Major: Architectural Engineering
Class: 2014
Renato Geromel came to MSOE from his home city of Sao Paulo, Brazil. He’s not completely new to studying abroad, or even to Wisconsin. He completed one year of high school near Madison, Wis., through an exchange program.
When asked what he likes most about living in Milwaukee and attending MSOE, Geromel said he loves being near the river and the lake, and he loves that there’s always something to do in the city. As for MSOE, he said, “MSOE is the university I always dreamed about. It’s really challenging, but there are a lot of people here to help you whenever you need."
Geromel said his favorite thing about MSOE is the happy and encouraging students and faculty he’s found here. He has decided that Milwaukee is his favorite Wisconsin city, even though it’s so different from Sao Paulo, which is much bigger and has a population of 20 million. But, he noted, it’s hard to get around and life there is very fast-paced.
Even though his misses his home, Geromel said studying abroad is the best thing he’s ever done. He loves being an international student who gets to meet a lot of different people and learn a different language and culture while living in a new country.
While studying abroad and living in a new country has its challenges, the experience is well worth it. For anyone considering studying abroad, Geromel suggests familiarizing yourself with the material you’ll be studying and the language of the host country. He also suggests being open to new horizons, new people and new customs. Study abroad programs are available to MSOE students. Click here for more information.