At the encouragement of her faculty, political science alumna and Tulsa native Grace Deyoe (B.A. ’26) joined Professor Michael Mosher’s class on a study abroad trip to Japan. She loved the experience so much, that she decided to travel once again for her last semester at UTulsa, but this time she looked for a program a little closer to home.
Deyoe’s opportunity came in the form of a partnership that The University of Tulsa established last year with New York University to expand study abroad opportunities to students across six continents. The partnership provides two distinct options, one of which is held at NYU’s flagship campus in New York City.
“I first found the out about the New York University program completely by chance through a LinkedIn post,” Deyoe remembered. “The applications weren’t even open yet because it was a totally new thing.” She contacted UTulsa’s Center for Global Engagement to ask how to apply, and six months later she was moving into her student housing and registering for classes in New York City.
Deyoe’s interest in politics and international law made the environment and community at NYU an excellent fit. “My main goal was to make connections and gain experience in international politics,” she said. Her classes focused the international application of human rights law, as well as foreign policy and freedom of speech in the United States.
In her spare time, Deyoe also served as an associate editor for the undergraduate-led New York University Journal of Medicine and Law. “This exposure to legal issues was especially interesting for me, because it allowed me to dive into pressing health law concerns prior to entering law school,” she said.
Meanwhile, Deyoe took advantage of the city’s welcoming nature. “New York City is a great place to be, no matter who you are,” she said. “You can find a community anywhere because it’s so diverse.”
For Deyoe, the trip solidified what she wanted to do after graduation in May.
“My experience at NYU helped shape my decision to go to law school in New York City,” she said. “I thought, if I can get this experience, I can see if I can imagine myself there.” After five months in the city, Deyoe will attend Brooklyn Law School this fall as she pursues her dream career in either international human rights or international business law.
When other students ask Deyoe about studying abroad, she gives them the same advice she would give her past self. “In the case of New York, don’t be afraid of the big city. It’s different, but it’s also very, very rewarding,” she said. “This is an experience I would have regretted if I didn’t do it. So, if you’re able to go, just go.”
Interested in expanding your horizons beyond our campus? Check out the Center for Global Engagement’s Abroad Portal to explore UTulsa’s study abroad programs.