Berggasse 19 was once home to Sigmund Freud, an Austrian neurologist who was more famously known as the father of psychoanalysis.

With its inconspicuous white bricks and stained-wood doors, the Freud Museum looks just like every other building in the block. In fact, its facade creates a deceptive illusion that attempts to conceal the symbolism, the history, and the importance of this otherwise significant building. 

This significant building was my home during the Summer.

For 6 weeks I studied abroad in Vienna, Austria, through the PIIRS Global Seminar program at Princeton University. From the Salzburg Alps to the Danube River, I immersed myself in the Viennese lifestyle: trekking through beautiful forest paths, wading through sparkling turquoise water, and attending lively music concerts where I understood nothing. 

On the flipside, I also spent hours on the third floor of Bergasse 19, attending lectures, giving presentations, and learning how to speak German. With the assistance of Professor. Gallo of the German Department and graduate student Friederike Ach, 11 other students and I learned what it truly meant to embody the spirit of learning beyond borders. 

From operas to concerts, art museums to libraries, and mixers to dinners, learning transcended the museum’s walls. 

We dined with guests of the most distinguished nature, learning from famous musicians and local university students what it meant to be Viennese. 

Eat schnitzel. Swim in the Danube. Get a sacher-torte (chocolate cake). 

Together, we visited magnificent castles and saw the tombs of the Habsburg emperors. We hiked the Austrian Alps and walked the Ringstraße. We attended traditional performances and luxurious dinners.

Indeed, this truly was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

My peers and I entered this experience as strangers, muttering tentative greetings and hesitant introductions but we left as friends, with shared experiences that cannot be replicated.

It was a period in my life where there was truly no limit to what I could experience — Princeton’s Global Seminar program broadened my horizons and gave me an opportunity to learn by experiencing.  

Through cultural immersion, I was able to think like the Viennese, act like the Viennese, and be Viennese; I experienced a glimpse of the world beyond by leveraging Princeton’s extensive resources abroad to truly make the most of this opportunity. 

It was a “soft landing” to the world beyond — in other words, Vienna felt just like home. 

I had access to people who knew where the closest laundromat was, where the best restaurants to eat were, and what “ausgang” meant in English. I had opportunities to visit expensive museums, taste regional cuisines, and interact with the local students. But more importantly, I had a group of people with me who could empathize with the difficulties of living abroad for the first time. 

To others, the Freud Museum looks just like every other building on Bergasse street. But to the 12 of us who left Princeton this Summer, it is a place where we struggled, learned, and celebrated what it means to learn beyond borders. 

Ever since my first year at Princeton, I’ve heard about courses that include University-sponsored trips abroad for its students. This was shocking news to me. A free trip across the world as part of our curriculum? It sounded too good to be true. Come to find out, these classes really existed—and I’d eventually be enrolled in one!

This past fall break, I was part of a lucky group of 10 students who were able to travel to Tokyo, Japan for the course ANT437: Gaming Blackness: The Anthropology of Video Games and Race. Given the heavy Japanese influence on the video game industry, this trip was a perfect way to tie in course themes to tangible, cultural experiences. And it was nothing short of amazing! We had the opportunity to see various shrines and monuments, visit arcades, and even participate in a Q&A with executive Shu Yoshida of Sony Interactive, among many other cool things. We even got to go to Tokyo DisneySea on our last day! These activities and excursions offered us a unique chance to immerse ourselves in Japan’s rich culture, while also applying what we’ve learned in the classroom to real-life.

There are usually a few classes each semester that offer trips like mine. Other destinations have included Paris, Ethiopia, Greece, Ecuador, and many more. Granted, these courses tend to have a cap of about 10-12 students each and are by application only. While preference is sometimes given to students who are majoring in the department offering the course, this shouldn’t discourage you! Our trip, for example, was an Anthropology course listing and included a few Anthropology majors like myself, yet also students from a diverse set of departments, such as: African American Studies, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, and Operations Research and Financial Engineering. That is to say, definitely don’t be dissuaded by a course in a department different from your own major of study. If you’re interested in the topic, shoot your shot and apply! And, of course, work hard on your application and tell the professor exactly why you’re passionate about it. Since these are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, there are a lot of students vying for the limited spots, so showing your enthusiasm and how the course will contribute to your academic journey is always a good idea.

