Rachel Xie

SEAS ’26
Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics
SA: ETH Zurich

Ambassador
Regions: Europe

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My favorite part of my abroad experience was traveling with different groups of people. I visited over 10 countries during my four months in Europe. This gave me the opportunity to experience a wide range of cultures, languages, food, and travel styles. The experience of traveling with people I had just met allowed me to step out of my comfort zone to form deep connections. These adventures created lasting memories and helped me meet some of my best friends on exchange!

My Experience Abroad

At ETH Zurich, I had the opportunity to take courses that aren’t offered at Penn, allowing me to explore new areas of interest. One of the most impactful classes I took was Virtual Reality I: Visualization, Simulation, and Interaction. This course introduced me to the technical foundations of VR—including its history, hardware, and interaction models—and gave me hands-on experience using Unity for the first time. For the final project, I collaborated with three local Swiss students to develop a VR table tennis game for the Meta Quest 3. We were given full autonomy over the project scope, which challenged us to not only design the game mechanics and player interface, but also build 3D models and integrate motion tracking and collision systems. Working on a multidisciplinary team taught me how to communicate across different technical backgrounds and work styles, especially when collaborating in a new academic and cultural setting.

Other Highlights

  • Spring Break in Scandinavia and Amsterdam: One of the most memorable parts of my semester abroad was a 10-day spring break trip through Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Amsterdam. Each city offered something unique, from visiting the Vasa Museum in Stockholm to watching the Royal Guard changing ceremonies in Copenhagen and Stockholm (especially when they played ABBA music at the Swedish Guard changing). It was a whirlwind of walking tours, local cuisine, and cultural immersion.
  • Skiing in the Swiss Alps: Skiing in Switzerland was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The breathtaking views were unmatched. Beyond the scenery, the trips were especially fun because of the different groups of friends each time. Many unforgettable adventures and a lot of laughs at the top of the mountain that I will forever treasure.
  • International Potlucks with Exchange Students: Some of my favorite evenings were spent at potlucks hosted by fellow exchange students. Everyone brought a dish from their home country, and it became a celebration of global cultures. It was a great way to bond, learn about others’ backgrounds, and try delicious homemade dishes.