Karla Kruse: Study Abroad Program Enhances Coursework
Undergrad Karla Kruse feels that there are many opportunities at CAEE to help students succeed.
Karla Kruse had the best summer of her life when she studied abroad in London. In Summer 2006, she participated in a unique 6-week study abroad program offered by the International Engineering Education program through the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin.
The program is designed specifically for UT Engineering and Architecture students. The program includes two courses in London—one is taught by CAEE Instructor Gregory Brooks, and the other is taught by University College London faculty. Kruse's summer was the first time the summer program was offered in London, a positive change since London is home to many of the world's leading engineering and architecture firms. In addition to attending lectures, doing research and visiting architecture, students visit 2 to 3 engineering and architecture offices each week. During those visits, professionals from these firms discuss state-of-the-art engineering, design, and construction methods.
UT’s London Study Abroad program allows students time in the classroom and the opportunity to visit architectural sites and engineering offices.
"I made stronger friendships with other students in my major and was able to explore Europe," says Kruse. "It is invaluable to see how what you’re learning in class actually applies to the real world. I can’t pass interesting architecture without furthering examining the building/structure anymore."
After the program, students return to the United States with a broader view of their future professions, valuable technical understanding, and new-found maturity about global issues. The summer abroad is an amazing opportunity for students to be able to live in another country while learning from a university and professional community.
After her life-changing experience overseas, Kruse returned to Austin and resumed her regular schedule as an Honors Architectural Engineering junior. She is a member of the Society of Women Engineers and volunteers for various Women in Engineering activities. Additionally, she is a member of the Architectural Engineering Institute, American Society of Civil Engineers steel bridge team and is team leader for Tau Beta Pi Honor Society.
On top of being an Honors Architectural Engineering student, Kruse is active in several engineering organizations.
Kruse comes to CAEE from Columbia, Missouri. Architectural Engineering was a natural choice because she enjoys seeing how buildings fit together and learning how to design structures. She says, "There are so many opportunities to help you succeed. The department will help you choose what area you want to pursue, and people really care about your interests. I have never felt like I couldn’t ask anyone a question or just talk about the future."
On top of her busy schedule as a student, she is on the competitive club tennis team and is Director of Scholarship for her sorority, Alpha Phi. Kruse also finds time to enjoy watching a variety of UT athletics—football, basketball, volleyball and soccer—and just to get outside and simply to enjoy the city.
"Austin is an amazing city, and I never want to leave! From flying kites in Zilker Park, kayaking on Lady Bird Lake, boating on Lake Travis—there are so many outdoor activities," says Kruse. "People are always outside, and there’s always a concert to attend! Also, the people are incredibly friendly."
After graduating, her goal is to build baseball stadiums someday and to continue being involved in the design process of buildings. She is also intrigued by forensic engineering and figuring out why some structures fail.
30 St. Mary Axe is the 2nd tallest building in London.
She feels that staying involved has had a positive impact on her experience here. She advises students new to CAEE to "get involved immediately and make friends with everyone. Coming from out-of-state, I made sure to say hello to everyone I saw. Making friendships in your major helps when you want to study for tests, and they make campus feel more like home. Also, get to know your advisors. They can really help you out in stressful times. And, study abroad if you can."
For more on the London Study Abroad Program, click here.