Puja Deverakonda, ‘07
Herndon, VA

Puja Deverakonda is a double major in International Relations and German Studies who spent a year abroad at Hong Kong University.

Studying abroad in Hong Kong rejuvenated my interest in my major.

When:  My junior year (2005-2006).

Why did you choose to study abroad: I first was introduced to the idea of studying abroad through the German Studies department. Having been a German culture enthusiast since high school, studying abroad was always a natural next step in terms of improving my language skills and getting to know the culture. Spring of my sophomore year, however, I decided I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. So I decided to study at Hong Kong University (HKU), a place where I could experience a completely new culture while still being able to take classes and mix with local students.

What language did you speak: English and Cantonese. I would highly recommend that visitors of Hong Kong learn Cantonese, even if only a little. Although many people speak English in Hong Kong, you really get to know local students and local culture better when you speak the language.

What did you study:  Everything! I took classes in urban planning, Chinese foreign policy, and economics.

What next: I developed an interest in energy politics through studying the effect of China's oil consumption on global markets. I combined this topic with my interest in Germany and applied for several grants to do research in Germany. Next year I will be a Fulbright Scholar studying energy politics in Berlin.