Lala Mustafa
CAS ’26
International Relations and History
PGS: Rivalry, Competition and International Security in Northeast Asia
GRIP: Legal Research at University of Minho Law School
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Ask Me About…
As I’m already studying in a country that isn’t my own as an international student, people could ask why I’d choose to go abroad again. For me, each new environment pushes me to re-learn how I operate, from the way I approach assignments, to how I communicate in group settings, to even how I navigate daily life. I can help you think through how to adapt and adjust your study style to fit different academic systems, and how to make short-term programs feel immersive rather than like you’re just passing through.
I can also speak to the logistics that often trip people up, especially international students. I’ve handled the technical side of going abroad while on an F-1 visa and dealt with embassy paperwork overseas. I can walk you through applying for visas for abroad programs, and how to keep access to Penn systems and resources.
My Experience Abroad
My time abroad in Japan and Portugal reinforced both my academic path as an International Relations and History major and my professional goal of becoming a human rights lawyer.
In Japan, I participated in a Penn Global Seminar on Northeast Asian security, which complemented my coursework on international security and foreign policy. Engaging directly with policymakers deepened my understanding of topics I had studied in class, but now saw through the lens of lived national perspectives. In Portugal, I worked at the University of Minho’s Law School on a research project examining how the EU uses artificial intelligence in migration governance. This tied to my interest in refugee and migrant rights. The work required engaging with international human rights law and the intersection of technology and migration policy, giving me practical insight into the legal questions I hope to address as a lawyer.
Other Highlights
Japan
One of the most memorable moments of my Penn Global Seminar in Japan was meeting a Hiroshima survivor. Hearing her firsthand account made the historical event I had studied feel very personal, and it underscored the human stakes behind security policy. Another highlight was how being abroad with my class brought us closer together, as navigating new cities and sharing meals created a bond that would have been impossible in a regular semester.
Portugal
During my research placement in Portugal, I had the opportunity to travel extensively, exploring cities across the country and even visiting other European countries on weekends. These trips gave me a richer sense of regional history and culture beyond my host city. I also picked up Portuguese words and slang, with locals teaching me phrases and laughing when I tried them out. I also built a strong connection with my research professor. Our informal “yap sessions” became one of my favorite aspects of the program.
