"It truly is an amazing opportunity to see the world, take some interesting courses that you might not otherwise get to explore (and for which you receive full credit) and broaden your horizons."
Sara Han
- Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science
- Grad year: 2025
- Program:
- Campus: Vancouver
What got you interested in engineering?
As a child, I was always interested in building and creating things. My sister studied engineering and would often show me her projects.
Whether it was a line-following robot or an autonomous hovercraft, I was fascinated by it all and knew that I would eventually also want to pursue engineering in university.
How did you choose electrical engineering?
I originally thought I would study software or computer engineering because I liked programming. However, as I learned more about the different specializations, I found myself more interested in physically tangible projects. Electrical engineering lies at the intersection of hardware and software, making it the best of both worlds.
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You have done three separate international study experiences! What got you interested in doing an exchange?
I had always heard about the study abroad program at UBC, but I didn’t personally know anyone who had gone on exchange. However, after my second year, I did a 16-month stretch of co-op: eight months as a software engineering intern for Corvus Energy in Richmond, and then continuing in Seattle at companies in cybersecurity and embedded engineering. When I came back from Seattle, I realized I wanted to keep exploring.
Go Global Applied Science Co-op Program
I’ve always loved travelling, and studying abroad allows you to live in a new country, travel, and stay on track with academics at the same time. It seemed like a perfect opportunity.
I researched UBC’s partner universities to find programs that aligned with my interests. I ended up choosing ETH Zurich – a global leader in mechanical engineering and robotics, and the National University of Singapore – known for its expertise in business and technology entrepreneurship. This way, I could also experience living in both Europe and Asia.
Tell us about ETH Zurich.
I was in Zurich from September 2023 to January 2024.
Even though I had only completed second-year foundational courses here at UBC, I was able to take several master’s-level courses in robotics and biomedical devices at ETH.
This introduced me to fields that I hadn’t studied before and ended up really enjoying. Now, back at UBC, I have started doing research with a mechanical engineering professor, exploring different mechanical properties to better characterize biomedical devices.
What were some highlights from outside of class?
At the very start of my exchange, I participated in ETH Week, which was an amazing program where we got to tackle real-world problems on circular economy with students from all kinds of disciplines. It was a really great way to meet a diverse group of students and build connections right from the start.
I also love being in nature, and Switzerland has plenty of opportunities to explore the mountains and beautiful landscapes. That’s balanced by it being a highly advanced tech hub.
I went to robotics seminars and engineering workshops led by experts in the field and regularly spent my evenings in the Student Project House, which is an incredible makerspace at ETH. I also enjoyed the slower pace of life in Europe, where time outside of school and work is greatly valued, with lots of social events and gatherings to join.
Tell us about Singapore!
I was in Singapore from January 2024 to May 2024. I wanted to do something new, so I took courses in business and computer science.
The business courses focused on technology entrepreneurship, which I enjoyed and found to be really useful. I personally think there is great value for engineers to have a business background.
Singapore was really exciting! It’s a small and densely populated place with beautiful weather and so much to do. Like Switzerland, it’s technologically advanced, but with a much faster pace of life. I made the most of my time by travelling to nearby countries and diving into the many opportunities and events Singapore had to offer.
And then, this past summer, you were in Cambridge for a course! Tell us about that.
I did an Engineering Summer Program at the University of Cambridge on nanotechnologies and quantum technology. I became interested in this area after taking related courses at ETH and wanted to explore it more.
It was a fantastic experience learning and exploring with students from around the world who were also passionate about the fields.
Any advice for others who are interested in exchange?
I was actually speaking at an exchange panel last week, and everyone who had studied abroad described it as an incredible and transformative experience. I definitely agree with that.
It truly is an amazing opportunity to see the world, take some interesting courses that you might not otherwise get to explore (and for which you receive full credit) and broaden your horizons.
If you do go on an exchange, use it as a chance to say yes to as many things as possible!
Before I went on exchange, I was very focused on academics and hadn’t realize how many opportunities we have as university students. Studying abroad definitely made me much more open-minded. Now, in my final year at UBC, I’m making an effort to join more in clubs, activities and events.
