Hey, y’all! My name is Aniyah Johnson, and I’m a senior at Rice University majoring in Social Policy Analysis with a minor in Sociology. I studied abroad during the 2025–26 academic year through IFSA at Queen Mary University of London.

During my time abroad, I took courses exploring topics including social theory, American
consumer culture, the U.S. carceral state, and American politics. Although many of my courses focused on American politics and society, studying these topics from outside the United States gave me the opportunity to encounter new perspectives and rethink familiar issues through a different lens.

Outside of the classroom, I explored London and the UK, including Brighton, Oxford, and the Cotswolds. I also traveled throughout Europe, visiting places such as Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Rome. Berlin was my first solo trip abroad, and traveling independently throughout the year helped me build confidence, become more comfortable navigating unfamiliar places, and embrace new experiences.

As someone who is FGLI, BIPOC, and a QuestBridge Scholar, I understand that studying abroad can come with questions about finances, identity, belonging, and whether an international experience is really “for you.” I’m also an introvert, so I know firsthand that stepping into a new environment and building a life in another country can feel intimidating, but it can also be incredibly rewarding.

Please feel free to talk to me about studying abroad as an FGLI or BIPOC student, navigating London as an introvert, solo travel, making friends abroad, balancing academics and travel, choosing courses, adjusting to life in a new country, and making the most of your experience abroad. I’m also happy to talk about how studying abroad can connect to your academic and future career goals! Whether you’re nervous about going abroad, wondering if you’ll find your people, or simply trying to figure out where to start, I’d love to share what I learned and help you feel more confident about making study abroad your own.