ELCIR Student Testimonials

TAMU Graduate, class of 2019
Currently FAA Electrical Engineer

The ELCIR program helped me see the day to day role of engineers of different disciplines. We got to see what an electrical, chemical, and ocean engineer does and the effect their jobs have on the people and the environment. This was important because being a first generation student I had never gotten an opportunity to interact with an actual engineer and see what it really is their job consists of.

This experienced solidified for me that I did want to be an engineer, and motivated me to continue working hard.

TAMU Graduate, class of 2020
Currently Kimley horn civil analyst

The ELCIR program encouraged me to think big about engineering and life. It was my first experience out of the US and I really enjoyed not only experiencing a new culture but also learning what it means to be a global engineer. I think very highly of this program. It was an amazing experience and I recommend any and all to participate. By far the best TAMU study abroad ever!

In addition, the ELCIR program helped me feel more at home at Texas A&M. Before the program I had a really hard time integrating into the school and considering transferring but through this program I met a lot of amazing people and faculty. Also, learning about and experience a different culture encouraged me to reach out to others in my academic and personal experiences and I made some pretty awesome diverse life long friendships.

Professionally, this program and my experiences from it helped me land my first internship and by extension my full time job I currently hold. The talking points I could have during interviews concerning my experiences during this program were extremely impactful. I grew as a person and an engineer through ELCIR and as a result, employers hired me.

I remember ELCIR very fondly. It was my first abroad experience and by far the best abroad travel experience I’ve had since then. I would describe this program as an introduction to research and an AMAZING cultural experience. Get ready for fun and a great cultural and educational experience.

TAMU Graduate, class of 2019
Currently at ExxonMobil

The ELCIR program was a great introduction to the importance of undergraduate research with an emphasis on collaboration on a global scale. For many on the trip, it was one of their first experiences abroad and it was really cool to see how university and research is done outside of the United States.

I may have never tried undergraduate research or learned much about biofuels.

It was also a great networking opportunity and I met many friends on this trip that I’m still in touch with today

It was a great experience to share during interviews. Have a global perspective it very valuable to oil and gas companies and made me more marketable.

It was truly a highlight of my collegiate career.

TAMU Graduate, class of 2020
Currently working at Samsung Austin Semiconductor

The ELCIR trip was my introduction to research, so it opened up that door for me. It also helped my global mindset, as I was able to see some of the problems other countries tackle and focus on.

It also allowed me to be more receptive of other people; I’m pretty reserved so being thrown into a stranger’s home in a different country helped me open up.

If I hadn’t participated, I wouldn’t have studied abroad and I would’ve been exposed to research at a much later time! I’m thankful to the ELCIR program.

Great experience overall.

Student at TAMU, class of 2019
MS Mechanical Engineering
Currently Research Engineer, HTRI

ELCIR really got me interested in research. After ELCIR, I joined a biomechanics lab and eventually a heat transfer lab. I am currently pursuing my masters degree to gain more research experience and I am also working full time as a research engineer. When I came to A&M, I had no idea what exactly research was nor was I interested in getting involved. ELCIR was one of my most memorable experiences in college and I recommended the program to any freshman I knew. I probably would not have looked much into research without the experience.

The trip to Merida was one of the most memorable experiences I ever had. The class, field trips, and people were all amazing. I did another study abroad trip to India and it did not compare to this study abroad.

I was part of the reason I pursued a career in research.

Student at TAMU, class of 2020
B.S. Electrical Engineering

The ELCIR program is still one of the highlights of my college career. I will never forget the people I met and having the opportunity to experience a different culture.

I remember it as one of the best experiences.

Student at TAMU, class of 2021
Texas A&M, Engineering, Industrial Distribution
Currently Part-time Remote Sourcing Specialist for Geo Environment’s developing heavy machinery branch

The ELCIR program gave me an in-depth understanding of a research process that is duplicable across all academic subjects. Whenever given research projects I’ve found that usually I am the only one with actual research experience.

