Hello, my name is Suraj Moorjani, and I am a senior studying finance and economics with a minor in international relations. This past winter break, I had the privilege of representing the Tippie College of Business on the Winter in London study abroad program, which focused on international finance in the hub of global financial trading. London is a diverse megacity known for being a cultural hub of the world. The city boasts beautiful architecture, incredible museums, and amazing diversity. It is well known for its efficient public transit system and cultural significance to the world. London is also a hub for many international banks, bringing people together from all over the world. 

Following a successful exchange semester in Vienna, Austria, I had leaned into the idea that you learn so much about yourself and what you are capable of when you are in situations where you are forced to figure it out. When the opportunity came to study abroad in London, I knew this would be an opportunity I couldn't pass up, not only because I am a finance major, but also because London boasts the largest Indian population outside of America, with 7.5% of the British population stemming from South Asian descent. Coming from the Midwest where finance is mainly filled with white men, I wanted to be in a place where I could see Indians and South Asians flourishing in finance. As a first-generation American, it was really important for me to explore as I begin my professional career, with hopes of empowering other people of color in the finance industry. 

With these goals in mind, I set off to London excited to explore what the city had in store for me. I’ll never forget my tube ride into the city where I could hear five+ languages being spoken around me in the one-hour train ride from the airport to our accommodations. As a first-generation American, I am so used to being accommodating to others and covering up parts of my identity to fit in. To step into a place where your uniqueness was celebrated and championed was eye-opening. 

One of my favorite experiences in London was sitting in on a business call at a prominent asset management firm with many different teams located all across the world in one phone call. It made me realize how U.S.-centric so many aspects of our society, social norms, and culture are. The teams from all over the world helped me learn that while English is the common language of business, there are so many nuances we as humans must be aware of when interpreting the way others choose to represent themselves. 

From the Indian perspective, I learned that having a multicultural background is something to highlight as an asset, not to cover or spin to conform. I feel that my experience in London taught me that people thrive when they authentically radiate what they stand for and what they believe in; from the fashion options you choose to the people you surround yourself with. 

Overall, my experience in London has solidified my identity as a global citizen of the world. Each challenge, whether small or large, during this trip has shown me that I have the capability to overcome any obstacle. I realized that many of the limits I perceived before this experience stemmed from my own understanding of how Indian-Americans are often perceived. However, after gaining a new perspective in London, I realized that I am the one in control of how I present myself as a diverse candidate in rooms that are often not filled with such diversity. 

LEARN HOW YOU CAN APPLY FOR A GLOBAL ACCESS AMBASSADOR SCHOLARSHIP

The Global Access Ambassador Scholarship program provides awards to study abroad for a summer, semester, or academic year. The scholarships are intended to support students who study abroad with the intent to serve as Global Access Ambassadors upon return to the UI campus. Upon completion of the study abroad program and return to UI, award recipients are asked to submit a photo and an open letter to prospective students or suggest an alternate means of sharing with prospective students.

Please note that the opinions and views expressed by ambassadors are solely those of the students and do not reflect or represent the views of International Programs or the University of Iowa.

International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement.  IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.