The trip was especially special for me as a senior. After first hearing about these types of classes as a freshman, I hoped and prayed that I’d have the chance to take one of them before I graduated. After all, how often do you get to say you traveled on Princeton’s dime? But semester after semester, I never found a class with a trip that really piqued my interest — until this one! It just so happened that this course not only aligned with my major, but my personal research interests, as well. As someone planning to center her senior thesis around media/digital anthropology and how humans find community in online spaces, it seemed like fate that this class was being offered for my final year at Princeton. Not only that, but it was also the first time I’ve gotten to travel outside of the country in nearly 10 years! All of this culminated in a truly unforgettable experience that I’m incredibly grateful to Princeton for and will cherish forever. What a way to kick off the beginning of the end of my Princeton journey!
 

Inspired by the tutorial systems of the University of Oxford and Cambridge, University President Woodrow Wilson implemented the notion of a “precept” in 1905. The precept is basically a fancy word for smaller classes, where attendance is usually mandated and students are expected to contribute. Precepts are taught by other faculty members, the professor who teaches the course, or, most often in my experience, by advanced graduate students. What makes precepts unique is the capacity for students to participate in small group discussions while further delving into the material of the course. 

I find the precept system to be overlooked. Some of my fondest classes are the ones where my preceptors took the extra step, walked the extra mile, and gave me a helping hand. In the spirit of gratitude this Thanksgiving season, I wanted to spotlight two of the classes where I felt like my preceptors went above and beyond in making sure everyone understood the course material.

Pol 392: American Foreign Policy

My preceptor for this course, Tetsekela Anyiam-Osigwe, always comes up with clever ways to have each student interact with the course material. From our brief discussions before class I know Tetsekela is a graduate student in the Politics Department at Princeton and is doing research in the organizations/dynamics of international states. Not only do I find her to be extremely intelligent, but also creative. During class, she will find a way to get each student to participate. From mini simulations to full fledged debates, I find her techniques to be incredibly clever. She not only ensures that we understand everything, but also meets us halfway by explaining complex topics we may not have fully grasped initially. I’m eternally grateful for all the guidance she has given me on my research for the class and for always making the 50 minutes fly by. 

GLS 318: Vienna, Culture and Politics

Over my freshman Summer I studied abroad in Vienna and found one of my teachers/preceptors, Friederike Ach, to also go above and beyond in making the experience feel worthwhile. Not only is Friederike’s work on lovesickness deeply fascinating, but also, her worldly intelligence really helped open my eyes to the importance of learning beyond the classroom. Whether it was museum visits to what was once an insane asylum or our daily German lessons, I found that her perceptiveness made for a very flexible and tailored educational experience. I’m grateful for her guidance as both an educator and a companion. 

Inspired by my fellow blogger’s post about not being afraid of your professors, I want to nudge current and future students to also not be afraid of your preceptors. In the spirit of giving thanks, I wanted to spotlight two notable educators that I feel have truly made an impact on my life through their efforts. 

Last summer, following my first year at Princeton, I had the opportunity to take part in an International Internship Program (IIP) for a Medellín-based renewable energy startup called Solenium. As an ardent traveler and renewable energy enthusiast, I had very high expectations. Even so, I could not have imagined the vibrant, transformative, and gratifying experience I was about to have. 

As a fresh-out-of-high-school first-year student, I was amazed by the international opportunities supported by Princeton. Learning I could have an international career opportunity fully funded by Princeton was staggering: I had to take advantage. What stood out to me most about the IIP program was that it didn’t ask students to sacrifice life experience for career or vice-versa. As someone who is curious and passionate about not only academics but also the greater world, IIP offered me an avenue to explore all passions. In life, and particularly in the U.S., I believe students often become weighed down by career expectations too early. At Princeton, programs like IIP offer us the ability to maintain an edge in career pursuits while still exposing us to cultures and experiences that define the way we operate in and view the world. 

