A study abroad experience can open up a world of possibilities and opportunities for John Jay students; they’re immersing themselves in different cultures, meeting new people, engaging in exciting experiences, and expanding their educational horizons. To gain an understanding of the enriching study abroad programs available through the College's Office of International Studies & Programs (OISP), we’re talking with students and learning more about their study abroad experiences, courses, and memorable moments. Each of their journeys was unique, but they all learned about themselves. Our first study-abroad student is Je’nee Fisher ’20, an International Criminal Justice major who traveled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to deepen her understanding of international commercial arbitration.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where did you grow up?
I’m originally from Atlanta, where life is a bit calmer and not as fast-paced like here in New York City. I went to Catholic school for most of my childhood and grew up pretty sheltered. So when I went to Savannah State University, one of the oldest public Historically Black Colleges and Universities [HBCU] in Georgia, I focused more on the social aspect of the college experience than studies. I ended up taking some time off from school, traveling the country, and decided I wanted to move to New York and see what I could make of myself here. I moved in with my grandparents, who live in the Bronx, and enrolled at CUNY Kingsborough Community College. I then transferred to John Jay in 2018.
“I’ve always had a passion for justice and race relations and I knew John Jay is where I could become what I always wanted to be, a lawyer.” —Je’nee Fisher
What was it about John Jay College that made you want to come here?
I’ve always had a passion for justice and race relations, and I knew John Jay is where I could become what I always wanted to be, a lawyer. As a black woman, it’s important for me to be aware of our history and learn from justice innovators and wonderful professors at the College, such as Charles Robert Davidson, J.D., Ph.D., and C. Jama Adams, Ph.D. What better place to strengthen my advocacy skills than John Jay—it has so much to offer its students.
How did you learn about the study abroad program?
I was walking through Haaren Hall when I saw a poster advertising the study abroad experience. I went to the Office of International Studies & Programs and learned about the opportunities they had available for upcoming semesters, and one trip caught my eye, that was the program in the United Arab Emirates [UAE]. The problem was I only had two weeks until the deadline to apply for the UAE program, but I was determined to do it. I filled out all the necessary paperwork but it was so late in the process, I couldn’t get a scholarship for the trip. I took out a loan and my parents put together a fundraiser to help finance the trip.
Why did you want to go to the UAE?
I’ve done study abroad experiences before, so I know how life changing they can be. When I was 13 years old, I was one of the students chosen for the People to People international travel program started by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. I went to China with a group of 13- and 14-year-old students, and spent 21 days immersing myself in Chinese culture—taking part in their customs, sharing meals with locals, and I even did a few homestays. Knowing how incredible study abroad experiences are, I jumped at the chance to go to the UAE.
“Knowing how incredible study abroad experiences are, I jumped at the chance to go to the UAE.” —Je’nee Fisher
Really, I’ve always been interested in traveling to the Middle East and that stems from my dad’s own experience there. He worked in Saudi Arabia for years and he would share stories with me about the region’s culture, food, and history. He loved it and that motivated me to take an Arabic class. So, when the study abroad experience came up, it felt like it was meant to be.
How did this study abroad experience align with your career goals?
While in the UAE I attended the American University at Sharjah, and was able to do research with centers that deal with international commercial arbitration, such as Dubai International Arbitration Centre. The experience let me deeply explore the career path I want to take. I want to work is international commercial arbitration and am considering pursuing that career in the UAE.
“Here I was in a different place, immersed in a different culture, and yet it felt like I belonged there.” —Je’nee Fisher
What was the most surprising thing you learned about yourself through this experience?
I knew I would adapt to the environment, but what surprised me most was that I was able to thrive. I was thousands of miles away from home and everyone I knew—my dad was back in the U.S. Here I was in a different place, immersed in a different culture, and yet it felt like I belonged. I was able to form lasting bonds and friendships with people that seemed like long-lost friends.
What was your most memorable experience?
I had so many. I visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is the largest mosque in the country and probably the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. I was also able to ride a Camel during a safari trip and that was a lot of fun. But I would say the experience I valued most were the friends I made. One of the girls I met on the trip is actually doing a study abroad experience in Chicago this semester and I’ll be visiting her soon.
“Go with an open mind, don’t be shy but be respectful, and enjoy the study abroad experience to the maximum.” —Je’nee Fisher
For a student curious about study abroad, what advice would you offer them?
I would say, “Don’t hesitate, just go for it.” Go to the International Studies & Programs office and ask them all the questions you have, because I promise, they will guide you through the entire process, including navigating how to pay for it. There are scholarships available for study abroad, so apply for them, on time. And, go with an open mind, don’t be shy but be respectful, and enjoy the study abroad experience to the maximum.
