Emergency NumbersPhone Book (Must be on-campus or have a valid network account)
Caitlin Hite
Caitlin Hite is an Ambassador who studied abroad in London.
Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.
By being away from my family for a semester, I gained a better appreciation for them. As my friends and I have said, "It is not until you are away from your family and friends that you realize their true importance."
While abroad, I definitely grew as a person. Traveling, living, and studying in a foreign country has its challenges and difficulties, and situations will not always be ideal; but by maintaining a positive outlook made the semester away from family and friends easier.
Why did you choose the program in which you participated?
I chose the London program because, in a busy international city like London, one can greatly expand his or her rate of growth and learning due to the fast pace and many opportunities to learn outside the classroom. The urban location provided me with great learning lessons on life in a major city. This was a fresh balance to the more rural life at CSB/SJU. I also believe the London program provides students with a unique opportunity to study in a city that has both great historical significance and is highly influential in contemporary culture, business, and education.
Describe your overall study abroad experience.
The London program makes it possible to travel to other countries in Europe. I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to four countries in addition to London, England. Whether I was traveling with a class, my friends, or my family, I experienced a variety of cultures new to me.
No matter which country a prospective student is considering, each program gives the students an opportunity to try new things and immerse themselves in area unfamiliar to them. For me, London provided me with the opportunity to immerse myself in British Art. Before studying abroad, I had little interest in attending plays, musicals, and museums. By studying in London, I developed a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?
By being away from my family for a semester, I gained a better appreciation for them. As my friends and I have said, "It is not until you are away from your family and friends that you realize their true importance."
While abroad, I definitely grew as a person. Traveling, living, and studying in a foreign country has its challenges and difficulties, and situations will not always be ideal; but by maintaining a positive outlook made the semester away from family and friends easier.
What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?
Though studying and living in another country for an entire semester sounds incredibly intimidating, it is an experience of a life time that you will never forget!
My advice would be to enroll in classes you would not otherwise take at CSB/SJU. Unique and interesting classes are offered while abroad. With some of my classes, I had no idea what expect. The class titled "Jazz and Popular Music in London" has turned out to be by far my favorite class I have taken in college. Whether we were taking walking tours in London to see where famous artists and bands have lived or performed or spending three hours a week discussing the impact of The Beatles, the class was definitely a refreshing change from some typical lecture based classes.
Before departing, I would recommend taking the time to read the newspaper or online news websites to familiarize yourself with the country's current events. These events and issues will become topics of discussion whether you are in class, talking with locals, or chatting with students in the program.
Lastly, see what's available to further expand your study abroad experience. It just so happens to be that my mom was reading the Star Tribune newspaper over the summer and stumbled upon an article asking for interested Minnesota college students traveling during the fall semester to contribute to a blog on the Star Tribune website. While in London, I provided travel tips as well as highlighted the culture of London and other European cities I visited throughout the semester.