by Jack Burke '26
Computer Science & Linguistics double major
EA Peer Mentor
In a recent internship interview, a recruiter asked me, “So, we see on your resume that you have some foreign language background. Do you have any experience working in multilingual and multicultural teams and settings?” Hearing this question, I was able to draw from an impactful part of my college experience: my study abroad experience, UMD-Winter: Japan and South Korea: From Quality Past to Automated Future. In my response, I talked about one of my favorite parts of this experience: the site visits.
While in Tokyo and Seoul, our class visited multiple companies including Astroscale, a space debris clean up company, Seoul Broadcasting Systems (SBS), a leading company in South Korean television and broadcasting, and Neofect, a biotech company focusing on creating stroke rehabilitation systems.
I remember during my visit to Neofect, getting to see all of the innovation they had created was really inspiring, and testing out some of the technology that they had created like their Smart Board and Smart Balance was a large highlight for me. Afterwards, I spoke to the CEO of the company, looking for his insights and perspectives. I tried to use some of the Korean I’ve studied at college, but eventually had to change to English to better express myself. Yet, attempting to try and communicate in his native language, as he told me, was incredibly moving and respectful to see.
From that interaction and experience at Neofect, I was able to learn to navigate in an international environment and develop skills to connect with people across language barriers and cultural differences. Telling this story in interviews is really something that helps me stand out because of the unique soft skills like communication, cultural awareness, and open-mindedness that I developed abroad that directly help me become a better candidate for internships and jobs.
Ironically, when I was first looking into potential study abroad experiences, I wasn’t even sure how to include studying abroad into my time at UMD. Between my Computer Science and Linguistics double major and other on-campus obligations, it seemed almost impossible. A large misconception I had about study abroad was that it was only limited to the fall and spring semesters. However, after seeing a promotion from my QUEST (Quality Enhancement Systems and Teams) Honors Program about a short term opportunity over winter break, I realized that it fit perfectly with my schedule and academic plan. I hadn’t planned on taking any extra winter or summer semester classes, so I was completely available during the break. It was also helpful towards my program requirements because the class I took while abroad counts as an elective for QUEST, so I was able to make progress toward graduation and participate in study abroad.
After my experience abroad, I realized how impactful it was for me, not only allowing me to develop a wide range of skills, but also exposing me to a whole new global mindset. Finding this passion for experiences abroad motivated me to join the Education Abroad office to help others find the same benefits that I was able to gain through my time abroad. Now, after transitioning into the study abroad office as a student worker, I’ve seen first hand all the different possibilities for computer science and other STEM majors to diversify their skills with time abroad. With programs like Clark-in-Madrid, Maryland-in-Florence (PHYS), exchanges and short term programs like mine, there’s something for everyone.
To hear from other STEM students, explore Terps Abroad profiles on the Maryland Global website and hear from other students like you. Feel free to reach out to me on Instagram @jack.bxrke if you would like to connect with me or visit the EA Peer Mentors during walk-in hours!