From June 5th to July 18th, I participated in a transformative student exchange program at ICAI – Universidad Pontificia Comillas in Madrid, Spain. The academic environment at ICAI was incredibly inspiring, rooted in a practical, highly collaborative approach to engineering. Under the expert guidance and mentorship of Professor Juan Norverto Moriñigo from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, I focused on the conceptual design, simulation, and steady-state modeling of thermodynamic cycles using the CyclePad simulator software. This hands-on research challenged me to model complex thermal systems—including Rankine, Brayton, Miller, Dual, and Atkinson cycles—conduct thermal efficiency sensitivity analyses, and analyze pressure-volume dynamics and non-ideal energy balances.Complementing my engineering research, I also completed coursework in Christianity and World Religions. Navigating this rigorous curriculum in an international setting was rewarding, culminating in a perfect 10.00 / 10.00 GPA across all subjects, along with a Dean’s List recognition. Beyond the classroom, Madrid itself was an unforgettable education. The city is a vibrant blend of energetic modern life and breathtaking historic architecture, which I spent my free time photographing. Spanish culture is warm, passionate, and deeply engaging. 

Whether I was joining the electric crowds to watch live football matches in public squares or exploring the historic streets, I felt truly immersed in the culture.Navigating this new educational landscape and culture significantly expanded my technical competencies, reinforced my analytical approach to power systems, and broadened my worldview for a lifetime. I am deeply grateful to LICET and Universidad Pontificia Comillas for providing this international platform.

My Summer Exchange Experience at ICAI – Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Madrid
By Poongothai Kalaivani Balan
Final-Year Student, Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering
Loyola-ICAM College of Engineering and Technology (LICET)