"This program’s emphasis on global cultural exchange profoundly broadened my worldview, deepening my understanding of both my peers and the critical nuances of conducting research in a global context."

Hello! My name is Chabelly Acosta, and I’m a senior at Columbia College majoring in Cognitive Science with a specialization in Decision Sciences. This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Columbia Summer Research Practicum in Global Behavioral Science (GLOBES) program at the University of Cambridge in the UK.

Chabelly Acosta with friends at a resturant
As a first-generation, low-income (FGLI) student, my chances to study abroad have been limited. Discovering this program through the Global Learning Scholarship was a transformative experience, allowing me to explore Europe—specifically the UK—and actively contribute to a research project closely aligned with my field of study. In Decision Sciences, we focus on understanding how individuals make decisions, with an emphasis on identifying environmental factors that may influence the decision-making process.

This year, our research tackled a pressing global issue: the impact of digital environments on decision-making in social media platforms. We investigated public preferences regarding who should design and manage online systems—be it governments, large corporations, or individuals—and how these preferences evolve based on trust, beliefs about market versus government control, and concerns about digital media risks. Our findings have the potential to shape policies on digital media regulation and data privacy. Conducting this study across 26 countries, with over 10,000 responses, provided me with invaluable experience in data analysis, research methodology, and academic writing.

Our days at Cambridge were a perfect blend of structure and flexibility, allowing us to fully engage with the vibrant campus environment. Regular meetings at the Judge School of Business kept our teams aligned and focused, while the freedom to work across various locations on campus sparked creativity and collaboration. Coming together at the end of each day to review our progress and overcome challenges fostered a deep sense of teamwork and shared purpose.

Chabelly Acosta walking through a green park with a cup of coffee in their hand
One of my favorite aspects of the program was biking! Being able to rent my own bike and embark on my own mini journeys around Cambridge was truly a dream. I got to frolic in random fields, see cows, try new foods, eat lots of Jack's gelato, and read by the river cam as the sunset.

This program’s emphasis on global cultural exchange profoundly broadened my worldview, deepening my understanding of both my peers and the critical nuances of conducting research in a global context. It also reinforced the importance of cultural competency, an essential skill I will be carrying forward in my future research endeavors. Engaging in this global research experience was invaluable, helping me refine my academic and career interests at the intersection of cognitive science, policy, and regulation.