Giving them wings

Keval Tripathi, a third-year electrical and computer engineering student at the University of Waterloo, has been soaking up the sun “Down Under” since February. He’s on a four-month study abroad experience at Griffith University in Queensland, Australia – the furthest from home he’s ever been – and loving it.

Tripathi heard about Waterloo’s exchange and study abroad program during his second year and applied immediately. He was excited and hopeful but, on top of the plane ticket, realised that four months away from home would be expensive. He’d have to cover his own food and rent as well as any social or extracurricular activities. As soon as he got the green light to go, he applied for financial aid to help him pay his way.

“I didn’t realize how much financial support is available to students until I started looking,” says Tripathi. “I applied for the Kothari Family International Experience Award which is specifically for Waterloo students like me who are participating in an international study or work experience. I received $2,000 which really helped with the flights and accommodation.”

Giving back

Waterloo Engineering alumni Vishal Kothari (BASc ’97, electrical and computer engineering) recalls his workload at Waterloo as “tough” but appreciates the calibre of education he received. For the first few years after graduation he was just relieved to be done with his studies. But as his career progressed, he realized what an extraordinary experience he’d had and wanted to help others have the same opportunity.

Over the years, Vishal and his brother Anupam Kothari (BASc ’00, electrical and computer engineering), have set up several awards and scholarships with their alma mater through the Kothari Family Foundation.

These include an entrance scholarship for first-years, the international experience award, an upper-year award to help students finish their degrees and, as of 2023, a FIRST entrance scholarship to support first-year students who have been involved with FIRST robotics competitions.

Waterloo Engineering alumni Vishal (left) and Anupam Kothari support students through scholarships and awards. 

“One thing about Waterloo is that keeping up with your studies makes it almost impossible to do anything else,” says Vishal. “Anupam and I were fortunate – we didn’t have to worry about money when we were students. But that is not the reality for many students. Co-op salaries help but they don’t kick in immediately which is why we now have two scholarships to give first-years a boost. Our two awards are there to recognize and reward students for their hard work as they push towards graduation.”

So far, 54 Waterloo students have benefitted from the scholarship and awards – with more to come. For the Kothari brothers, the more trained and well-travelled engineers there are the better.

“Neither Anupam nor I work directly in the engineering field we studied,” says Vishal. “But that’s the value of an engineering education – it trains people to problem-solve, analyze and think creatively. These skills can help address all sorts of complexities, even when they fall outside of a traditional engineering problem. Given all the problems humanity faces, we need globally astute problem-solvers now more than ever.”

Seeing the world

While studying at Waterloo, Anupam went to Leeds in England on the international exchange program and loved it. Both Vishal and Anupam, whose careers have taken them around the world, believe that working or studying abroad is an invaluable experience, giving one an education that transcends the boardroom or classroom.

For Tripathi, who is coming to the end of his trip in Australia, his experience abroad has introduced him to the realities of adulting with positive results.

“Living at home with my family is amazing because I don’t have to worry about life admin,” says Tripathi with a smile. “But you can’t hide from it forever. I am more independent and responsible now which is very empowering. If you’re thinking about doing the exchange program, I say go for it!

“I’ve always wanted to travel,” adds Tripathi. “But I saw it more as something I would do after completing my degree. Thanks to Waterloo’s exchange and study abroad program and the Kothari Family International Experience Award, I’ve experienced another country and culture without interrupting my studies.”

If you would like to establish a scholarship to support a graduate or undergraduate student, please contact Prachi Surti. Or, consider making a donation to help support our future engineers’ education needs and Faculty’s research innovation.

If you are a student keen to internationalize your degree, find out more about Waterloo’s exchange and study abroad program.

Feature photo: Waterloo Engineering student Keval Tripathi at the Millaa Millaa Falls in northern Queensland, Australia.