#SummerAbroad: Priyal Sethi

I am currently doing a summer research programme in humanities at Tel Aviv University, Israel. I am working with a professor there on three different projects related to democracy and banks. There is a lot of in-depth research work due to which I have developed a lot of technical knowledge and learnt new research and analytical skills.

While going through the list of colleges for summer abroad from the Office of Global Education and Strategic Programmes (GESP), I was particularly intrigued by the opportunity at Tel Aviv because it lay somewhere between a summer course and an internship – it was an opportunity to learn while doing hands-on work in a field which interests me greatly.

As far as the course structure and the pedagogy of both Ashoka and Tel Aviv, the universities are both similar in the sense that the course content is very well structured, the professors are extremely articulate and the classes are discussion-based. My experience at Ashoka so far has been extremely enjoyable. The courses were interesting, the classes were interactive and I have had some great intellectually stimulating interactions with professors along the way.

My journey with the GESP was also extremely smooth. It started with the Summer Abroad Townhall, which intrigued me and I discussed the specific prospects of doing a summer semester with members of the GESP over subsequent office hours. When I finalized the university, they also helped me with the necessary documentation and even invited the Tel Aviv delegation to talk to me so that I could clarify all my doubts. I am incredibly grateful to the office for all of this.

All in all, this has been an exceptional experience for me which has helped me learn a variety of skills and aided my growth as a person.