Having learned a detailed research process I’ve used what I’ve learned to conduct research of the business nature. If I had not known how to properly conduct research and due diligence I would not have been able to help Geo Environment, a Latin American company, start a new heavy machinery division.

I remember the experience like it was a two-week sprint of hard work, getting to know my peers, and learning a new subject. I got to meet some amazing people and learned about the local traditions and culture.

TAMU Graduate, class of 2020
Currently Quality Engineer, Lockheed Martin

Through the ELCIR program I was able to observe the different kinds of research that go on on a variety of levels as well as how much the research takes and working cross-functionally with different departments.

My program experience was amazing and till this day I still talk to some of the host students from Yucatan.

TAMU Graduate, class of 2020
Currently American Express Information Security Analyst III

ELCIR impacted my life by exposing me to different engineering disciplines. It showed me what part of engineering I enjoyed the most, and it helped me decide on my major. It was also very helpful in building connections that will help me find opportunities and help for the rest of my college years.

I might have chosen another major that I may not have enjoyed as much.

I would not have met some very close friends. Also, would not have the opportunity to explore some cultural sites of Mexico and Yucatan.

TAMU Graduate, class of 2020
Currently Design Project Engineer, DCS Engineering, LLC

I had the best time, I learned so much, I made international connections and will always cherish the time I spent there. I encourage any student to go forward with this opportunity.

Student at TAMU, class of 2021
Texas A&M University, BS Biological and Agricultural Engineering

Doing the research paper for the ELCIR program really helped me decide what career I really want to pursue.

Exploring new Mexican culture really opened my eyes to see and meet new people. I still keep in touch with some UPY students on Instagram!

Being able to mention I have research experience in interviews has made companies see I am a well rounded person aside from previous internship and leadership experiences,

It literally changed my career and I’m super grateful for the opportunity.

Student at TAMU, class of 2021
Texas A&M University, Biomedical Engineering

The ELCIR program gave me a perspective of the global collaboration in research and provided an experience of Mexican culture.

If I hadn’t participated, I wouldn’t have taken many risks during my academic career.

I would not know how research is performed abroad and how the culture of Yucatan is.

I wouldn’t have experience collaborating with multicultural teams which had members from a different country.

I would describe it as an excellent opportunity to get an introduction to any research field in a fun and beautiful place that is full of culture and development

Student at TAMU, class of 2021
Texas A&M University, Electrical & Computer Engineering Department, Computer Engineering Major

The ELCIR program allowed me to travel back to my home country and meet people from other institutions. I was even able to play sports with researchers and explore the city while having a home and adopted mom. It was a meaningful experience I made friends that helped me through the course of my undergraduate.

The ELCIR program introduced me to research and academia, I consider it to be one of the main reasons why I decided to continue research through my undergraduate and currently prepare my applications for a PhD program.

I was born in Mexico and belived the trip will be enjoyable but nothing new, I was wrong. The culture of the region was different and I truly felt like a tourist. ELCIR allowed me to keep exploring my culture in a way I had not done before.

I gained confidence in my skills, I became a better presenter and communicator and connections with other students and professors became easier to attain.

Student at TAMU, class of 2021
Texas A&M University, Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution department, Mechatronics Engineering undergrad student

I enjoyed my time during the ELCIR trip. Not only was I able to learn a lot from the different labs and universities we visited but I made a lot of friendships along the way. From my Host mom/family, the other students I came on the trip with, to the Yucatan students we were in class with, I am still in touch with many, if not all, after all these years. This program allowed me to expand on my knowledge of research and communicative skills in a global aspect. When would I have ever gotten the chance in my college career to meet students from another country? As a result of going on this trip, I have learned and experienced a new culture and made new friends. The experience I have gotten has allowed me to add onto my resume as someone a recruiter can see as a potential hire who has both global and research experience which places me apart from others. Overall, ELCIR was an insightful program that I do not regret and am more than grateful to have been able to attend.

