Diya Amin
About My Study Abroad Program
Major/Minor: Biology Major, Data Science and Neuroscience Minor
Program: Arcadia STEM Summer Research at Royal Veterinary College
Location: London, UK
Email: djamin@unc.edu
Term: Summer 2024
Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you select your program?
Studying abroad in Europe has been a dream of mine since high school, and Arcadia offered the perfect opportunity to turn that dream into reality. The program not only allowed me to immerse myself in European culture but also aligned perfectly with my academic goals. Through Arcadia, I gained invaluable lab experience, conducted research, wrote a paper, and had the chance to present my findings—all while networking with professionals and exploring the rich history and culture of Europe.
What did you learn about yourself?
Through this experience, I learned a lot about my own resilience and independence. Having never traveled alone before, I was proud to have navigated and explored different countries on my own. The journey also filled me with immense gratitude for the opportunity to explore so many incredible cities across Europe at just 21 years old. It was a transformative experience that deepened my appreciation for life and my own capabilities.
What is one of your favorite memories from your program?
One of my favorite memories from the program was visiting Paris for the first time with the friends I made through Arcadia. Exploring such an iconic city with people I had connected with was truly special, and the experience was made even more unforgettable by getting to watch a couple of Olympic games. It was a moment that perfectly captured the excitement and camaraderie of studying abroad.
What advice do you have for future study abroad students?
My biggest piece of advice is to trust yourself. At the beginning, I was really scared to be on a different continent without any close family or friends, but I ended up learning so much. Things may not always go as planned—that's just part of life—but there's something incredibly empowering about overcoming challenges and growing from them. As long as you trust yourself, you'll not only survive but thrive through the experience.
How do you identify?
Student of color
Memories
