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“A New Door Opened”: Yaroslav Korobka Reflects on His Princeton Study Stay

27 January, 2026

In the new blog post “A New Door Opened,” part of the Places You’ll Go series on study mobility, PhD student Yaroslav Korobka shares how his stay at Princeton University became a defining academic experience. 

The study stay sharpened his research focus, broadened his professional network, and reshaped his perspective on economics education and scholarly practice.

For Korobka, choosing the right host institution was more than just about prestige; it was about aligning with the work of leading researchers in his field of interest. As he explains, “One of the most important criteria when choosing a university is finding a faculty member whose work truly aligns with yours.” This alignment, he says, was crucial in making Princeton the ideal destination for his mobility stay, allowing him to engage deeply with specialists in high-dimensional econometrics and related topics.

Reflecting on the academic experience itself, Korobka underscores how exposure to different teaching styles enriched his understanding. “It was fascinating to see how differently the same concepts can be explained. It’s like a new door opens into a room you already know,” he says, highlighting how varied perspectives and pedagogical approaches can deepen comprehension and spark new ideas.

Beyond coursework, the intensity and culture of study at Princeton left a lasting impression on him. About the academic environment and personal growth during his stay, Korobka notes, “Talent matters, but discipline and hard work matter even more. Princeton taught me that first-hand.” This lesson, he adds, has influenced how he approaches both research and daily academic practice back at CERGE-EI.

Korobka’s experience underscores the value of international academic mobility for doctoral students, offering insights into high-level research environments and providing opportunities for collaborative exchange. His journey serves as inspiration for fellow CERGE-EI students contemplating their own study abroad options.

Read the full interview here.