Amy Hoeschen

Amy Hoeschen is an Ambassador who studied abroad in South Africa.

Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.

I developed as a person through my perspective of society. The volunteering portion of study abroad was particularly influential. I saw first hand how people lived and maintained an enjoyable life and community with very little.

Why did you choose the program in which you participated?

South Africa offered a true challenge. I knew the culture was very different, people still spoke English, and SA has a very different and interesting political make-up.

Describe your overall study abroad experience.

South Africa was a mix of environmental beauties, political challenges, and social developments. Each and everyday offered a different experiences ranging from the beach, the jazz club, the classroom or simply the grocery store. The people of South Africa truly enabled me to relate these big issues to my life. It was also helpful to have 29 other CSB.SJU students and one professor to go through the experience with.

How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?

Being a political science major, it was interesting to see how the different policies affected the country. This summer I interned in D.C. and my evolving ideals were more evident. Volunteering at Pendla Primary School has also made me more interested in education policy.

 What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?

This is simple, but don't rely of what past Study Abroad groups did. Take their advice, but be ready to make your Study Abroad truly your own. Also, make an effort to step outside of your comfort zone everyday in some capacity.