"The GLS gave me the opportunity to study abroad during the summer—my only real chance to pursue this experience—and I am deeply grateful for that support."
Studying abroad in Paris this summer was only possible because of the Global Learning Scholarship. As a pre-med student, my academic schedule makes it nearly impossible to study abroad during the academic year, when traditional financial aid would normally apply. The GLS gave me the opportunity to study abroad during the summer—my only real chance to pursue this experience—and I am deeply grateful for that support.
Living and studying in Paris allowed me to reflect on a personal question I have carried with me for years: where I might want to live after completing my education. Having moved frequently throughout my life, I have always been searching for a place that feels like home. Experiencing Paris in a professional and academic setting gave me a deeper understanding of what it means to live abroad, not just as a visitor but as someone seeking to build a professional lifestyle.
One of the highlights of my time abroad was attending a film screening, where I connected with a welcoming community of bright and creative people. The conversations, along with the film itself, gave me a sense of belonging and allowed me to feel truly seen within the vibrant Parisian culture. This experience, along with many others during my summer abroad, has shaped how I imagine my future—both academically and personally—and has strengthened my vision for building a meaningful career and life after Columbia.
