Polymer and Fiber Engineering Offers Exchange Program with German University

Auburn University polymer and fiber engineering students are the first in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering to participate in a true exchange program. The polymer and fiber engineering student exchange program with Reutlingen University in southern Germany allows Auburn students majoring in polymer and fiber engineering, fiber engineering, or textile management and technology to spend six months studying at Reutlingen, and students from Reutlingen to study at Auburn.

"I am so thankful for my time at Reutlingen," says Nicole Sizemore, a 2004 fiber engineering graduate and one of the first participants in the program. "The time I spent in Germany has already helped me in my career. My boss and several of the people I work with are Japanese, so communication is a big issue for the company. I believe I'm adjusting really well because of my exposure to a different culture in Germany. In addition, this job requires a lot of travel. After my time in Europe, traveling on my own is a piece of cake. I have a lot more confidence in my communication, traveling and just-being-on-my-own type skills - which I'm finding out fast is mandatory in this type of international industry."

Students interested in participating in this program need to submit an application for review by their academic advisor before gaining clearance to participate in the program.

"Reutlingen and Auburn offer some of the same excellent programs, so the exchange is relatively simple," says Julia Freeman, academic program assistant for Auburn's Textile Engineering Department. "This is a wonderful opportunity for Auburn and Reutlingen students to enrich their lives and enhance their education."

Reutlingen University offers courses in engineering, fibers, business and German. Many classes are taught in English.

For more information:

• Study Abroad in Polymer and Fiber Engineering