Springtime in Madison 2024: An International Student’s Journey
Rodrigo Manzanero Villoria
Master Student of Environmental Modelling at the Faculty of Environmental Sciences (FŽP) in Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (ČZU). Exchange Student at University of Wisconsin Madison. Post degree training as Graduate Trainee in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at the University of Wisconsin Madison.
This blog outlines my experience living in the United States for approximately seven months, during which I was a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) for the spring semester and a graduate trainee for two months afterward. The article highlights key aspects of my academic experience and noteworthy events. Additionally, it aims to provide insights for future exchange students and support the collaborative efforts between the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (ČZU) and UW-Madison.
The initial preparations for studying abroad can be exhausting, but the excitement of traveling to another continent for the first time makes them worthwhile :)
Living, transportation, and other activities
The cost of living in Madison varies depending on your preferences, with options ranging from dormitories to shared apartments. The housing market is relatively flexible, but you need to stay vigilant for scammers. Additionally, choosing the right housemates is an important factor to consider for a comfortable living experience.
Transportation in Madison is excellent, with many bus lines operating throughout the city. Every UW-Madison student receives a free annual bus pass, making it easy to navigate the area. The city is divided into distinct sectors, including the Capitol and Eagle Heights. The Capitol is connected to the university by State Street, a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly area that leads directly to the University Library and continues to Bascom Hill. Beyond the library, the surrounding area is dedicated to the university, including colleges, dormitories, and laboratories.
Outside the university zone, you’ll find diverse housing neighborhoods offering a wide range of layouts, as well as several malls on the outskirts of the city. Madison is surrounded by four main lakes: Mendota, Monona, Wingra, and Waubesa. These lakes provide plenty of opportunities for recreation and scenic views.
State Street itself is a hub of activity, filled with shops, restaurants, cafés, bars, and other businesses, making it a lively and enjoyable place to spend time. It also offers cultural experiences such as a theatre, cinema, comedy club, and art gallery. Madison is a walkable, bike-friendly, and skate-friendly city, catering to a wide range of lifestyles.
Course selection and purpose
The course selection process is a crucial part of the exchange experience, as it determines how you allocate your time and effort. Depending on your preferences and expertise, you have the opportunity to explore highly specialized courses, some of which may require significant dedication. Personally, I focused on courses related to environmental science, environmental engineering, meteorology, and programming to strengthen my knowledge in these areas. Additionally, I aimed to participate in talks and discussions to improve my English-speaking and presentation skills. Some of the courses I took included Civil and Environmental Engineering Decision Making, Ecohydrology, Meteorological Measurements, and Matrix Methods in Machine Learning. Several of these courses required frequent preparation of presentations and reports, as well as team projects, which I will describe in more detail later in this article.
Nevertheless, one of the most positive aspects to highlight was being part of the Meteorological Measurements course, as it was designed as a workshop where students, under the guidance of the main instructor, had to design and carry out a research project, as well as present it in front of an audience at the end of the semester. The research aimed to understand the differences between the control and the solar array in different photovoltaic fields built in Madison.
The research project consisted of designing an experimental plan to collect measurements in different photovoltaic fields, such as temperature, solar radiation, wind speed and direction, and soil moisture, through the deployment of meteorological stations. We, the students, first had to practice installing the different sensors in the lab, following the protocols and instructions for each sensor. Due to the meteorological conditions at that time—it was winter—the temperatures were very low, which is why the preparations were essential before deployment. Over several weeks, we had to go to the field and check for any troubleshooting issues related to logging and downloading the data. Once the measurements were collected, we analyzed the data, wrote a report, and prepared a presentation, which was later presented in front of an audience.
Most of the courses include a few additional teaching assistants who occasionally lead discussion sections, providing students with experience at the teaching level, which could be valuable if they are interested in future research. Students play an important role in the educational system at UW-Madison, as the university also offers a range of job opportunities.
Madison is a beautiful city and home to a prestigious university with various colleges, including the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS). Since the establishment of this exchange cooperation program, it has successfully achieved its main objectives.
Traineeship programs and other opportunities
After completing the study exchange program, I established very good relationships with two departments: Desai Lab at the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences and the Loheide Lab at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, both of them were in cooperation doing research on agrivoltaics. Motivated by their work, I decided to contact both department heads to discuss the possibility of undertaking a short research program over two and a half months during the summer. My research focused on assessing the hydraulic properties of soil influenced by solar panels in the state of Wisconsin, specifically investigating the impact of solar farms on local hydrology.
There are opportunities to extend your stay in the United States for research or work, but doing so requires effort and careful planning. To extend your visa, you need to determine your research focus or identify the place where you want to work. Internships or traineeships with consulting firms in engineering, environmental science, or civil work are excellent options. These companies can sponsor your visa, enabling you to gain practical experience. Sponsorships and appointments vary, ranging from unpaid positions to competitive roles depending on your qualifications and the position you secure.
Conclusion
On the one hand, it is worth mentioning that the research team was deeply engaged with my academic experience from the very beginning, making the entire process smooth and enjoyable. They were fully committed to my initial research proposal, providing valuable advice and guidance at every step. Additionally, they ensured I had access to all the necessary resources and materials to successfully collect data and complete the traineeship. I am sincerely grateful for their dedication and support.
And last but not least, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague and the Faculty of Environmental Sciences for supporting the exchange program by providing a scholarship and allowing me to enhance my academic experience.
Having participated in both a study exchange program and an internship, this article aims to serve as a resource for future students who may be interested in extending their visa to pursue similar opportunities. In particular, it may also help students who wish to connect with the departments I collaborated with to conduct research in their areas of expertise.
