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Kathryn Campbell
Kathryn Campbell is an Ambassador who studied abroad in India
Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.
There are too many to choose from! I loved spending time with my host family and my host brother, since we learned so much from them and they were very open to answering any of our questions. One of my favorite memories was watching the semi-final match of the Cricket World Cup at a shopping center with some of our friends from school. The entire court was completely packed, and it was incredible when India won - so much cheering and dancing and waving the flag. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and we drove home waving the Indian flag, joining in with the celebrations on the streets.
Why did you choose the program in which you participated?
I love traveling and experiencing other cultures, so study abroad was an absolute must for me. It is the perfect opportunity to travel to a place that isn't so accessible, or someplace I wouldn't necessarily go on a vacation. I chose India because it was a country I knew very little about, I didn't know anyone who had been there before, and I wanted to experience something completely different from my own culture. I knew it was a program that would challenge me and force me out of my comfort zone. I was also interested in the service learning component and that I would be living with a host family.
Describe your overall study abroad experience.
LIFE CHANGING. Amazing. Frustrating. Challenging. Exciting. Unforgettable. It is impossible to reduce such a huge event in my life to a few sentences. I will carry these experiences with me the rest of my life, and I couldn't be more grateful.
How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?
I am so much more confident and sure of myself. I know I can handle uncomfortable and difficult situations, and that I can figure things out for myself. I rediscovered myself abroad and became a more responsible conscientious adult. I have such a greater appreciation for everything I have in my life and how fortunate I am, and of my place in the world. I have discovered a good balance for my life. I am who I am today because of what I learned through study abroad.
What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?
GO. Don't hold back. Put yourself out there and push your comfort zone. Immerse yourself in the cultural experiences, no matter how weird or uncomfortable you may think they are at the time. Save a lot of money before you go, and spend your money on experiences rather than souvenirs. Take time to relax when you need to. Build long-lasting connections to your host country. Take advantage of everything possible - you will probably regret the things you didn't do rather than the things you did.
Do you have questions about studying abroad in India? Email Kathryn at kccampbell@csbsju.edu.