Student Relishes International Travel as Part of her Pursuit of an Ed.D. Degree

Doctoral candidate Prattasha Paul was delighted to discover a “hidden gem” among St. John’s University’s numerous offerings: a commitment to provide global-learning opportunities through its wide-ranging study abroad programs.

“From short-term study abroad initiatives for doctoral students to study abroad experiences that are months long for undergraduates, St. John’s offers students incredible chances to broaden their horizons and engage with the world in meaningful ways,” said Prattasha, who expects to graduate in May 2027 from The School of Education with a Doctor of Education in Administration and Supervision degree. She is also pursuing certification for a School Building Leader and School District Leader license in New York. 

Prattasha participated in St. John’s Summer 2024 Study Abroad program, making a 10-day visit to the University’s Rome, Italy, location. She took a trip as part of the Global Studies Programs and Distance Learning in Higher Education course, which is part of the Doctor of Education program in Administration and Supervision. 

“St. John’s created an opportunity for doctoral students to study abroad and considering that most of us are adults with jobs and responsibilities, the trip was short enough to allow us to  experience study abroad life fully,” she said.

“We stayed in the University’s dorm in Rome and fully immersed ourselves in Roman culture. It was fantastic to explore the city, experience its culture, and visit its higher education institutions,” she continued. “The global higher education speakers were insightful and welcoming, and our professor enriched the experience by integrating local culture into our discussions. We had the opportunity to debrief in meaningful settings, like the streets and restaurants of Rome.”

Prattasha joined the doctoral fellowship program at St. John’s as a research assistant. In this role, she works with professors, assisting them with their research and supporting their coursework. 

“This experience is exposing me to the possibility of becoming a professor—a career path I am interested in exploring further,” she said.

Prattasha is pleased and grateful for the guidance she receives from the faculty. “The professors are incredibly supportive. For example, I personally experienced a career transition, moving away from a K–12 school setting to focus on research.” 

During this time, Prattasha met with Catherine C. DiMartino, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Administrative and Instructional Leadership, to discuss potential research topics aligned with her interests. “My professors have been patient, providing extensive feedback and support to help me improve my writing,” Prattasha explained. “Coming from a background in STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics], writing is not my strongest skill, but St. John’s University has given me all the support I need to succeed.”

“My time at St. John’s has been a theme of exploration and discovery as I navigate new academic and professional opportunities beyond K–12 education,” Prattasha added. “Through my research assistant position, I have been fortunate to work closely with professors who are not only guiding me in my research but also helping me find my place in this new role.”