What did my experience actually look like? My IIP – through the thoughtful and organized help of advisers and an internship organization – funded a two-month internship as a software engineer at Solenium, a renewables startup in Medellín. As a student who literally came to Princeton for opportunities in renewable energy, this was a chance to work in my dream field while also exploring Colombia and work on my Spanish. Suffice to say, words cannot express how much I loved my time there. My supervisors and coworkers at Solenium were equally passionate about solving the problem of climate change and helped me grow as a software developer, problem-solver, and worldly person. The environment of the company was that of a family: multiple times a week the office would go play soccer against teenagers at the park, get dinner at delicious street vendors, or hold late night brainstorming. Outside of work, I explored the “city of eternal spring” (the weather in Medellín is undoubtedly the greatest I have ever experienced). I went on IIP organized tours, met local friends at the park, tried hundreds of different food stands and restaurants, watched soccer matches, and immersed myself in the culture. On weekends, I traveled Colombia: I saw jungle and ocean, got my hair cut – and had an incredible conversation – with a Venezuelan immigrant on his way to the Darién Gap. I stayed on a floating hostel, laughed with locals while trying fruits I couldn’t pronounce, and tried – miserably – to salsa dance. 

I worked hard every day to take the opportunity awarded to me and make the most of it. By the end I had – in the most cliche way possible – been transformed. I worked conversationally in Spanish, learned Django and Flutter to build a functioning prototype of a smart EV charger, and had made dozens of close friends – fellow interns and Colombians alike. I was able to see the passion and innovation with which people all over the world tackle the same climate problems I hope to fight. I experienced a completely new culture and grew as an academic, traveler, and person. It is for these reasons and so many more that I can’t even think of my time in Colombia without cracking a smile; my experience in Medellín was, and will remain, one of the best experiences of my life. 

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In April of last year, a few weeks before I submitted my official commitment to Princeton, I found myself wandering one of the many expositions featured in Princeton Preview (the University's official admitted prospective student event). Proudly adorning my status as a Prospective Student and eager to introduce myself to anyone and everyone who could speak to the beauty of my soon-to-be Princeton experience, I arrived giddily at the French and Italian department's academic expo table. After an unsuccessful attempt to show off my shabby oral French skills, I was quickly handed a pamphlet for a summer study-abroad program that was "sure to help" me become a better French speaker. "PRINCETON IN AIX, FRE207F," the pamphlet read. A month-long immersive French-learning program in the Provencal city of Aix-en-Provence. I'm pretty sure I shivered as I read the flyer: the idea of spending a month in a foreign country just a few short weeks after completing what was sure to be a stressful first year did not seem appealing to me at all. Nevertheless, by some weird twist of fate, a year and a couple months later, I found myself gripping that same brochure as I stepped off my eight-hour-long flight from DC to Paris, gearing myself up to brave a new foreign terrain entirely on my own.

My First Lesson: I was not on my own.

A fear of loneliness was the force that drove most of my anxiety from the time I received my official acceptance into the program up until when my plane touched down in France. At Princeton, I had formed my own bubble of non-French speakers and non-French students, all of whom would be thousands of miles away as I attempted to navigate my new life in the French-speaking world. All of this to say, I was absolutely terrified of being on my own in France. However, this fear was quickly whisked away amidst the chaos of the Charles de Gaulle airport, where I awaited my connecting flight to Marseille. After a sweaty three hours in Customs, with tired shoulders from the heavy backpack and overpacked purse that I had unwisely lugged through the airport, I all-but collapsed into the seat at my terminal gate. But before I could fall too far into my airport despair, I heard a kind voice ask, "Do you go to Princeton?" I don't think I'd ever seen the girl who asked this question. She had recognized me due to the Princeton sweatshirt I had untidily wrapped around my shoulders --- a sweatshirt I'll forever be grateful for because, thanks to it, this girl and I rapidly became friends. Launching into laments about the horrors we'd witnessed in this airport and bonding over anxieties over being newly minted traveling Americans who'd soon have to rely on communicating in a language we were still learning, our conversation was the most relieving breath of fresh air. It was so validating to meet someone who was just as terrified for the upcoming month as me. And she quickly helped me learn my second lesson of the trip.

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My Second Lesson: It’s okay to be scared.

Along with a fear of loneliness, living abroad for a month came with a plethora of other anxieties. What will I eat? Will my host family be friendly? Will I be safe? Will I get good grades? Will I be able to talk to my family back home? Will my French be any better by the time I was leaving than when I arrived? Will I have fun? 

