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Jennifer Yelle
Jennifer Yelle is an Ambassador who studied abroad in Greece and Rome. 
Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.
One of my last nights in Rome was quite the cultural experience and I have pictures to prove it. I got off the metro station at about 4:00 in the afternoon, I walked through an archway onto a plaza and I couldn't believe my eyes. It was a student riot that had been going on all day. I just remember cars on fire, hundreds of police cars, smashed in ATM's, junk thrown everywhere, and many news reporters that I could not understand. After experiencing this incredible riot, I found out that this riot was due to the corrupt Prime Minister Berlusconi. On this day, he had been voted back into the Parliament. Also, students were rioting against the government for more funding for the schools. Overall, the people thought they were being run by a dictator and hoped Berlusconi would not be back in office. This particular day had a lasting impression on me because I started to realize how lucky I am to have an organized, trustworthy government. Never have I ever seen a riot like this in the U.S. These people were threatening the safety of many people. I saw garbage cans on fire, tear gas being sprayed, and cars in pieces. Many people in Italy say that the government is run by the Mafia and Berlusconi is a player in it. He pays people to vote for him and say he handles the country's finances poorly. This experience opened my eyes and makes me appreciate the country I live in.
Why did you choose the program in which you participated?
I wanted to study abroad because I wanted to do something out of the ordinary. I know we have a many students at CSB/SJU that study abroad, but I wanted to do something out of the ordinary for myself. Two years ago, I never even thought about going to a different country but I ended up hearing about my cousin and friends experience while abroad and wanted to experience it for myself. I needed a change of pace from being on campus. I love to meet to new people and learn about cultures outside my own as well. I specifically chose to go to Greece and Rome because within one semester I got to travel to two countries. I knew this program was unique to the other ones and this is a main reason why I chose it. Within four months, I was fused right into two completely different cultures. I also chose this program because I wanted to travel to other parts of Europe along with Italy and Greece.
Describe your overall study abroad experience.
My experience going abroad was out of this world! It truly was an experience of a lifetime. Previous study abroad students told me how incredible the experience is but you will never truly understand until you are in the situation yourself. I made long-lasting relationships with my fellow group mates, went way outside my comfort zone, learned a ton about the culture, saw famous sites, and most importantly had fun! In Europe it was a whole new culture and it is a great change.
How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?
This trip has affected me in many different ways. First of all, I am more of an independent person. For the first time in my life I had to buy my own food, go shopping for my own food, and cook my own food. It wasn't easy but I had to eat so I got through it. Also, every place I visited was new to me so I had to navigate everywhere. It was not easy at times but I had to problem solve on my own, I didn't have my mother there to call when I needed help. Even though you go with a program director, you are basically there on your own. I didn't have any specific rules to follow so having discipline for myself was important. I had to balance school and site-seeing and it made me grow fast. Secondly, I have never been interested in politics; however, after I went to Europe I am extremely interested in U.S. and European politics. It was so interesting when we went to the Parliament building in Greece and learned all about the aspects and problems of their government. I am curious now and I like to compare and contrast our government to Greece and Rome. Lastly, after being abroad with 28 other students and observing many different cultures, I have learned to appreciate a lot of other opinions. I now try to look at different perspectives and understand why people do things the way they do. I am not so one-sided anymore with my opinions. Like I said, the experience was life-changing and I am so happy I went.
What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?
There are many things I would like to pass down to future Study Abroad students. First, pack light. Everyone else in your group is in the same situation so who cares if you wear the same outfits over and over! Packing light saves a ton of time because you don't have to wheel/carry so much stuff around when you travel. Secondly, plan sometimes but also leave room for unplanned events. What I mean by this is that you should plan some days to go out and see some major sites but some days don't make any plans, "just go with the flow." Some of my favorite days in Greece and Italy were when I had no plan for the day, all I did was adventure out into the big city and see what I could find. Also, I mean by this is that some days just go out to a cafe or a local place where you can be engaged in the culture and observe the local people. Thirdly, never get stressed out about situations you can't control. The art of travel is often times stressful. In order to go abroad, you need to be flexible when situations occur that put a damper on plans. There is no reason for getting stressed during these situations because more than likely it will not help the cause. Lastly, soak every experience in. The months you are gone go back so fast. If you are having a bad day, remember you are in an incredible country and nothing is better than that! Also, remember how lucky you are to be able to go abroad. Not many students our age are as fortunate as you, so make the most of it. One last thing, when you get back, some people won't care about your experience. Just remember it's there loss and always know that there are previous study abroad students that would love to hear about your adventures, so please share! I have never heard anyone having a bad experience so you have nothing to lose, go out of your comfort zone and you will have a trip of a lifetime.