Uzma Ali traveled a long way from her village in Pakistan’s Hunza province in the foothills of the Karakoram to the campus of the University of Utah. The journey was a part of the USPCASW exchange program that brings engineering students from Mehran University of Engineering and Technology to the U to study for the semester. Uzma spent the fall of 2017 in the program, and was introduced to a whole new set of skills and technologies she will apply in her career working in the water sector back home.

“I learned many things through the exchange program, and the courses I took were really helpful. I was trained in the latest modeling software, and in advanced statistical analysis techniques.” She was also challenged by the U’s rigorous academic standards. “The course in hydroinformatics was the biggest challenge, but I learned so much. We also developed skills in professional development and technical writing.”

For Uzma, the experience of the exchange program went beyond the classroom. "There were so many opportunities to attend cultural events and explore the local community. We hiked the trails in the local mountains, attended sporting events. The community was so welcoming and everyone so polite."

Her advice for new students coming into the program? “Do not miss anything. Make a goal and work hard. Every aspect of the program will contribute to your professional development.”