Although for weeks before my trip, I chastised myself for being so anxious about an experience that — on the exterior — was sure to be once in a lifetime and magical (as I was told repeatedly by many family and friends), I recognize now that my anxieties only made me human. I was jumping headfirst into a place I had never been before, with millions of questions to which I didn't have the answers. I was scared, and it was completely normal. Now, writing this blog post, I smile to myself with the recognition that I can delightedly answer the questions that had plagued my mind before this trip. And that the beauty of these answers and the memories that come with them far exceed any anxiety that I felt in the past. 

1. What will I eat?

Anything and everything: strawberry gelato from any shop that offers it, samples of bread from the artisanal markets that fill the city, three-euro hot pizza from Caprese pizza stalls, pasta from any restaurant that offers it, ratatouille on the nights when my host mother is feeling extra generous, apricot jam with toast in the mornings, bubble tea at any point on any day, and, of course, more gelato.

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  2. Will my host family be friendly?

The friendliest. I was placed with an incredibly kind woman who was eager to teach me about the Provençal French culture and lifestyle. Over dinner, we'd spend hours discussing politics, food, travel, literature, and our respective lives in our respective countries. As an example of her genuine kindness, the last day of the program just happened to be my birthday, and she wished for me to have French patisserie on my special day. Unfortunately, my nut and egg allergies were a roadblock for this wish. But she found a way. I enjoyed nut-free and egg-free raspberry tarts (which she had hunted down) on my birthday and last day in Aix. It was a small gesture, but it meant the world to me. The next day, leaving for my flight, I teared up a bit saying goodbye to her.

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    3. Will I be safe?

Very. I spent most of my days surrounded by my new friends. Even when we stayed out later than I'd feel comfortable in my hometown, I cherished the ability to just wander a foreign city after dark with friends. Some of my best memories of the trip were getting lost at midnight in search of a late-night snack or good music. (We were lucky enough to be in France during one of their major holidays, Fête de la Musique. It's a day-long music festival that continues deep into the night. For hours after dark, my friends and I wandered the town together, chasing a good song to dance to.)

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   4. Will I get good grades?

Yes, fortunately, but I also learned a lot. The first week of classes in Aix-en-Provence was extremely daunting. I felt buried in readings and had to start decoding the French of my local professors, who happened to don very heavy Marseille accents (the accent worn by most people who live in the South of France). However, I quickly learned that I'd get out what I put into my academic work during the program. I worked hard to speak French as regularly as possible — with the city locals and my classmates. I scoured the French-English dictionary for unfamiliar words from my readings and did my best to utilize them in my speech and writing. I hunkered down for hours in humid cafés to scrawl out the best possible essays I could and read meticulously over my professors' feedback. I paced my room, reciting my oral presentations aloud, correcting every little phonetic mistake I could catch. Trust me, I know it sounds grueling, but it was more fulfilling than anything. On my final days of the program, when I could speak with my Uber drivers and restaurant servers in fluid French, with little insecurity over bad accents or mispronunciations, I felt immensely proud of how far my French had come. In the end, it wasn't the grades that mattered, but the development of my language skills — skills which I believe will take me far in life, even long after this program.

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   5. Will I have fun?

The most fun. Every week was filled with new adventures. And the weekends came with even more. After daily class time, the city of Aix-en-Provence was our oyster. We could eat at the restaurants we wanted, shop at the markets in the square, go to cute movie theaters, listen to live music on the streets, and more. On other days when we did not have class, we were whisked off to some of the most gorgeous landscapes in the South of France. 

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A day trip to the Lourmarin, the town where renowned writer Albert Camus did most of his writing. 

Beach days in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, St. Tropez, Lac de St. Croix, and Cassis. 

Promenading around the gorgeous lavender fields of Valensole. 

A visit to a boulangerie to make baguettes, croissants, and pain-au-chocolat ourselves!

A trip to a vineyard to see how wine is made (and taste it, too!). 

Wandering age-old cities like Avignon, Apt, Arles, Moustiers St. Marie, etc., for hours at a time. 

Hiking through the "Petit Colorado," or what some call the Grand Canyon of France. 

Visiting gorgeous cities on mountaintops and getting to see Provence belly-up.

