Alankrita Rani
College of Pharmacy
“The friendly, international environment of U-M is impressive. The city of Ann Arbor is very inclusive of international students. I remember going to the Diwali celebration, Thanksgiving dinner, Chinese New Year celebration, and taking Italian baking classes- all of them right here in Ann Arbor! It is a privilege to experience the warmth of the Midwestern US culture.
I had the opportunity to visit California during my time abroad. Admiring the peaks of Yosemite, through the Sierra Nevada, all the way to Joshua Tree National Park was the most exciting road trip of my life. Right after that trip ended, I came back to Ann Arbor to experience the abundant fall foliage. As a photography enthusiast, I was absolutely exhilarated the entire time. Another one of my favorite memories is attempting to skate on ice for the first time. A friend of mine encouraged me to try it and helped me overcome my inhibitions. Falling on a frozen pond and getting back up again and again never felt this empowering! I just wish I started it earlier so I could have skated longer this winter.
Working in an interdisciplinary lab at the Biointerfaces Institute broadened my perspectives and has helped sharpen my critical thinking skills. As a biologist in a predominantly chemistry lab, I felt valued and a bit naïve at the same time. This rare encouragement has benefited my project tremendously. I have learnt a lot during this research stay and I am eager to take this knowledge back to my lab in Austria.
Studying abroad is an incredible journey that offers so much more than just earning credits or collecting data. It’s a story that brings hope every time you think about it. Navigating through different countries and cultures has changed me in ways I will always be grateful for. We learn, we grow, and we meet better versions of ourselves when we move. U-M is my third stay abroad in the last 5 years and every time I moved, I met wonderful people and made priceless memories for life! If you get the chance to study abroad, don’t let it pass you by!”
Advice from Alankrita: “As much as possible, leave your prejudices behind when starting a new journey abroad. Be mindful, present, and open to new experiences and possibilities.”
