Originally from Oklahoma City, ACM Fellow Khadajah Senegal Muhammad spent the past year in Bologna, Italy, earning her master’s degree at Johns Hopkins SAIS. As a Black woman studying abroad in Italy, she immersed herself in new cultures, navigated identity abroad, and returned with a deeper sense of purpose—ready to pursue a career in international diplomacy.
To become more worldly is to become more empathetic.
For Khadajah, studying abroad was more than academic—it was transformational.
Studying Abroad as a Launchpad for International Affairs
While in Bologna, Khadajah traveled to over 10 countries, explored the international policy landscape, and gained firsthand insight into what a future career in diplomacy could look like. Her academic experience provided structure, but it was the cultural immersion and day-to-day independence that solidified her long-term goals.
Living in a foreign country helped her develop key life skills. She became more self-reliant, adjusted to new social norms, and even picked up conversational Italian despite limited formal instruction. Each moment of cultural discovery strengthened her confidence and broadened her global perspective.
Navigating Identity Abroad as a Black Woman
Khadajah’s experience wasn’t without challenges. As a Black woman studying abroad in Italy, she often felt highly visible in public spaces. She had to adjust to the stares and occasional discomfort that came with being one of the few Black faces in many environments.
Rather than let that discomfort define her experience, she used it as motivation to grow emotionally. “It pushed me to build thicker skin,” she shared, and to stay grounded in her identity. That emotional resilience became one of her most valuable takeaways from the year.
Community, Growth, and Global Empathy
Studying abroad offered Khadajah more than professional clarity—it gave her emotional growth and global empathy. She spoke of the personal strength it takes to be far from familiar support systems. While homesickness was real, it also taught her to rely on herself in new ways.
Her fellowship experience showed her how global exposure and discomfort can build a more empathetic worldview. For students of color especially, taking space in international settings becomes a powerful act of self-definition.
Returning with Purpose: A Career in Diplomacy
Now back in Washington, D.C. for a summer internship, Khadajah is actively building toward her dream of becoming a U.S. Foreign Service officer. Her time in Bologna confirmed her desire to work globally—and gave her the lived experience to match that ambition.
While she doesn’t plan to live abroad permanently at this stage, she’s excited about returning overseas later in her career. Her year in Italy has helped her understand what life in diplomacy truly demands.
Mentorship and Advice for Future Fellows
As part of the Ariventures Abroad ACM Fellowship, Khadajah received both financial and emotional support that made her experience possible. A highlight of her year was connecting with other fellows—students who shared similar backgrounds and challenges.
Now, Khadajah has committed to mentoring future fellows. Her advice? Learn the local language early, budget wisely, and make time to explore beyond your host city. These moments, she believes, often become the most memorable and meaningful.
Final Thoughts
Khadajah’s story shows what’s possible when students step outside their comfort zones and lean into growth. As a Black woman studying abroad in Italy, she gained perspective, purpose, and a clearer path to a global career. Ariventures Abroad is proud to support her—and even more proud that she’ll be guiding the next generation of fellows.
Learn about the 2024-2025 Cohort:
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