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But despite the gorgeous sights I was exposed to every week and weekend, I think most of the fun came from witnessing these sights with good and kind friends — giddily taking photos of one another in front of the gorgeous blue of the Mediterranean, hunting down coffee-shops in the middle of quiet towns, laughing our way out of sleep-deprivation on the early-morning buses which carried us to our weekend excursions. Even without the beauty of the south of France, I truly believe I would've left this trip satisfied solely by the friends I made. Which brings me to my final lesson of the trip.

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My Third Lesson: Put Yourself Out There.

At Princeton, I tend to stick to the bubble I know: studying in the same places, hanging out with the same people, loyal to the same routine. All of that went out of the window during my month in Aix-en-Provence. I was forced to break out of my bubble: go to lunch with a peer who was ultimately a stranger, work on a project with someone I'd seen once or twice around campus, let myself make new friends. In addition to fulfilling a lifelong wish to live abroad and improve my French language skills, I think I'm most proud of the conversations I struck up with the strangers learning amongst me in the program — strangers who I'm sure are now lifelong friends. It's hard to imagine building such strong bonds within the short span of four weeks. Who knows, maybe it was the Provençal air. Regardless, the greatest magic of the trip came from how close we all were as a group: one of my fondest memories of the program is the mass-exchange of hugs and "Bon Voyages" that filled our last day in Aix. It was clear that we'd all miss each other.

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With all that said, if there's anyone on the fence about whether they should take advantage of the many study-abroad opportunities at Princeton, I say, take the leap. You never know the obstacles you'll brave, what things you'll learn, or what people you'll meet. Now, from the comfort of my home, filled with beautiful, irreplaceable memories, I can confidently say that my sojourn in the south of France was a once in a lifetime experience. One that I'll cherish forever. 

So, be brave, embrace the unknown, and put yourself out there. Wherever you go, you won't be alone.

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Ever since my first year at Princeton, I knew I wanted to study abroad. I wasn’t entirely sure where it would be, but I was certain it would be a significant part of my Princeton experience. Hearing upperclassmen talk about their semesters in Oxford, Australia, Spain, or Kenya filled me with excitement and a touch of apprehension. While the idea of studying abroad thrilled me, the unknown aspects were intimidating. What would it be like to leave campus for an entire semester? How much financial support would I receive? How would I make friends in a foreign place?

Part of my anxiety stemmed from overthinking, but deeper down, I worried about how my identity would be perceived abroad. At Princeton, I had access to incredible resources that supported First-Generation Low-Income (FGLI) students, like the Emma Bloomberg Center and Latine students through the Carl A. Fields Center. These spaces offered me comfort and community and I was unsure if I would find similar support systems while abroad. 

Financial Aid

My first introduction to the DIS - Study Abroad Scandinavia (Copenhagen) program came during a meeting with the Scholars Institute Fellows Program (SIFP). A mentor shared their experiences in Copenhagen, Denmark, making it sound like an experience everyone should have. Inspired, I immediately researched the program and soon scheduled a meeting with Jordan, a study abroad advisor. Jordan was exceptionally helpful, addressing all my concerns about studying abroad. One significant issue was covering up-front expenses, such as the flight and enrollment deposit, before receiving my Princeton grant. I couldn't afford these costs, but Jordan worked with the financial aid office to arrange an early release of funds, allowing me to purchase my ticket. This kind of support was invaluable and I’m deeply grateful for Jordan’s help throughout this process.

Budgeting

Once I arrived in Copenhagen, budgeting became a priority. Known for being one of the most expensive cities in the world, Copenhagen presented a financial challenge right from the start. The program provided a grocery card, but I initially made the mistake of shopping at pricier stores. I soon learned that Netto was the go-to market for budget-friendly groceries. Adjusting to the city's 25% sales tax and identifying the best places to shop and eat took some time, but I eventually found my way. Additionally, my program provided a transportation card covering two zones, which allowed me to explore different parts of the city. Despite the initial price shock, I gradually adapted to life in Copenhagen.

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Making Friends

One of my biggest concerns was finding people to connect with. The thought of being completely alone in a new country was daunting. Fortunately, I quickly met an amazing group of friends. These were the people I cooked with, traveled with and shared countless memorable moments. Even now, a month after our program ended, we still keep in touch. Making these new friends was one of the best parts of studying abroad. The DIS program attracts students from various universities across the U.S., and while some brought hundreds from their schools, Princeton had only five students, none of whom I knew beforehand. This pushed me to create new connections and build my community. I started a baking club and frequently hosted gatherings in my apartment, which helped me get to know people and form lasting friendships.

