James Letts

Industrial & Systems Engineering (BS/ME)
Study Abroad Program - Mexico

In January of 2005, as a 3rd year student in the dual degree program in Industrial Engineering (BS / ME), I traveled to Guadalajara, Mexico to begin a semester abroad. As soon as I arrived I was made to feel at home by almost everyone I met. My host family was extremely warm and attentive and the students at my college, the Universidad Panamericana, were very friendly.

While at school I studied Industrial Engineering courses, including logistics and project management, in Spanish and English, Mexican Literature, and Anthropology. I also had the opportunity to visit Mexico City and several of the beautiful beaches on the Pacific coast. I enjoyed the semester so much that I decided to stay and do a co-op rather than return home in May. Fortunately for me, Guadalajara is home to several major manufacturing plants including Honda, IBM, HP, Kodak, and my employer, Jabil Circuit. Jabil is a world leader in electronic manufacturing services with over 45 facilities world wide.

During my time with the company, Mexican President Vicente Fox visited the plant to deliver the award for manufacturing facility of the year. The seven months that I spent in Guadalajara are some of the most cherished of my life. I experienced a foreign culture first hand, learned a second language, and formed friendships that continue on today.

RIT supports the Study Abroad program through the Office of Academic Enhancement Programs.

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