Preparing for an International Academic Adventure!

Jalisha, a Princeton student, is gearing up for an exciting new chapter in her academic journey. She will be studying abroad at the University of Otago in New Zealand for the spring semester.

Jalisha has some valuable advice for those considering a study abroad experience. She recommends reaching out to professors at the host university whose classes are of interest. This can provide insights into the academic environment and potentially lead to valuable contacts abroad.

For instance, if you're a geoscience major, studying in New Zealand could be particularly rewarding. You might focus your Junior Paper (JP) on location-specific topics, such as the geology of the region. Jalisha suggests contacting Professor R. Ewan Fordyce, the subject librarian for Geology at the University of Otago, for topics related to geology that might connect with your JP and for pre-arrival inquiries.

But it's not just about academics. Jalisha encourages students to consider their non-academic passions as well. If you're passionate about Arabic, for example, you might want to consider studying in Morocco. If astronomy is your passion, Chile could be an ideal destination.

When choosing a study abroad location, Jalisha advises considering the strength of your home department as well. It's important to think about possible topics for your JP, schedule meetings with your adviser, and leave with a reading list and a plan for regular check-ins.

Jalisha is no stranger to studying abroad. She previously spent a semester in London and wrote about her experiences on a blog. She looks forward to the end of the finals period when there will be more time to consider the study abroad tips she has provided.

As the end of the year approaches and the excitement of new adventures grows, Jalisha is ready to embrace her next academic challenge in New Zealand. Her advice to fellow students is to seize the opportunity to study abroad, immerse themselves in a new culture, and make the most of this unique academic experience.