"Looking back, I can say that studying abroad through GLOBES changed the trajectory of my goals and the way I see myself."
Studying abroad with the Columbia Summer Research Practicum in Global Behavioral Science (GLOBES) program was truly a turning point for me, both personally and academically. Before going abroad, I wasn’t sure at all where I wanted to go in my professional career in psychology once I graduated. I knew I was passionate about the field, but I didn’t yet have a clear vision of how to shape that passion into a meaningful path forward. During the program, Dr. Sarah Ashcroft-Jones, our director, led a conversation about pursuing PhDs and the winding, non-linear journey that often comes with them. What stood out to me most was her encouragement to slow down and take the time to figure yourself out, instead of rushing headfirst into a master’s or PhD simply because it feels like the “next step.” As someone who has always followed a very linear and traditional path, it was refreshing to hear that it is okay to pause, breathe, and grow before committing to something as intense as graduate school. That conversation gave me the clarity I had been searching for, helping me see new possibilities for how to move forward in psychology.
Beyond academics, GLOBES was a magical experience in every sense of the word. It was my very first time out of the country, and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. The idea of navigating a new culture, new cities, and a completely different way of living all by myself was overwhelming. But the moment I arrived, I knew I had made the right decision. I went into the program knowing no one, and I came out of it with an entire community of friends and chosen family—from Columbia, yes, but also from across Europe. If I hadn’t taken that leap, I know I would have regretted it for the rest of my life.
My reasons for studying abroad were layered. First, I wanted to experience something completely otherworldly, something that would push me beyond my comfort zone. Second, I wanted to meet people whose life experiences and perspectives were completely different from mine. And third, I wanted to expand my knowledge and sense of self as a psychology student. Choosing a summer program felt like the right fit since it allowed me to dip my toes into the water before committing to the longer experience of a full semester or year abroad. I also appreciated the chance to explore university life outside the intensity of a regular academic term, when students are more open and flexible with their time.
Of course, it wasn’t just the classes and the formal experiences that made GLOBES special—it was also the spontaneous adventures. One of my favorite memories was when my friends and I decided, on a whim, to take a less-than-24-hour trip to London. We explored, laughed, and ran around the city before heading back just in time for class the next morning. It was chaotic, exhausting, and it was one of the best decisions we made. The next day, running on little sleep, we sat in class learning R coding from our professor, and somehow it all just felt right. Those kinds of moments defined the program: a mix of exploration, growth, and the joy of simply being present.
Looking back, I can say that studying abroad through GLOBES changed the trajectory of my goals and the way I see myself. It gave me clarity in my academic journey, a renewed openness in my career path, and a sense of independence I didn’t know I was capable of. Personally, it reminded me of the power of saying “yes” to experiences that scare you, because often, those are the ones that shape you the most.
