Eight students from the School of Engineering recently traveled to Chile to participate in the first-ever International Seminar for Engineering Leaders.
The conference included over 250 participants from Canada, Chile, United States, United Kingdom and Singapore. The goal of the conference was to create work and collaboration networks with many of the top universities in the World. “It was interesting to see how engineers tackled challenges faced in their respective countries” says third-year engineering student Holly Denby.
Through seminars and presentations, participants discussed leadership, innovation and research over the conference’s five-days. All the participants talked about how the experience has bolstered their global perspective. “Attending ISEL gave me a greater appreciation of the World” says Ilija Hristovski, a fourth-year engineering student, “I learned about how different cultures have their own niche in engineering and how we can amalgamate our global expertise to truly create a better future for all.”
Photographed by Jovan Kuzmicic
“Apart from helping me build my network, ISEL was also a humbling reminder of why I’m pursuing an engineering degree in the first place: To be challenged, to serve, and to have fun!” says third-year engineering student Dela Hini. “Everyone I met there has changed my image of the world in some form or another and I am truly grateful to have been able to attend” says third-year engineering student Kaila Spencer.
The knowledge transfer that occurred won’t stay in Chile, all the UBC Okanagan students plan on sharing what they learned back on campus. “All the knowledge I acquired I can now use on our campus to enhance our engineering community” says Denby.
All eight students left Chile feeling energized and ready to jump back into their studies. They also hope to see Canada host a future ISEL conference.
The conference was funded by the The Engineering Society of UBC, the UBCSUO, PAF and Tuum Est.