Paige Tompsett, an engineering student from Greenville, Michigan, is a rising sophomore at Michigan State University. Advancing her studies and seeing the beautiful city of Paris are some of the reasons why Paige decided to study abroad in Paris with CEA this summer. Besides being the best option course-wise, Paris was the destination of choice for Paige because of her passion for art.
The balance of class and social life has been very manageable for Paige. She has her mornings to herself before heading to the CEA Study Center in the afternoon to take Calculus 3 and French Culture and Civilization. After class, she gets together with the friends she's made through CEA to explore the city and see new sights.
Paige is a recipient of the Engineering Education Abroad Scholarship, which has helped her understand her personal growth through this important experience.
Paige expresses how happy she is with the ESA Scholarship. She finds that this enriching opportunity has allowed her to feel more inquisitive, which will help her on her path.
"To get out and live the Parisian life, to sightsee, create new relationships, and analyze the culture is a way that allows me to grow as a global citizen."
Holding strong to the mentality of absorbing the good things in all experiences, Paige is inspired to keep the same energy upon her return home.
As an engineering student, Paige believes that it is important to study abroad. She says that since her field of study is so universal, there will be times when she will work with people of different cultures and thus it's essential to have these experiences in order to interact with and live among those from different walks of life.
Paige encourages engineering students to study abroad, expressing how it can be easy to get wrapped up in the straight path of math and science -- but it's important to maintain a creative side.
Kiara Perez is a CEA Summer 2019 Onsite Alumni Ambassador who studied abroad in Paris, France, during the Fall 2017 semester. She is an alumna of the University of Arizona.