Aerospace Engineering student Corben Sroka added to his academic experience with a trip to Alaska through the Study America program.

The decision to join Embry‑Riddle was easy for Aerospace Engineering student Corben Sroka (‘23). While he was finishing high school, his sister was completing her B.S. in Aeronautics from ERAU.

Through his sister’s experience, Sroka was able to make several visits to the Daytona Beach Campus and visualize what his life would look like in the Aerospace Engineering program.

What is Aerospace Engineering at Embry‑Riddle?

The renowned degree equips students with skills to solve even the most complex challenges in design, propulsion, and systems for aircraft and/or spacecraft. For more than 17 years, the Aerospace Engineering undergraduate program at Embry‑Riddle has held the top ranking in the nation among schools whose highest degree is a master’s, according to U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges Guide.

The prestige of this program doesn’t end there. Students benefit from the most modern, state-of-the-art resources available today — the same tools in use by aerospace engineering professionals around the globe. No other Aerospace Engineering program in the United States attracts more students.

A Chance to See Alaska

Now three years into his journey, Sroka has enjoyed his experience on campus, but one of his favorite Embry‑Riddle memories so far has been participating in Study America.

“There are a lot of options for courses in Study America and since I already needed to take a speech class, I was able to complete it while making new friends and memories I’ll never forget,” he said.

Throughout the summer, Sroka and his fellow students explored the vast state, making stops in cities including Anchorage, Seward, Girdwood and Palmer.

“In each of our excursions we had multiple trips – taking a boat tour of the Kenai Fjords, visiting glaciers, hiking, going to the zoo, art museum and the Musk Ox Farm,” said Sroka. “Although we didn’t have something planned for every day, we ended up doing a lot of activities outside the program to experience more of the city and to do things we wouldn’t be able to do as a group such as flight seeing tours to Mount Denali and going dog sledding.”

Preserving a Natural State

Since he had a light class load during the program, Sroka had extra time to explore all that the state has to offer.

Going to Alaska especially, we had the chance to get a close look at the long-term effects of climate change and how it affects both wildlife and native Alaskans. It's a beautiful place in the world and if it's going to stay that way, I learned the importance of both wildlife conservation organizations and nonprofit charities trying to find solutions.

He recommends the program to anyone who has the opportunity to participate.

“Study America was an amazing opportunity to grow as a person and go somewhere I never thought I’d have the chance to travel to while earning credits towards my degree,” said Sroka.

What amazing opportunities will you find here? Apply at Embry‑Riddle today.

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