As part of the EU‑funded LCAMP project, Curt Nicolin Gymnasiet (CNG) recently hosted an exchange student from the Basque Country. For two months, Leire Manso Hernandez from Hernani studied and worked alongside students and teachers at CNG, gaining hands‑on experience with advanced CAD software and industrial additive manufacturing technologies.
Leire is currently studying an Additive Manufacturing Specialization at Gizarte Berrikuntzako LHII. Before coming to Sweden, she already had solid experience with CAD tools such as SolidWorks and Fusion 360, as well as practical work with FDM and resin 3D printers. However, her exchange at CNG offered something entirely new.
One of the biggest challenges during her stay was learning Siemens NX, a CAD platform she had never used before. In the beginning, navigating the software and finding the right tools proved difficult. Despite this, Leire quickly discovered similarities with other CAD systems and made steady progress by using NX’s built‑in help function, online resources, and hands‑on problem solving. Over time, this process strengthened her confidence and ability to adapt to unfamiliar engineering software.
In addition to CAD, Leire had the opportunity to work with an industrial SLS 3D printer from EOS. Although her home school owns an SLS printer, she had only briefly been introduced to the technology before. At CNG, she was impressed by the size, precision, and complexity of the EOS system, as well as the amount of surrounding equipment required to operate it effectively. The experience gave her a deeper understanding of additive manufacturing and the advantages and limitations of different printing technologies.
Leire describes the learning environment at CNG as open, welcoming, and supportive. She particularly appreciated the freedom to plan her own time during project work, the easy access to guidance from teachers, and the large, well‑equipped workshop. Compared to her home school, she experienced greater independence in her daily work, which she sees as both a challenge and an advantage.
Beyond technical skills, the exchange helped Leire develop socially and professionally. Working in English on a daily basis and being part of a new educational culture strengthened her communication skills and self‑confidence. The experience has also influenced her future ambitions: she now feels more comfortable working with unfamiliar software and is more open to pursuing a career abroad.
Reflecting on her time in Sweden, Leire strongly encourages other students to take part in international exchanges through projects like LCAMP. According to her, the opportunity to learn new technologies, experience different teaching methods, and grow both personally and professionally makes the exchange an invaluable experience.