Gabriela Constantin: International transfer student headed into engineering co-op experience
For Gabriela Constantin, a second-year student from Romania, one of the best things about her chemical engineering major is the opportunity to gain work experience as part of her studies. Every October, companies recruit students through the College of Engineering’s Co-op Program. Constantin got an offer to spend the fall 2017 and summer 2018 working for Neenah Paper at its mill in Brattleboro, Vermont.
“It is such a great advantage to be able to interview with engineering companies from all around the U.S. right here at the university,” says Constantin. “The academic environment at UMaine promotes a devotion to lifelong learning and allows students to develop both practical and critical thinking skills.”
Growing up in Buzau, a midsize city in southeastern Romania, Constantin learned to speak English by watching Cartoon Network on satellite TV. As she decided where to attend college, Constantin wanted to study abroad, but was concerned about ongoing discrimination in Europe. The U.S. seemed like her best option.
“I really love foreign languages, so I thought studying English would be a very satisfying experience,” says Constantin. “Also, the educational system here (in America) is a lot better than back home. And I picked Maine because I’m used to smaller communities. I didn’t want to live in a big city right away.”
Constantin settled first in South Portland, where she began her studies at Southern Maine Community College. Then she decided to pursue engineering and began looking to transfer to a four-year college.
Since arriving in Orono, Constantin has thrived. She’s a Dean’s List student, who’s been awarded both a UMaine Global Partners Scholarship and an Alton S. and Adelaide B. Hamm Scholarship. As a member of the International Student Association, Constantin now helps new students from abroad adjust to life at UMaine.
Constantin says her coursework doesn’t leave much time for other extracurricular activities, though she does enjoy playing the piano in Class of 1944 Hall and catching UMaine hockey games.
In her academic life, Constantin says John Hwalek, an associate professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, has been a key mentor.
“He is always generous with his time, has helped me make the best decisions for my academic career. His expertise in the engineering field provides a constant incentive for students to do their best,” she says.
When she graduates in 2019, Constantin plans to apply for Optional Practical Training, a federal program that allows foreign students to stay in the U.S. and work for a year on a student visa.
Contact: Jay Field, 207.581.3721; 207.338.8068