International Spotlight: Rabia Aamir

Which program/department are you in?

I am a Visiting Scholar at the Department of English and Comparative Literature.

What is your primary area of study or research? 

Postcolonial Environmental Ethics.

Which country (or countries) do you come from?

Pakistan.

How long have you been in the U.S.?

Over three months.

Is there anything you’d like to share about your research or projects?

My research in humanities on Postcolonial Environmental Ethics is focused on the literature of Kashmir and Palestine. I consider myself lucky to be in a place like Columbia, which has the best professors as mentors and advisers. This opportunity is unparalleled. I find that the research facilities I can explore here at Columbia are immense and will help me to serve as a better academic. I am grateful to my Professors at Columbia, my University, National University of Modern Languages (in my home country), and the Higher Education Commission Pakistan, for making it possible for me to attain these coveted research and teaching goals.

What do you like best about living in the U.S.?

New York is an amazing place to be – especially at Columbia. One gets to meet wonderful people in this great cultural hub.

What is the hardest thing about living here?

Living in New York can be quite heavy on your pocket. It is helpful though to plan ahead before coming here. Meeting people and making friends is a fantastic way to navigate this great place.

What do you know now that you wish you knew before coming here?

I wish I knew more about the commuting system and places to shop and eat (which is something I have figured out to some extent). The forthcoming and congenial tips of people around are definitely a great help.

Are you (or do you know) an international student, scholar, or alumni?

We’re looking to spotlight stories of academic or professional work, leadership, or personal adjustment to life at Columbia and NY in particular and the U.S. in general.

Submit our nomination form and we'll contact you with the next steps!