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Cameron Hastie has always been intrigued by Germany鈥檚 history and language. It was a place he thought he鈥檇 like to visit one day. With the help of UPEI鈥檚 International Relations Office and Physics Co-op program, he did even better. He lived there. He studied there. And he loved it.

鈥淚 think there鈥檚 a misconception that travelling as a tourist is somehow better or more satisfying than working or studying abroad, because you don鈥檛 have to worry about attending class, or paying bills, or commuting to the office,鈥� said Cameron. 鈥淏ut when you鈥檙e a tourist, you鈥檙e on the outside of the actual experience鈥攖he culture; the people. When you study or work there, you鈥檙e a part of it. You鈥檙e a part of people鈥檚 lives and you experience their culture with them.鈥�

Cameron is a co-op student in UPEI鈥檚 Department of Physics. He鈥檚 been alternating academic semesters on campus with work terms. He can put his new-found knowledge to the test and come back with practical experience.

He went searching for an international opportunity, and discovered a chance to study abroad in Germany. 鈥淭he placement didn鈥檛 have a work term attached to it, but I thought maybe I could find one while I鈥檓 there,鈥� said Cameron.

Cameron spent the winter semester of 2017 studying at Hochschule Furtwangen University (HFU) on the edge of Germany鈥檚 Black Forest . He quickly made friends and began to pick up a bit of the language.

鈥淚 started with nothing, so I鈥檓 still far from fluent,鈥� joked Cameron. 鈥淚 can certainly order food and ask for directions. My introduction to German course was even transferable for credit at UPEI!鈥�

He attended a business workshop at HFU and spotted his chance to find a work term. With help from UPEI鈥檚 co-op office and the Department of Physics, he was able to land a job at the lab of technology giant Bosch Sensortec.

Cameron quickly made an impression, working on the company鈥檚 latest inertial measurement unit (IMU). 鈥淲e worked on sensors that measure rotation and speed,鈥� explained Cameron. 鈥淲hen you rotate your smartphone, it鈥檚 the IMU that adjusts the screen. The technology is used by Samsung, Apple, and in virtual reality headsets and drones.鈥�

As a result of Cameron鈥檚 work term, Bosch Sensortec has expanded its co-op relationship with UPEI, and has initiated new research co-operation, providing even more exciting opportunities for students. Work terms are now available for students in Physics and Mathematical and Computational Sciences. 聽

It鈥檚 an opportunity Cameron is glad he jumped at. He鈥檇 recommend studying and working abroad to anyone. 鈥淵ou immerse yourself in it. You鈥檙e on the inside. It was an amazing experience.鈥