Aaleyah Jackson

Ask Me About…

I’d love for other students to ask me how I built real connections with local communities while studying abroad in Beijing, China, and Braga, Portugal. In Beijing, during the Penn Global Seminar program, I didn’t just stick to the classroom. I joined calligraphy workshops, savored traditional music, and explored vibrant food markets. One unforgettable moment was watching the flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square at dawn. Standing among locals in quiet reverence, I felt China’s deep national pride—a glimpse into their world no textbook could offer.

I brought that same curiosity to my GRIP internship at the University of Minho in Portugal. Beyond legal research, I danced at local festivals, visited historic sites, and talked with people about Portuguese culture and law. These moments were as vital as my studies, showing me how law and society shape each other globally.

Studying abroad taught me to seek genuine connections, rather than just adapting. Ask me how to stay open and intentional—those cultural immersion moments made my time abroad personal and transformative.

My Experience Abroad

My time abroad shaped my academic and professional journey, fueling my passion for international legal frameworks and social justice. During my GRIP internship at the University of Minho in Portugal, I dove into researching the Istanbul Convention and its integration into Portuguese law. Exploring how Portugal translates the Convention’s provisions into policies to combat gender-based violence and promote equity sharpened my research skills and showed me the power of international cooperation to bolster domestic protections. As a Political Science and Africana Studies double major eyeing a career in law and policy, I saw firsthand how such a framework could unify the U.S.’s patchwork of state-level survivor protections, driving accountability and inclusive norms.

My earlier study in Beijing through the PGS: Intermediate Chinese program opened my eyes to diverse legal and cultural systems, honing my intercultural communication. Together, these experiences cemented my resolve to pursue a legal career focused on cross-border collaboration and human rights. I’m now committed to building legal frameworks that uplift marginalized communities, inspired by how global agreements can spark meaningful change. These moments abroad didn’t just refine my skills—they clarified my purpose, showing me how interconnected legal systems can champion equity and justice worldwide.