<p>I just finished my freshman year of college and I really want to study abroad during spring quarter my junior year. I plan on starting taking either German, French, or Spanish (I only have some Spanish background currently) this coming year depending on where I plan on studying abroad. I am planning on majoring in mechanical engineering (interested in cars, mechatronics, but possible biomechanical). </p>
<p>Anyways, I am trying to decide between studying in Berlin, Paris, or Santiago. In Berlin and Paris I will be able to get an engineering related internship (through programs with my college). In Santiago, however, this probably won't be possible (I may be able to get an internship with their Center of Renewable Energy, but it probably won't be engineering and I would probably end up doing more volunteering work instead (with combating poverty). </p>
<p>Since I am a very outdoorsy person and want to immerse myself in a different culture, going to Chile appeals to me and seems more exciting. However, I'm conflicted because of the more engineering opportunities elsewhere. </p>
<p>Do any of you have any experience in these countries or advice of which one would be the most beneficial? Thanks!</p>
<p>Germany. </p>
<p>1) You’re studying mechanical engineering, and you’re interested in cars/mechatronics/biomechancal… 'nuff said.</p>
<p>2) Germany promotes a very active lifestyle. Copious amounts of outdoorsy opportunities.</p>
<p>The only concern, is you’re level of German, but this also applies if you were to study in France (unless you have good knowledge of the language). A year of German, depending on the effort you’re willing to put in, is not enough to comfortably sit in a engineering course in Germany. It will be hard, but you’ll come out a better person. For me, it was easier since I study Computer Science, and the language of CS is English. So throughout the world, the names of all the concepts (and programming) are primarily in English.</p>
<p>If you do choose Germany, and I highly advise you do, try to look for courses that are taught in English. The majority of Bachelors courses are taught in Germany, but an increasing number of Masters courses are being taught in English.</p>
<p>Edit: Oh, and one more thing. A semester is too short, a quarter is basically nothing. If you can stay for a semester (or two quarters), do it. However, I highly advise you to stay for a full academic year.</p>
<p>You should pick a place you want to see more importantly than your classes. You have to get approved for any classes that you want to take for your abroad program and sometimes you won’t be approved due to their own requirements. Most people going abroad use up some electives while away or finish up their gen ed requirements. It should be about focusing on yourself. IF you can get an internship while away that would be awesome, and taking engineering courses would be great too. But if Chile is really where you want to be- than you should really be spending money going somewhere else? You can always apply for those internships over the summer and see if you can go abroad during the summer or winter months. There are programs that do that as well. </p>
<p>Also, quarter might be too short for some internships anyway - keep that in mind while making a decision. Feel free to email the places you are interested in to get more information.</p>
<p>I agree with the previous commenter that a full semester is better for full immersion of the culture. I do not have an opinions on staying for a full academic year.</p>