Siloam Springs natives chosen for study abroad program

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University of Arkansas students Justin and Luke Clayberg of Siloam Springs left Friday to study at the Politecnico di Torino, College of Engineering in Torino, Italy.

The two brothers, and fellow student Miguel Arguijio of Lonoke, are the first electrical engineering students from the U of A to study at the university in Italy, according to Wendy Echeverria, communication specialist for the U of A electrical engineering department.

The juniors will spend five and a half months, ending in July, studying core classes in Italy. Politecnico di Torino is considered a very prestigious school in the technical and scientific field and students from the U of A are encouraged to apply for the study abroad opportunity, Echeverria said. Engineering students from other departments at the U of A have attended the Italian school in the past.

The Clayberg brothers grew up in Siloam Springs and were homeschooled by their parents Josh and Jeanne Clayberg. Justin is a year and a half older than his brother Luke, but their mom was able to put them on the same curriculum path, they explained. They are the grandsons of Siloam Springs residents Paul and Sue Erb and Jim and Jane Clayberg.

Both brothers wanted to study engineering and attended the Northwest Arkansas Community College for their freshman year before transferring to the U of A. Initially, they planned to study mechanical or chemical engineering, but switched over to electrical engineering, a field they were familiar with from their father's work as an electrician.

Justin said it's wonderful to have a built-in study partner and Luke added that sharing textbooks is also convenient.

The brothers said they have been looking for study abroad opportunities since their freshman year. Bryan Hill, associate dean for student success, spoke to students during their sophomore year about applying for the study abroad opportunity in Italy. The brothers said they were interested but didn't think it would happen. They submitted their applications in October and found out in early December they had been accepted.

All three students have received scholarships for the exchange program, according to a press release from the U of A. The students will take courses such as electronic circuits, automotive evolution, computer architecture and introduction to antennas and energy systems. During their time in Italy, the students will also be exposed to cultural events, sports, art museums and professional developments.

Justin said he believes being exposed to other cultures and lifestyles will enrich his education.

"The amount of knowledge you get from being able to experience another culture is ridiculous," he said.

Luke said he is looking forward to traveling to Italian cities, such as Rome. He explained that Torino has public transportation to other cities, which he hopes will enable them to travel and soak up the history and culture.

"I'm really excited for the food, I can't wait to see what it is like over there," Justin said.

Hill said that it is important to recruit students for international programs because it enables them to enter the global workforce.

"Having an international experience shows potential employers they can work internationally," he said.

General News on 02/20/2019