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Enjoying a New Experience

People often romanticize studying abroad and for good reason—it's one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. However, the worries and apprehensions that come with leaving the familiar are valid. It’s important not to let these feelings prevent you from seizing new opportunities, exploring new places and discovering new aspects of yourself. Studying abroad taught me so much and deepened my appreciation for everything I have at Princeton. The most important thing to remember is that no matter where you go, Princeton will always be there for you when you return.

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There are so many ways to go abroad during your time at Princeton, including international internships such as the International Internship Program or Internships in Global Health, Global Seminars (Princeton classes taught by Princeton faculty abroad), summer language courses, or applying for funding for an internship, course of study, or research trip of your own design. I had the opportunity to travel to Toronto over fall break of my sophomore year with Canada Club, spend my junior fall studying abroad at ETH Zürich in Switzerland (which you can read more about here), and travel to Kenya through the Global Health Program. I could never have imagined being able to go on fully-funded trips in three continents before attending Princeton and am so grateful for the resources and support provided by the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students (ODUS) and the Office of International Programs.

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I had the extra special opportunity to feel at home during my semester abroad when I visited my high school, UWC Robert Bosch College in Germany, and caught up with my teachers and host family. I also had the privilege of spending the holidays with the families of some of my closest high school friends in southern Switzerland and northern Germany.

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In January, it was off to Kenya! I was lucky enough to be selected in a random draw for students in the Global Health & Health Policy minor who were interested in a trip to Kenya to learn about global health research and initiatives on the ground. We spent the first half of the trip in the capital, Nairobi, where we spoke with UNICEF staff and visited the US Embassy (and met Meg Whitman ‘77, the US ambassador to Kenya and donor of Whitman College). 

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The most impactful activity for me was visiting Mathare, the second largest informal settlement in Kenya, and hearing the passion the young people there have for improving their community. One adolescent girl shared the story of seeing children playing in an area used as a garbage dump and taking the initiative to clean it up and turn it into a park. Many of the people we spoke with are Community Health Workers, people chosen by their community who are responsible for making home visits to 200 homes in their neighborhood, providing basic medical care and referring people to higher levels of care when necessary. I think we should consider using similar community-based models in North America, where many people have limited access to affordable primary care.

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The second half of the trip we spent at Mpala Research Centre, about five hours north of Nairobi by car, where we learned about some of the impressive ecological and health research being conducted and got a taste of fieldwork. My group drove around looking for Grevy’s zebras, which we learned have rounded, Mickey Mouse-like ears unlike plains zebras which have pointed ears. Once we spotted some, we waited for them to poop so we could collect the dung for the Princeton Zebra Project, which studies the endangered zebras’ diets and parasites. 

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My favorite experiences from the second half of the trip were hearing from the Beyond Zero Mobile Health Clinic, which sets up temporary clinics across Laikipia County and provides services ranging from reproductive health to specialist care, and visiting Daraja Academy, which provides girls who might not otherwise have been able to finish high school the chance to pursue postsecondary education. I was so inspired by the student who gave us a tour and how enthusiastic and committed she and her classmates are to using their lives to make a positive impact.

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My semester abroad and trip to Kenya will remain some of my most memorable experiences from my time at Princeton. I hope you will all consider studying abroad, taking a class which involves travel, or pursuing an internship abroad! If you need any more convincing, I encourage you to take a look at the winners of the annual International Eye Photo Contest. As always, feel free to reach out to the email in my bio if you have any questions!

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3,853 miles away. Six hours ahead. A city I’ll never forget: Copenhagen, Denmark.

This past spring, I spent four months studying abroad in one of the most beautiful cities I've ever visited. However, there was one challenge: I had to complete my spring junior paper (JP) while also trying to explore this amazing city.

Completing a junior paper is challenging enough when you're on Princeton’s campus. My fall JP was not the easiest paper to write, but at least I was surrounded by students also engaged in their research or independent projects. 

Abroad, people traveled every weekend, and I constantly struggled to balance this incredible opportunity with my commitments at Princeton. I had lab meetings every Wednesday, and due to the time difference, they were scheduled for 11 PM local time. This time difference made it really difficult to set up meetings or call people.

