Susan Sass

Susan Sass is an Ambassador who studied abroad in Chile.

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

Living with a host family was nerve racking but truly made the experience. I learned so much about Chilean culture through my traditional Chilean family. Through friends and experiences I was able to learn about the culture through history.

Why did you choose the program in which you participated? 

I loved the service learning opportunity it provided me. It was a great way to use my social work classes and learn Spanish.

Describe your overall study abroad experience.

My Spanish improved so much and I loved living with a host family. I made so many new friends within my study abroad group. Although it was nerve racking at times, being alone really helped me mature.

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

I am even more compassionate about social work and it really impacted where I want to work in the future. I loved my volunteer project at a hospital for kids with special needs. I learned a lot about myself that I never knew such as being so independent. I had never left central Minnesota for more than a week at a time and I learned that I could be happy anywhere.

What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?

Take the risk and don't look back. Have no expectations and then you can't be let down. Do things you never would see yourself doing.