Meet Brenden Drumm

Program and Location:

Summer, Chile: Sustainable Design; Santiago, Chile

Major/Minor:

Design Studies/Landscape Architecture

Why did you choose to study abroad?

It was part of the program and I was able to fund it through scholarships and financial aid.

What did you learn about yourself?

Traveling is one of my passions in which I can experience different cultures and traditions.

What was one of your favorite parts of your program?

We didn’t just stay in one place. We were able to travel around the country as well as explore other parts of South America. We were given the freedom on weekends to explore for ourselves which provided a lot of independence.

What advice do you have to future study abroad students?

Make sure you choose a program that suits you based on your passions and future goals, otherwise you’ll be learning stuff that doesn’t benefit you in the future.

How did your study abroad experience prepare you for your future career?

In my opinion, it didn’t really prepare me because I lived abroad before. I know how to travel and how to adapt to different cultures. This program just helped me further that skill.

Were you surprised by anything during your time abroad?

Not really.

How were your classes abroad different than if you would have taken them at NC State? Did you take any field trips or do anything outside of the traditional classroom?

They were shorter and more lecture based rather than studio based. We took a 1 week field trip during the middle of the program and traveled up to Iquique to experience the design and architecture of the small Chilean city.

Would you do it again?

Yes, definitely!