"Not only was I able to connect with a new, international community through our collaborative work, but I also developed crucial research skills that may guide my future work in the field of psychology."
Hello! My name is Cruz Vernon (any pronouns), a double major in Psychology and Ethnicity and Race Studies, and I had the opportunity to participate in the Columbia Summer Research Practicum in Global Behavioral Science (GLOBES) this past summer. Located at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, this program brought together fellow psychology students and researchers from various countries to collaborate on a 2.5-week international research project on digital choice architecture preferences.
My application to this program was not only motivated by my lack of formal research experience within a research-dependent field but also by the realization that I would not be able to spend a full semester abroad, an experience I hoped to have prior to graduating. I had no expectations leading up to the program and found myself deeply appreciative of the experience I had. Not only was I able to connect with a new, international community through our collaborative work, but I also developed crucial research skills that may guide my future work in the field of psychology. Despite the rigor of the program, I was able to find pockets of relaxation and immersion in the picturesque city of Cambridge. From renting a bike to hanging out with the local cows, I feel as if I made the most of my time there.
My GLOBES experience was marked by degrees of academic intensity and professional development, interspersed by moments of introspection as I consider my future career trajectory and life outside of the United States. I’m truly overwhelmed with gratitude as I reflect on my all-too-short study abroad experience!
