Kathryn Baron

Kathryn Baron is an Ambassador who studied abroad in London.

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

While I was over there I had the opportunity to work with a British neuropsychologist that my advisor here at CSB/SJU knew beforehand. So while I was there, I took the train about two hours south to the coast of England had the chance to work at a group home for people who were suffering from various neurological diseases or had been in an accident which had affected serious neurlogical effects.

Why did you choose the program in which you participated?

I had always wanted to go to London/England so when I was doing my college search and saw CSB/SJU offered this program I was really excited! Also, I chose London because I knew that London was a world city. There is so much to do there, so many opportunities to get involved in cultures across the globe and just have easy access to other European countries and cities. Lastly, I chose London because I knew the British people had a unique sense of character and humor about them that I wanted to immerse myself in for a semester of my college experience!

Describe your overall study abroad experience.

My study abroad experience was a once in a lifetime experience. I went to plays, I went to concerts, I traveled, I tried to do everything that I could possibly get my hands into, live with no regrets because I never knew if or when I could go back.

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

I was definitely able to walk away from the experience with a better and broader perspective of the world around me. I grew up in a small town here in Minnesota and I had always known that I cannot live without seeing and doing other things. I know it is very easy to read about things online or Google a famous city but until you see it for yourself those images don't do justice. I fell in love with London, even writing this makes me miss it! Without a doubt, I would go back in a heartbeat. Even talking to people from different countries while I was there helped me to learn so much more about myself and how my culture has influenced me. We, being Americans, may think we are a great a powerful nation but until we see what else is out there and how it can work, we as a country have a lot to learn... something that I only began to see from my study abroad experience.

What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?

Try everything, do everything, see everything. At the same time, keep in mind that you are there to learn and take in experiences and the culture rather than throwing your culture at them. They will know you are from the US. We have a look about us that isn't like other countries because we are such a blend of different ancestors. Regardless, spend the first couple days or weeks just absorbing the culture and knowing what is and isn't appropiate before you go and share your own experiences with the people you meet.