Had I not gone on this study abroad, I would not know as many people in my department as I do now. Although I know a lot of my classmates, a lot of people I met in class were actually on the same study abroad and we were able to form study groups earlier in the semester. This helped cut the awkward stage of forcing myself into a group of people in class who I did not know at all just to find a study buddy or people to do homework with.

I was able to be more open to conversation after this trip. I tend to be quite reserved and timid but after this trip I became more comfortable speaking up and initiating conversations with others. Being placed in a foreign country and not speaking the language definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone but in a good way.

I am able to speak more affirmatively after proposing and presenting my own research project which helped in meetings at work. When presenting to my team or o my manager I am able to sound more confident with the practice I got on the ELCIR trip.

I still remember it quite vividly. That is because of the positive impact it had on me. I still remember all the different labs we went to school at as well as the different cultural sites we visited. I would highly recommend this program to any student, especially freshmen since I went my freshman year going into sophomore year. This program gave me a stepping stone into my college career with a group of friends whom I could rely on and both hang out and study with.

Student at TAMU, class of 2021
Texas A&M, Electrical computer engineering

The ELCIR program helped solidify my major choice by exposing me to several different engineering areas after my first year of school. This program also made me certain that I will pursue a career that allows me to travel and live overseas.

This program connected me with students accross the college of engineering. These connections have aided me several times throughout my classes, and have helped me succeed. If I did not participate I would have had a more difficult transition to A&M, as I would have known almost no one.

This program allowed me the chance to explore how I can adapt and learn about new cultures. I enjoyed being so submersed in the culture on this trip. If I had not gone on the trip, I’m sure I would not be as motivated to move and work overseas.

Student at TAMU, class of 2021
Texas A&M, ETID, ESET

The ELCIR program was an amazing educational, professional, and cultural experience that has left a long lasting impact. I had such a great time visiting the different state of the art research centers and universities in the Yucatan region. I also couldn’t of have asked for a more welcoming host mom, she made us feel right at home. Wether we were exploring the vibrant city streets or cooling off in a cenote Mexico never disappointed!

Absolutely, the exposure I gained from the ELCIR program made me more confident in exploring research. The research topic I selected was something I found interesting and it led to me landing a summer internship with the 3rd largest animal pharmaceutical company in the world.

It is hard to capture in words how this trip impacted my personal life but when I think about the alternative I wouldn’t want to imagine that alternative. The trip took me out of my comfort zone and showed me things I would have never seen otherwise.

Participating in the ELCIR program lead to me writing a research proposal I am passionate about. That confidence pushed me to apply and receive a research grant in 2018. Then I was able to use that experience to land an internship with a great company in 2019. I do not think any of the previous would have happened with out the ELCIR Program.

I remember it as the best school trip I have ever been on. I wish I could go back to continue my research!

Student at TAMU, class of 2021
Texas A&M University, department of Education Administration & Human Resource Development, BS in Technology Management
Currently Research Assistant, TAMU EHRD Dept.

ELCIR gave me a lot of new friends which made my time at TAMU more enjoyable. Being happier has a relationship to better grades obtained in my courses. Which also has a relationship to do not give up and move to an easier university as few friends from my high school did.

ELCIR gave me the opportunity to make many friends. I was a little lonely my freshman year, but I was more social after ELCIR.

My professional life and resume were affected in that I participated on research experiences for undergraduates. I have worked with professors from Rice University, Louisiana State University, and Texas A&M University. If I hadn’t participated in ELCIR, I would be a student that mainly takes classes, uses summer to take more classes, and graduate as soon as possible instead of enriching their resume with opportunities available during college.

