Cordelia Van der Veer is a second-year majoring in public policy analysis and political science. She attended the United Nations Climate Change COP 28 conference in Dubai UAE in November 2023.

My education abroad experience was memorable because it was student-driven! Our trip to Dubai was the first time Ohio State had taken students to the U.N. Climate Summit, so students played an important part in shaping the program. When we were in Dubai, we decided what events and opportunities were most important to us.

One of my favorite memories from the trip was entering the Blue Zone of the U.N. Climate Summit for the first time. It was a breathtaking (and overwhelming!) spectacle of diplomacy, bringing together people from around the world to discuss pressing climate issues. The infrastructure at the event was opulent, and each country had their own pavilion showcasing their sustainability efforts.

As someone interested in politics, history and policy, I spend a lot of time reading about important events in different parts of the world. Going abroad to have a firsthand look at an international negotiation allowed me to learn more about the policymaking process. I also have a greater appreciation for the cultural context around climate policy, which helps explain why different countries have different policy positions.

This experience made me less intimidated of going new places and trying new things. Before the trip, I had limited experience traveling abroad and was nervous to go to a new country without my family. Now, I am confident in my ability to navigate unfamiliar places and new ideas. Meeting different people at the climate summit exposed me to potential professional pathways and sparked ideas for future research projects.

Being a global citizen means staying curious about new ideas and cultures, putting yourself in the shoes of people from around the world, and practicing respect.