Stephanie Mackenthun

Stephanie Mackenthun is an Ambassador who studied abroad in Greece and Italy.

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

It was really interesting to be in Europe during the election. Many, many Greeks and Italians asked us our thoughts on the election and had no qualms telling us their own. We'd see articles about the candidates in their local papers and on Election Day there were plenty of people we encountered who showed lots of enthusiasm for Obama's win. It was a really big shock to see how involved in American politics many Europeans were and almost embarrassing how little we knew about our host countries governments. It was a real eye-opener.

Why did you choose the program in which you participated? 

I chose to do the Greco-Roman Program for many reasons. As a biology/pre-med student I'd taken predominantly science classes at my time at CSB/SJU. It was time for a change. I really like the fact that CSB/SJU is a liberal arts college and I thought what better way to meet some of those requirements than abroad. Both Greece and Italy have such amazing and rich pasts in history, theology and art that it seemed like a no-brainer when picking a place to take those classes. I also really like the fact that the program is in two completely different places. It was great to get to live in two completely difference places for the semester. With regards to my future career plans in medicine, I knew that both of these countries have completely different healthcare systems than the United States and I felt that it would be useful to get a different perspective before beginning a career in medicine. Finally, I'd heard from several other students what an amazing trip it was, including one of my neighbors from home. I couldn't have chosen a better trip.

Describe your overall study abroad experience.

My study abroad trip was one of the most fulfilling experiences I ever had. It was a whirlwind and went by way too fast, but I learned a lot, made wonderful friends and got to see some amazing places.

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

The trip has affected me in so many ways. One of the best was the group of people I got to meet and live with on the trip. Most of the students in my group were people I didn't know, people I hadn't classes with. We were all so different and the bond that we all had by the end was huge. Personally, I feel different now that I'm home. I feel more independent, surer of myself and much more knowledgeable about the world. The teachers on our trip were GREAT. I learned a lot in such a short amount of time and still had time to go out and experience all that the countries had to offer.

What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?

I have a list that I've started (I sent it off to my roommate before she left for London this semester). I try to add to it when I think of things...
First thing to buy in a new place: Map

ALWAYS keep your hand on the zipper of your purse… it’ll become second nature eventually

Use Hostelworld.com

I really liked the Microsoft webcam I bought. It was small and skinny, fit on my laptop

Buy the skype plan that costs like two or three euro a month for unlimited calls to cell phones and landlines in the US. It renewed every month on its own and I just had to cancel it when I was done.

Try to get a card from your university over there. The ISIC card is OK but most places (especially when I was in Italy and France) wanted something from the European school—if you can’t get a card as for a letter

If you’re going to a big city for the weekend and plan to see museums/historical sites ask if there’s a card you can buy to visit a bunch of them. There were “Rome Pass” and “Paris Pass” that cost more but save money if you go to lots of places

AUDIOGUIDES = AWESOME… can get spendy sometimes with the museum ticket but worth it if you want to learn more

If you want leather… go to Florence

Do a blog… its fun… its way easier to remember things you’ve done!

Carry a copy of your hotel’s card with you when you’re travelling. If you get really lost you can just take a cab!

Make sure the meter is on in cabs. If they offer to “make a deal” don’t take it… its NOT a deal
Make sure the meter is on the right rate. Don’t pay the night rate during the day (it was Double in Greece) and they’d try to sneakily switch it.

If you have a medical question (at least in Greece and Italy) go to the Pharmacist first… they’re trained differently and are able to give basic prescriptions. They’re kind of the first line as opposed to general practitioners here

DON’T use your credit card in a pay phone to call home…ever. For four minutes = $45

DON’T TOUCH the comforters in hostels.. They should give you the sheets when you get there. ONLY have those touch your skin. The comforters are never regularly cleaned

Bring some movies or put some on your ipod for long trips.

When you go to Paris… do a boat tour (at night was fun) it’s only 10 Euro and its wonderful!

Bring band-aids made for blisters… and be prepared to WALK (OK this is gross but my toenail fell off at the end just to give you an idea of the mileage)

An idea that I’d wish I thought of…. Get a pedometer. My mom brought hers and it was kind of fun to keep track of our steps/miles.

DO NOT SKIP THINGS BECAUSE OF MONEY... some people did and I think they regretted it. Also, SPEND MONEY ON EXPERIENCES NOT THINGS!