For my fall JP, I conducted a literature review on First Generation Low Income Students from Latinx and Asian backgrounds, exploring themes such as cultural mismatch, stereotype threat and family achievement guilt. I found a notable gap in the literature concerning the differences in experiences between two-year and four-year institutions, with most empirical studies focusing on selective four-year universities.

My spring JP was centered on creating a pre-registration for my upcoming thesis research. Pre-registration, a growing practice in psychology, aims to promote transparency, reduce p-hacking and address the replication crisis. My task was to submit a pre-registration form along with a codebook detailing the survey items I intended to measure. This process demanded significant time and effort. I had to clearly define my research goals and outline how I planned to analyze the data.

Fortunately, I had an amazing mentor, my lab manager, Danny. We met weekly to discuss my progress, clarify any questions about the pre-registration process and offer edits and suggestions. Being part of a lab while conducting independent work is one of the best aspects of the process. You not only have your primary advisor but also the support of knowledgeable lab members in various research areas. The support I received from my lab made submitting my JP abroad something manageable. 

Overall, despite the difficulties, submitting my spring JP was one of the most rewarding experiences. I grew significantly from the process, setting a strong foundation for my senior thesis, which I'll be working on over the summer. Although Danny is leaving soon to pursue a PhD in Utah, his mentorship is a testament to the incredible people at Princeton. The ARC lab team made 3,853 miles feel not so far away.

Almost a year ago today, I flew from Dallas (DFW) to London Heathrow (LHR) for my summer study abroad. I was bound for Cambridge University to study for six weeks. I did not know anyone in Cambridge. Abroad and alone, I was ecstatic. 

Prior to learning I had the opportunity to study at Cambridge, I was new to Princeton’s culture—one where students hustle to secure summer plans—and was extremely intimidated. I felt, at times, a stressful expectation to fill my summer with internships or other opportunities. Despite these feelings, I ended up with a summer filled with wild, wet, English adventures. Trust me, it was the right choice. 

July 6th, 2023: DFW -> LHR 

I remember clearly the butterflies I felt traveling internationally by myself. Touching down in London, my curious eyes peeked down from the plane, spotting little red dots commuting to and from. I had no idea what England had in store for me, but it turned out to be everything from iconic red buses to spontaneous trips. Arriving in Cambridge, I immediately was in awe of the old, historic town. Cambridge University is situated within the beautifully bustling town of Cambridge. The university has no central campus and is instead split into 31 different colleges, each of which has its own “campus” or courtyard dispersed throughout town. Walking around town, you’ll occasionally run into one of these colleges. Each is nestled between historic buildings and is visible through the small openings of its old wooden gates. 

For an artist, Cambridge is an extremely inspiring city. I drew constantly during my trip. The image above is one of my favorite sketches I did during my time there. It’s a drawing of the Kings College Chapel, which (fun fact) inspired the architecture of Princeton’s chapel. Several of Princeton’s buildings were inspired by Cambridge, actually, and I would argue that Princeton feels like a smaller, quainter version of Cambridge. 

August 19th, 2023: LHR -> DFW 

By the end of my trip, I had made unforgettable memories at Cambridge. Situating myself in a new town and making new friends, my 6 weeks felt electric. My day-to-day schedule consisted of a few classes and lots of biking around town. The weather was, well let's just say, English. It rained quite often but this rarely dented my excitement. I would recommend all students participate in a summer study abroad. Summer at Princeton can look like whatever you want it to. I learned a lot from this study abroad, and I wouldn’t trade my experience in Cambridge for anything in the world.

Lastly, I wanted to touch on a bit of the nuts and bolts of the program in case anyone is interested. I studied at Pembroke College and I took 3 classes during the 6 weeks: Jane Austen, Sustainability, and an independent study done with a professor. Princeton also has scholarships to provide financial aid for summer activities like these. Academically, Cambridge was certainly different from Princeton. We had far less hours of class time, and the only deliverables for students were two dissertations: each class required two very long essays.

