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STUDYING IN THE SHADOW OF THE KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
“Had you told me six years ago that I would go on an Erasmus exchange and then to the mecca of space travel? I wouldn’t have believed you,” says Gus Geurts, a master’s student in electromechanics – design & production at Campus Diepenbeek. And yet, the picture fits perfectly.
As a child, Gus already looked up to his father’s job as an engineer. So, his interest in science and technology was there from a young age, as well as his fascination with aerospace. “If you can design and fly a plane… to me, that’s the most ingenious thing, both literally and figuratively. Still, I didn’t immediately choose that direction at the time but consciously opted for electromechanical engineering: a solid broad technical foundation with hands-on applications. Specialization would come later.”
However, flying wasn’t postponed. At fifteen, he convinced his father to let him take flight lessons. They eventually did it to- gether, and two years later, his first solo flight became a reality. This not only earned them a pilot’s license but also led to his father becoming CEO of Stemme, a company in motorized gliders in Germany.
Meanwhile, both his brother and sister are often in higher spheres too, but they prefer gliding.
Destination Florida
“In my third year of the bachelor’s program, I was already considering pursuing an additional master’s degree in civil engineering with a focus on aerospace. Around that time, there was also a presentation about Erasmus. To be honest, I hadn’t really thought much about going on Erasmus. But when I saw Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University listed among the American universities, the pieces just fell into place.”
So, his destination last academic year was sunny Florida, where he spent one semester at the prestigious Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. There, he studied Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering through KU Leuven’s GE3 exchange program, in the shadow of the Kennedy Space Center. A month before his departure, he spent a few weeks in Congo with some fellow students on a project led by Professor Deferme, installing a solar cooker in collaboration with a local university.
Challenges and Innovations
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offered Gus the chance to expand his knowledge and skills in an environment known worldwide for its technological advancements, innovation, and specialization in aviation and aerospace. The university provides a wide range of courses that align closely with his engineering studies, but entirely focused on aerospace: courses on applying finite element methods, analyzing robotic arms for aviation applications, selecting the best material for a specific use, and finally, project management. All of these courses are taught by individuals with significant roles in the aerospace industry.
“The education system in America is also known for its many project-based tasks and interim evaluations. The courses and teachers were demanding but extremely enriching. I learned a lot about aviation technology and how these principles can be applied to industrial processes,” Gus explains.
Studying in the U.S. costs a lot of money. That’s why students there often start working after earning their bachelor’s degree and skip a master’s. It’s the employer who often offers such a master’s degree as a perk. “This way, I met many interesting people who were already working in the space industry. But they were just sitting next to me in class to complete their master’s degree. So, a dream that initially seemed far off turns out to be tangible and, most of all, possible.”
Life on Campus
Student life was a completely new experience for Gus. The Embry-Riddle campus – located in Daytona Beach – isn’t known for its big parties. It’s also a relatively small campus with 8,000 students, but they come from all over the world with one shared passion... aerospace.
“The diversity on campus was incredible. This led to a fascinating exchange of cultures and ideas. I made friends from the United States, Germany, Singapore, and South Korea. Most foreign students come here for their entire degree. The number of Erasmus students is actually quite limited; we were only about 15,” says Gus.
Free Time and Culture
Outside the lecture halls, Gus had the chance to explore American culture and local life in Florida. “Daytona Beach, with its beautiful beaches and warm climate, offered plenty of recreational activities: surfing, sailing, and beach volleyball... And let’s not forget shooting, because, after all, this is America. Then there were the almost daily SpaceX launches that you could see from the campus. In short, there was always something to do,” says Gus.
“It was great to enjoy the beach and nature in my free time. Moreover, I learned a lot about American culture and lifestyle. Although Florida is well known for vacations and easy living, I also got to see another side. The people I met from Boeing, SpaceX, and NASA really live for their work. It was very inspiring to hear these people talk so passionately about their field. That’s something I would love to have too: a job that you do with so much passion.”
“My semester in Florida not only helped me become a better engineer but also gave me a broader perspective on the world. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to applying these experiences to my future studies and career,” Gus concludes.
Veerle Moons