Student at TAMU, class of 2021
TAMU, Architectural Engineering

Coming into college with no background in engineering, I felt my lack of knowledge was a great deficiency and hindered my efforts to explore research. I didn’t have a lot of confidence in my ideas or wasn’t sure how I fit into the engineering major. With the ELCIR program, I saw how many interesting and innovative things fit under the broad label of engineering. I realized that engineering was about asking questions and discovering the world. We had day visits with different labs and it was fascinating to meet so many accomplished researchers and learn what they do. After I got a glimpse of what engineering could be, I was empowered to test my own ideas in the project proposal stage. This was very exciting and my experience with this really shaped my collegiate career. The ELCIR program encouraged me to seek out research opportunities after I returned to College Station. Since then, I’ve joined a couple research projects and my work on that has led me to pursue graduate school.

It emboldened me to think about the context in which my professional work operates. My biggest takeway was that the work you do affects your community and other stakeholders even if it’s hard to see directly. This has motivated me tremendously in my studies and research because I feel responsibility to those around me to do the best I can. Without this big picture thinking, it’s easy to feel like what you’re doing is of little consequence and that can demoralizing.

It was a great experience! You get a glimpse into a whole new culture and history while advancing your professional goals through a tour of research labs. If you are uncertain about your future goals, this will help expose you to what life could look like in academia, or in a different country.

Student at TAMU, class of 2021
TAMU ECEN Electrical Engineering

The ELCIR program helped me see how research impacts Mexico and how important it is for engineers to understand this process. It gave me an experience to study internationally and meet professors/students who I am still in contact with today.

It personally allowed me to gain skills of working with international groups and learn different processes of a different country

It gave me a wonderful experience of working with students from Mexico and learning so much from their undergraduate experiences.

Student at TAMU, class of 2022
Material Science and Engineering at TAMU

The ELCIR program helped expose me to a culture that was different from my own. Seeing how the people in the Yucatan live their lives, it made me realize that just because we were from two different countries we acted the same. It was also my first time outside the United States. It made want to see the world and not just limit myself to something familiar. The program also helped me realize that I know way more Spanish then I thought. I have met so many amazing people through this program that I hope to share lifelong bonds with.

I was hesitant to get involved in research and didn’t know where to start, but the ELCIR program showed me just what I needed to get going. I also learned how to better work with people of different cultures.

Before ELCIR I was the type of person who really kept to myself. This program helped me reach out more. Before this program, my Spanish was decent enough to help customers at my job, but now I can somewhat hold a conversation and I can listen to all sorts of Spanish music. I am still improving my Spanish everyday. I have made many friend in Mexico that I hope to see again soon. I became close with my housemates that I shared 2 weeks with. If I hadn’t participated everything would be different. I wouldn’t have met the amazing people that are my friends and I wouldn’t have that personal connection between myself and the people of the Yucatan. The most important thing that I would have missed out on was the tacos. Tacos al pastor was a life changer.

Student at TAMU, class of 2022
TAMU, Engineering

The ELCIR program made me see how engineering works in other parts of the world and the engineering problems they face in Mexico.

I think it really broadened my mind to the fact that engineering is not just the things they teach you on campus, and it’s not just a job in an office, it is a constant process of problem solving and optimization in order to improve quality of life.

I think that I would not have been interested in solar energy if it wasn’t for that trip, and it did push me further into thinking about working with alternative energy.

Student at TAMU, class of 2022
Electrical Engineering

The ELCIR program allowed me to meet like-minded individuals that are now some of my best friends! In addition, I was able to experience a new culture through my host family which I enjoyed immensely. The course taught me how diverse research is and how it can positively effect your community.

Personally, I’d never travelled outside the country before going to the Merida. It inspired me to prioritize travel and I became more open minded about pursuing education outside of the USA after my bachelors.

Thus far, the ELCIR program gave me some of my most fond memories of my undergrad experience through the friendships I made.

Student at TAMU, class of 2021
ETID department at Texas A&M, ESET program

The ELCIR program allowed me to develop certain aspects necessary for research, it exposed to me to great people who became really great friends as well, I was able to culturally expand my horizons in Mexico, gave me great memories as well.