Last semester (Fall 2023), I had the privilege of studying abroad at ETH Zürich in Switzerland. My experience exceeded my expectations in so many ways, and it’s hard to understate my gratitude for Princeton’s support in making this long-time dream a reality. Attending a United World College, an international boarding school, in Freiburg, Germany for Grade 11 and 12 gave me a taste of how enriching being abroad and making friends from across the globe can be, so I kept an eye out for opportunities to study abroad when applying to college. 

During my first year at Princeton, I researched the study abroad options available to students in Molecular Biology and Neuroscience, the concentrations I was most interested in. ETH Zürich drew my attention because I was interested in returning to the region to travel (which COVID had prevented during high school), experiencing the immersive laboratory courses, and practicing my German. I met with students who had studied abroad at ETH, exchange students from ETH at Princeton, and a study abroad adviser at the Office of International Programs, all of whom were eager to share their insight and answer my questions. The application process was straightforward and easy to navigate, and around this time last year, I found out I would be at ETH in the fall!

After a busy summer of cancer research followed by a lovely month at home, I seemed to suddenly find myself in Switzerland. I arrived on a Sunday, and I wasn’t quite prepared for how disoriented I felt. On my way from the airport to the apartment, I was quickly reminded of the fact that most stores, including grocery stores, are closed on Sundays. I received my key to the apartment and then sat on the bed and stared at the wall, wondering what I had gotten myself into. Had I made the right choice to leave the comforts and convenience of Princeton?

With some luck, I managed to get to campus and find my classroom for my first pre-semester German class the following morning, and slowly, with the help of other exchange students and ETH students, I learned how to navigate the public transit system, save money on groceries, and sort my recycling in a country where even paper and cardboard go into separate bins.

Academically, ETH was quite different from Princeton. I took two German classes, one ethics lecture (which counted toward Princeton’s Ethical Thought and Moral Values distribution requirement and my minor in Global Health and Health Policy), three biology lectures, and two biology labs. The lectures met once a week for about 90 minutes, which was our only chance to interact with the professors. Grades for lectures were based entirely on the final exam, which took place between late January and early February. Not having homework or midterms freed up a lot of time in the evening and on the weekend. I enjoyed cooking and reading for pleasure, things which I was rarely able to do during previous semesters at Princeton. Each lab course took place during one of four 3.5-week blocks. The labs met Tuesday afternoon, and all day Wednesday to Friday. I took two labs, meaning that for half the semester, I only had my Monday and Tuesday morning lectures. This schedule, combined with not having assessments during the semester, gave me the opportunity to travel to over 20 different cities in 10 countries. I was able to visit my high school friends and teachers, meet a friend from Princeton in Paris, host friends from Princeton and my hometown, and explore new cities with one of the other Princeton students studying abroad at ETH. Looking back, these trips were definitely what I remember most from the semester. 

The semester also brought its share of challenges. The lack of office hours and precepts made it harder to access professors and made me feel more anonymous than I did in the large classes I have taken at Princeton. Without the motivation of problem sets and exams, I found myself pushing off reviewing for my finals until the few weeks before my exams, which also happened to overlap with the start of Princeton’s spring semester. I was able to take my abroad course finals on campus at Princeton, but this meant doubling up on studying while the new semester was underway. Socially, it could be difficult to make friends and feel integrated into the school as an exchange student, although I was lucky enough to become friends with a few of my classmates and a student I met on a social run. One thing I particularly struggled with was the short days and almost constantly gray skies in November. I was in my second lab course during this time, which meant I barely saw any daylight, then proceeded to spend my evenings alone in my room without much to do. All in all though, I enjoyed experiencing a very different educational system and observing which parts of it I appreciated. I’ve noticed upon coming back to Princeton that I’m prioritizing work-life balance more than before, making the time to exercise, cook in my co-op, 2D, and attend fun events with friends on the weekend like basketball games and movies sponsored by the Undergraduate Student Government, Davis International Center, and various clubs on campus.

Whether you’re a prospective student curious about studying abroad or a current student wondering whether it’s right for you, I highly encourage you to consider it! I have learned so much about life beyond my own experiences, become much more independent and adventurous (not to mention adept at planning trips), and returned to Princeton with excitement and a fresh set of eyes. What has surprised me most has been how many people I recognize walking from place to place and how easy it is to grab a meal with someone to catch up, both of which make me grateful for Princeton’s small student population and campus-centered student life. I would be more than happy to share more about my experience or answer any questions at the email listed in my bio!