recruiter about her experience living in Frankfurt, she kindly told me to expect an offer. I am happy to report that I did in fact receive the offer and have been employed since late September.  The time that we both spent in Germany served as common ground for us to connect on and certainly removed the ‘edge’ of the interview process. 

What advice would you share with other students who are thinking of going abroad?
Plan in advance. I was fortunate to secure a scholarship from the Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst (DAAD) to fund my study abroad experience, but I am confident that this was due significantly to how far in advance I began my application. If you spend the time researching abroad options beforehand, you will be impressed by the number of scholarship opportunities available to help make your experience happen. Many deadlines are months before you will ever set foot in another country, and a thorough application will take dedication as well. I can promise that the time investment will be well worth it in the end for both your wallet and your peace of mind.  

How has international education impacted or influenced your cultural identity?
Working with such a diverse team of scientists opened my eyes to an array of different cultures. In one laboratory, I had the opportunity to work with researchers spanning the globe, anywhere from Hawaii to Mexico to China. While it was clear that our different backgrounds had shaped unique individuals, I was surprised by how much we had in common. My own identity was shaped substantially by the realization that even though two people can grow up in vastly different cultures, they can still be incredibly similar at the core. 

Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?
I would encourage the reader to take advantage of the study abroad opportunities available to us as undergraduate students. It is unlikely that you will ever have such little responsibility again in your life.  Recognize that the best time is now to explore the world outside of your campus.

#StudyAbroadBecause... You Deserve To See The World

Stasia Lopez is the Global Education Editor for Wandering Educators and is also a Career Consultant at the University of Pittsburgh. She graduated with her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Western Michigan University and earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Robert Morris University. Stasia is passionate about international education, travel,  and loves working on a college campus. She’s lived in four different U.S. states (Florida, Michigan, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania) and also studied and lived abroad in Rome, Italy. Stasia lives in the Pittsburgh area with her husband, Fernando.

All photos courtesy and copyright Katarina Klett