"Studying abroad showed me, without a doubt, that research is my path. It also made me want to ground my work in a global context and amplify voices that too often go unheard."
This summer, I studied at the University of Cambridge in the UK on Columbia's Summer Research Practicum in Global Behavioral Science (GLOBES) program. I chose this program because it was research-heavy and gave me the chance to contribute to global science. I’ll admit when I first arrived, I was nervous and definitely felt out of place, but I was quickly thrown into both the work and the community.
The Global Learning Scholarship made the whole thing possible. Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to afford the program. Every lecture, every late-night data check, every “aha” research moment, it all happened because of that support.
Academically, GLOBES was incredible! I worked with professors from the UK to Hungary and collaborated with researchers from 26 countries. Together, we collected data from over 10,000 participants in just two weeks and ended up with a full manuscript. As someone planning to get a PhD in clinical psychology, learning how to run research like this, and how to apply it, was beyond valuable. Admittedly, it wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows.
The workload was intense, and I definitely felt homesick at times. I got through it by listening to my body, taking breaks when I needed them, and keeping in touch with family back home. I also learned something about myself: I’m more of an introvert than I thought. I don’t need to be “on” all the time, and I actually enjoy quiet moments alone. I also try harder now to meet people where they’re at instead of where I expect them to be.
Some moments I’ll never forget: one evening, walking with friends as the sun set, breathing in the British air and feeling completely at peace. And Sunday roasts—basically a family-style meal every week—made me feel surprisingly at home(although the food definitely wasn’t my favorite part).
Studying abroad showed me, without a doubt, that research is my path. It also made me want to ground my work in a global context and amplify voices that too often go unheard. If you’re thinking about studying abroad—do it. And seriously, check the weather before you pack. This program was demanding, but so worth it. I left Cambridge with more skills, more confidence, friends, a network of researchers from around the globe, and a clearer sense of what I want to do with my life.