Definitely such a great experience, full of memories, laughter, fun. I believe it had more of a personal impact on myself which I truly appreciate. I would recommend other students who are thinking of going to do so, its all worth it, event the early morning.

Student at TAMU, class of 2021
Texas A&M University College Station, College of Engineering, Bachelor of Computer Science

The ELCIR program made me realize how computer science can be applied to different fields. This was true when we visited the microbiology labs where I saw first hand the programs that can help make a difference when observing plant life.

It made me excited to learn the how my skills be applied in different applications. If I hadn’t participated I wouldn’t be able to look at my major from a different perspective haven’t thought about.

I learned about research in various different fields.

It a was a great experience and I only which I could of been longer because of great of an experience it was. It is a good introduction to those who want to learn about research in various areas where you would of never thought about.

Student at TAMU, class of 2022
Texas A&M University – Industrial Distribution

The ELCIR program made me a more internationally-aware individual, since I got to interact with people from different backgrounds and with distinct view points.

It reiterated the tremendous value of education and how education can unite people globally, as it easily allows for topics of conversation and mutual collaboration.

I created what I believe to life-long friendships and relationships. I was able to engage with them on a daily basis, discuss work and non-work related topics, and spend much time with them. As I result, I developed very close relationships with them, and hope I can see them and interact with them in the near future.

I think It increased my network and gave me a more-open view of how people from other culture’s and nations prioritize their activities. As an aspiring professional, I know that in the near future I will work with people from different countries and belief-systems, and I think the ELCIR experience has readily prepared me for these types of future experiences.

I remember it with much happiness and regard it as one of the best two weeks of my life. Not only did I get to make friends with people native to Yucatan, I also got to explore the culture, the rich history of the state, and the state and national treasure that are present in the Yucatan. I learned so much academically, culturally, and after school, got to visit the city and and its surrounding places. Its a great memory that I remember with much delight.

Student at TAMU, class of 2022
Texas A&M Undergrad Mechanical Engineering

Spending time with hard working students that speak a different language but were working towards the same goals made a fun experience.

Learning to communicate ideas within a team and then present them to a larger audience is a good skill.

I made lots of friends, saw new environments both natural and urban, learned about a different culture, and broadened my knowledge on the history of the region. If I didn’t go I probably would have no desired to explore Mexico.

I made lots of friends, saw new environments both natural and urban, learned about a different culture, and broadened my knowledge on the history of the region. If I hadn’t gone I probably would have no desired to explore Mexico.

Each day was a new adventure, full of critical thinking about new ideas I might not have thought about If I just stayed in Texas. Living with a family down there felt like I had been related to them my whole life, and lots of great food everywhere.

Student at TAMU, class of 2022
Texas A&M University, Civil Engineering

Through the ELCIR program I learned to keep up with friends who are not living in the same country as me, one is even coming next year to study here. I also learned how different content delivery can be, despite being the same content, as we spoke to the mexican students on how they take their classes.

Since we did so many presentations, I actually got comfortable speaking infront of people professionally. I learned how to handle questions I did not know on the spot in an educated manner, as well. This has helped me alot in classes. If I hadn’t gone on the trip I would not have been exposed to this early so early on or even had that intro to reasearch skill set that I have gained.

I have gained lifelong friends from A&M and even internationally, that I am so grateful for. Since this was my first trip abroad, I learned alot about how simple it is to get out of your geographical comfort zone and just sign up for these opportunities to take them.

I have mentioned the research project in interviews and the recruiters seem very impressed about it.

I remember it as a very fun, exciting, culturally enriching experience, with alot of in hand research project introductions that we had the opportunity of being a part of with all the labs we got to visit. It was very eye opening as the researchers in Mexico at some point offered us opportunities to come back once we had some other qualifications, which made me realize that our job opportunities are definitely not limited to just the US.