Stories

Santa Clara University's Summer Engineering Seminar (SES) continues to draw international interest, welcoming students from around the world each year. This summer’s cohort included Tiffany Muthui from Kenya and Auguste (Augie) Ramin from London, alongside peers from Mexico and Puerto Rico, each contributing unique perspectives to a week filled with hands-on projects, interactive learning, and exploration across various engineering disciplines.

Tiffany came across SES while planning a holiday visit to see family in California. After spotting the program on Instagram, she decided to participate while she was in the area. Augie discovered SES thanks to his mother, who found it while researching West Coast academic programs that could add a science-based element to their U.S. tour.

Soon, both students found themselves part of Santa Clara’s campus community. Tiffany described the university as "beautiful and welcoming," and noted how easy it was to connect with others despite being introverted. Augie appreciated how the campus layout and atmosphere helped him acclimate quickly.

The five-day experience provided them with a firsthand view of engineering in an American university setting. Tiffany mentioned that engineering in Kenya is generally defined in terms of corporate environments, but SES exposed her to a more experiential and hands-on approach. She's now thinking about pursuing mechanical engineering, mechatronics, or aerospace. SES demystified the application of concepts learned in class to the working environment for Augie and gave him the ability to see engineering as a viable career path.

Group projects were at the heart of the experience. Tiffany enjoyed bonding with peers during evening games and activities, while Augie thrived in cooperative challenges that brought STEM concepts to life and encouraged teamwork.

Both students emphasized the value of the diverse skill sets covered throughout the program. Augie appreciated the versatility these skills offer across potential career paths. Tiffany spoke about the deep sense of connection she felt with fellow participants from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, united by their shared passion for STEM.

When asked if they’d return, both answered yes—Tiffany for more opportunities to learn and make friends, and Augie for a future program that builds on his SES experience.

For students like Tiffany and Augie, SES isn’t just an introduction to engineering. It’s a chance to exchange ideas across cultures and imagine new possibilities. The program remains a vibrant space where curiosity is celebrated, and both global and local perspectives thrive.