"The International Program doesn't just promise its students a more global perspective; it helps engineering students grow in the spirit of the College's world-class engineering vision."
-A.I., Work Abroad, Germany
International Envoy Bios
International Engineering Envoys are Penn State students from a variety of engineering majors who have completed at least one international experience: a study abroad and/or work abroad. These students help to promote Global Engineering Education Programs and encourage students to pursue international opportunities.
Envoys are eager to talk to other students about their experiences, and are willing and able to answer questions about how an international experience can be incorporated into an engineering major program. Please feel free to contact our envoys, or to stop by during their office hours in Kunkle Lounge during the fall and spring semesters.
If you would like to arrange for an envoy to speak in a classroom or to a student group, please contact the Global Engineering Education Coordinator.
Learn more about our international envoys by clicking on their names below.
International Engineering Envoys
Alex Devaux (B E; Work Abroad, France and China)
Karen Mowery (I E; Study Abroad, Italy)
Adam Trumbour (A E; Study Abroad, United Kingdom; Work Abroad, France)
Alex Devaux
Major: Biological Engineering
Minor: French; Engineering Leadership Development
Contact: ayd5037@psu.edu
Location of Work Abroad: France, China
Company: ArcelorMittal, China University of Mining & Technology
About My Experience:
My name is Alex Devaux, and I worked in the North of France for ArcelorMittal over the summer. My internship was based mostly on observation and questioning, rather than a job assignment. As such, I learned more than I could have ever imagined about the workings of French companies, the government, as well as how coworkers interact with each other in a French office. I then had the opportunity to meet many other interns. While the majority was French, there was also some who were Brazilian, and a few Moroccans. From each of them I learned about what each culture values, and how things are different around the globe.
While working in France, I discovered the importance of language when working in a foreign country. Though I myself was fluent, my roommate was not as well versed in French. Despite his trouble with the language, he made it a point to learn it, and made headway while working there. Had he not, his stay would have been miserable; instead it was a little frustrating, but infinitely more rewarding. The point is, working abroad is scary at first, but the thrill of it and all which you gain from the experience makes it worth millions. I encourage anyone who has a base in a language, to undertake study or work in that country. I also encourage everyone to start learning a language, so that you can go work, study, or live in new place.
Karen Mowery
Major: Industrial Engineering; Letters, Arts, & Sciences
Contact: knm154@psu.edu
Location of Study Abroad: Rome, Italy
School: Sede di Roma
About My Experience:
Summer study abroad in Rome (2007): "Sede di Roma" program; completed an architecture and a photography class.
International Travel: Egypt, Europe, Mexico, Dominican Republic, other Caribbean islands
Adam Trumbour
Major: Architectural Engineering
Minor: French
Contact: apt5004@psu.edu
Location of Work Abroad: Bethune, France
Company: Eiffage
Location of Study Abroad: United Kingdom
About My Experience:
I participated in the Prestige Consortium summer program during the summer of 2007. I worked in Bethune, France with a construction company named Eiffage. The duration of my stay was 10 weeks. Before this experience I also spent one month traveling in France (summer of 2006) as well as two weeks traveling around paris (april 2005).